Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis

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Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (abbreviated: EOTRH) is the veterinary term for a periodontal disease in horses that occurs in the area of ​​the teeth and gums . It occurs mainly in older horses and is currently not curable.

etiology

There is currently no reliable explanation for the origin of the disease ( etiology ). Various possible factors that could lead to EOTRH are discussed. These include a higher mechanical load on the incisors in older horses, possible necrosis due to insufficient blood circulation, genetic causes or generally various systemic diseases such as calcium deficiency or vitamin excess .

Symptoms

Horses suffering from EOTRH show symptoms primarily in the front teeth and gums. The main symptoms of this disease are, on the one hand, the chronically progressive dissolution of the affected teeth with the help of odontoclasts , cells from the group of osteoclasts . These contribute to the breakdown of the tooth by dissolving dentin . On the other hand, excessive cement build- up called hypercementosis is the second typical symptom of EOTRH.

In the frequently affected incisors ( incisors ) and canines ( Canini ), more rarely the premolars , there is pressure and pain hypersensitivity reactions and typical deposits on the upper posterior teeth ( "cementation"). This is accompanied by other symptoms of the periodontium (parodonitis): in the gums ( gingiva ) there is often inflammation of the gums ( gingivitis ), retraction of the gums and subsequent loosening of the teeth, as well as fistula and abscess formation . Consequential symptoms are bad breath ( halitosis ) and an increasing emaciation of the horse due to the painful and thus reduced food consumption.

diagnosis

A clear diagnosis of EOTRH is possible by x- raying the affected area. In the X-ray image, the severity of the tooth cementation, also below the gums, as well as degenerative changes in the tooth root system of the affected teeth can be determined.

therapy

At the onset of the disease, the teeth and the supporting structures as well as the general condition of the horse must be checked regularly. Shortening the incisors can lead to a reduction in pressure and thus relief. Timely removal of affected teeth is also recommended in order to avoid spreading to neighboring healthy teeth, although the effectiveness of this measure is not medically guaranteed. In the advanced stage of the disease, the only thing that helps is a complete removal of the affected teeth up to and including a complete incisor dentition. There is agreement of a clear improvement in the health of horses after removal of the affected teeth.

In the specialist literature, the use of antibiotics , glucocorticoids , triamcinolone as well as regular rinsing with chlorhexidine and tartar removal are recommended.

Comparable diseases

Similar disease symptoms in humans are known as multiple idiopathic root resorption (MIRR). In cats, the disease is called FORL and is widespread there.

literature

  • Carsten Vogt: Textbook of dentistry in horses. Schattauer Verlag for Medicine and Natural Sciences, Stuttgart 2011, ISBN 978-3794526901