The prevalence of headshaking in horses with primary and secondary dental sinusitis and computed tomographic evidence of infraorbital canal pathology.
Abstract: Sinusitis is a common disease of horses yet there are a limited number of reports in the literature that describe the prevalence of infraorbital canal (IOC) pathology and headshaking behaviour in horses diagnosed specifically with primary sinusitis and secondary dental sinusitis. Given the impact that these behaviours can have on horses' intended athletic use, investigation is warranted. Objective: To determine the occurrence of IOC pathology in horses with concurrent primary or secondary dental sinusitis based on computed tomography (CT) findings and to assess whether the frequency of headshaking behaviour is influenced by the presence of IOC pathology. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Computed tomography studies were assessed for sinusitis (unilateral or bilateral), IOC pathology (unilateral or bilateral) and description of IOC disease including displacement, deformation, periosteal proliferation, hyperostosis, osteolysis and infraorbital nerve exposure. Behaviour outcome was determined by client questionnaire five or more years following CT scan. Results: A total 65 out of 66 horses diagnosed with primary or secondary dental sinusitis demonstrated IOC changes on CT. Hyperostosis (86%), periosteal proliferation (85%) and osteolysis (86%) were common CT findings. Hyperostosis was frequently found to involve both the IOC and supporting bone structure. Five cases were euthanized immediately after CT acquisition or during hospitalisation following diagnostic investigations. Follow-up was obtained in 48/61 cases, with five horses showing headshaking behaviour. Conclusions: Infraorbital nerve histopathology was not performed. The limited number of cases with no IOC pathology prevented direct comparison between sinusitis groups both with IOC pathology and without IOC changes. The client questionnaire carries a memory bias. Conclusions: Computed tomography changes involving the IOC may not predict headshaking behaviours in sinusitis secondary to dental disease. This finding is important in the context that these behaviours render some horses unusable and unsafe for their intended riding discipline.
© 2023 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2023-01-26 PubMed ID: 36641799DOI: 10.1111/evj.13924Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the occurrence of infraorbital canal (IOC) pathology in horses with either primary or secondary dental sinusitis, and assesses if this condition influences the frequency of headshaking behavior.
Objective of the Study
- This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of Infraorbital Canal (IOC) pathology in horses diagnosed with primary or secondary dental sinusitis. IOC pathology is a disorder affecting the infraorbital canal, a significant facial structure in horses.
Methods Used
- The researchers used computed tomography (CT) to evaluate signs of sinusitis and IOC pathology in the subjects. This method allows for a detailed examination of the physical changes to the horses’ facial bones and sinuses.
- The description of IOC disease included observations of displacement, deformation, periosteal proliferation, hyperostosis, osteolysis, and infraorbital nerve exposure.
- A follow-up questionnaire was conducted with clients five or more years after the CT scan to ascertain the impact of these conditions on animal behavior, particularly headshaking.
Results of the Study
- Almost all horses diagnosed with primary or secondary dental sinusitis exhibited changes to the IOC, as seen in CT scans.
- Hyperostosis, periosteal proliferation, and osteolysis were common findings on the CT scans.
- Five cases of horses were put down immediately after a scan or during hospitalization after the investigations.
- Out of 61 cases followed up, only five horses exhibited frequent headshaking behavior.
Limitations and Conclusions
- The study did not perform infraorbital nerve histopathology, an examination of diseased tissue which could provide further insight on the relationship between sinusitis, IOC pathology, and headshaking behavior.
- Due to the small number of horses without IOC pathology, a direct comparison could not be drawn between groups with sinusitis and IOC pathology, and those without these changes.
- The follow-up client questionnaire may have a memory bias due to the length of time between the original CT scan and the response time.
- The study concluded that the CT changes in the IOC may not predict headshaking behaviors in sinusitis resulting from dental diseases. This observation is pivotal, as such behaviors can render horses unfit or unsafe for riding disciplines.
Cite This Article
APA
Labbe KA, Allshouse KA, Gilmour LJ, Arnold CE, Whitfield-Cargile CM, Griffin CE.
(2023).
The prevalence of headshaking in horses with primary and secondary dental sinusitis and computed tomographic evidence of infraorbital canal pathology.
Equine Vet J, 55(6), 1038-1044.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13924 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
References
This article includes 8 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Lloyd-Edwards RA, Mulders E, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Veraa S. Computed Tomography of the Hyoid Apparatus in Equine Headshaking Syndrome. Vet Sci 2025 May 23;12(6).
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