INCIDENCE OF RARE D E N TA L PROBLEM STUDIED

New research from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center suggests that older geldings are at greater risk of developing the rare dental disease equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH).

EOTRH is a progressive dental condition in which the cementum that covers the surface of the teeth dissolves (resorption) or becomes overgrown (hypercementosis). The disease, which affects predominantly incisors and sometimes the canine teeth, can also destroy bone around the tooth sockets. Early signs include redness and swelling of the gums (gingivitis) with eventual development of ulceration and infection. Affected horses may become head shy and reluctant to eat because of dental/oral pain. Removal of the affected teeth is the generally recommended treatment.

For the study, researchers reviewed the records of horses admitted to the hospital for dental problems over a 12-year period. They found 18 cases of EOTRH. All but one