Though equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is rare, research from the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center suggests that older geldings are more at risk of developing the dental disease, EQUUS reports.
EOTRH occurs when the covering of the teeth, often the incisors and canine teeth, either dissolves or becomes overgrown (hypercementosis). EOTRH begins with gum redness and swelling, then progresses to ulceration and infection. EOTRH can also destroy bone around tooth sockets.
Removal of affected teeth is often the recommended treatment.
To study the disease, the scientists reviewed records of 18 cases of EOTRH that were admitted to the hospital over a 12-year period. All but one of the affected horses were geldings between 17 and 29 years of age (median age of 24). The lower incisors were often affected before the upper incisors, but the disease eventually progressed to all incisors and some canine teeth. Some horses had no clinical signs, but instead had radiographic changes.
The scientists recommend horses receive regular oral exams; if an issue is suspected, X-rays should be taken so detection and treatment of the disease can begin early.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
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