Radiographic examination of the facial, nasal and paranasal sinus regions of the horse. II. Radiological findings.

The research refers to the findings of radiographic examination performed on 167 horses focusing on their facial, nasal, and paranasal sinus areas. The primary focus was to identify and analyse common and novel radiographic features related to various clinical diagnoses, with dental disease being the most common affliction.

Key Findings

• The research conducted was a radiographic examination of the facial, nasal, and paranasal sinus area of 167 horses.
• The key findings were segregated based on the clinical diagnosis, with dental disease being recorded as the most prevalent condition.

Dental Disease

• Dental disease accounted for about 30% of the recorded cases, with the majority suffering from periapical infections.
• The research identified two distinct clinical entities of this disorder. If the tooth’s roots were situated rostral to the maxillary sinus, it usually led to facial swelling. If the roots were within the sinus, they were typically associated with nasal discharge due to secondary sinusitis.

Sinusitis Cases

• Primary sinusitis was the most common specific condition recorded in the radiographs, with a total of 32 cases. Three out of these were caused by fungal infections.
• By comparing the radiographic features of primary sinusitis with sinusitis secondary to dental disease, the study identified differentiating signs using lateral erect projections.

Other Findings

• The study also found instances where sinusitis caused disruption of intra-nasal structures in four ponies. However, other conditions like fungal rhinitis, nasal ulceration, or an intra-nasal foreign body did not show any radiographic abnormalities.
• There were 16 cases of suture periostitis, displaying various degrees of new bone formation. Out of 13 animals brought in for trauma evaluation, ten showed pre-diagnosed fractures, and three had complications due to sinusitis.