Oral endoscopy as an aid to diagnosis of equine cheek tooth infections in the absence of gross oral pathological changes: 17 cases.
Abstract: Removal of cheek teeth in all but the aged horse or pony is a serious undertaking with potentially deleterious sequellae. Rigid endoscopy permits detailed examination of the oral cavity and erupted dental tissues and has the potential to assist in the correct identification of the diseased tooth. Objective: To document oral endoscopic findings associated with infected equine cheek teeth in cases without gross oral pathological changes and thereby determine the usefulness of rigid oral endoscopy as an aid to diagnosis of such infections. Methods: Records of all cases of equine cheek tooth removal attempted under standing sedation over a 38 month period were examined. Cases were excluded from the study if apical infection was associated with gross dental fracture, malalignment, diastema/periodontal pocketing or supernumerary teeth. Endoscopic and radiographic findings were analysed and correlated to diseased tooth location. Results: Seventeen cases of apical dental infection fitting the inclusion criteria (nonresponsive to antibiotics and with no gross oral abnormality of the affected arcade) were identified in which oral endoscopy was used as an aid to diagnosis. In 15 (88%) of the 17 cases, oral endoscopy revealed abnormalities specific to the infected tooth. Focal gingival recession (10/17 cases) was the most common visible abnormality associated with infected teeth. Conclusions: In the majority of cases of apical infection of equine cheek teeth there is visible intraoral evidence implicating the affected tooth. Conclusions: Oral endoscopy facilitates detailed examination of the mouth and should be considered along with radiography as an important aid to diagnosis in cases of equine dental infection.
Publication Date: 2009-05-08 PubMed ID: 19418735DOI: 10.2746/042516408x343037Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study explored the use of oral endoscopy for diagnosing equine cheek tooth infections, even when there are no visible pathological changes. It suggests that endoscopy, along with radiography, is a valuable tool for identifying such infections.
Objective of the Research
- The primary purpose of this research was to explore and document oral endoscopy findings related to infected equine cheek teeth, specifically in cases where gross oral pathological changes were not present. Additionally, the research aimed to determine the efficacy of rigid oral endoscopy as a diagnostic aid for these infections.
Research Methods
- The study examined records of equine cheek tooth removal attempts during a period of 38 months. It eliminated cases from the research if the apical infection had visible signs of dental fracture, misalignment, periodontal pocketing, or additional teeth.
- Both the endoscopic and radiographic findings were analyzed and correlated to the location of the infected tooth.
Findings
- Out of the analyzed records, 17 cases met the research criteria – these horses had dental infection unresponsive to antibiotics and did not display visible abnormalities in the affected area.
- With the aid of oral endoscopy, abnormalities related to the infected tooth were found in 15 out of 17 cases, demonstrating that in 88% of the cases, endoscopy was successful in identifying the infection.
- Focal gingival recession was frequently observed (in 10 out of 17 cases) in association with infected teeth.
Conclusions
- The research found that in most instances of apical infection in equine cheek teeth, there are visible intraoral signs indicating the affected tooth.
- Oral endoscopy, due to its ability to provide a detailed examination of the mouth, can help identify the diseased tooth, even when no gross oral abnormalities are observed.
- The study concludes that in addition to radiography, oral endoscopy should be utilized as an instrumental diagnostic tool in cases of equine dental infection.
Cite This Article
APA
Ramzan PH.
(2009).
Oral endoscopy as an aid to diagnosis of equine cheek tooth infections in the absence of gross oral pathological changes: 17 cases.
Equine Vet J, 41(2), 101-106.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408x343037 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Rossdales Equine Hospital, Cotton End Road, Exning, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7NN, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Diagnosis, Oral
- Endoscopy / methods
- Endoscopy / veterinary
- Female
- Gingival Recession / diagnosis
- Gingival Recession / diagnostic imaging
- Gingival Recession / pathology
- Gingival Recession / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Male
- Radiography
- Tooth Abnormalities / diagnosis
- Tooth Abnormalities / diagnostic imaging
- Tooth Abnormalities / pathology
- Tooth Abnormalities / veterinary
- Tooth Diseases / diagnosis
- Tooth Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Tooth Diseases / pathology
- Tooth Diseases / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Górski K, Stefanik E, Turek B, Bereznowski A, Czopowicz M, Polkowska I, Domino M. Malocclusions and Dental Diseases in Privately Owned Horses in the Mazovia Region of Poland.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 11;12(22).
- Proost K, Pardon B, Pollaris E, Flahou T, Vlaminck L. Dental disease in alpacas. Part 1: Prevalence of dental disorders and their mutual relationships.. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Mar;34(2):1028-1038.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
