A Prospective View of Oral and Dental Examination and Dental Diseases in Horses in İzmit and Karacabey Pension Hara of Turkey Jockey Club
Authors: Fatih Mehmet Derelli, G. Atalan, M. K. Yönez
Journal: Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi
Summary
# Editorial Summary A prospective examination of 300 horses at two Turkish Jockey Club facilities identified dental pathology in nearly one-fifth of the population, predominantly affecting molar teeth in animals aged 7–25 years. Beyond routine clinical inspection of oral mucosa, appetite, and salivation patterns, the researchers employed endoscopy and radiography to diagnose conditions including sharp-edged teeth, odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH), caries, tooth displacement, mobility, periodontitis, and secondary fistulation or gum abscess formation. Dental correction—primarily molar rasping to address sharp enamel points—normalised mastication and feed intake in 54 of the 59 affected horses, with sustained improvements in body condition score following treatment. These findings underscore that dental disease in horses frequently goes undetected during basic visual examination alone and that systematic endoscopic screening can identify pathology warranting intervention. For equine practitioners, the prevalence and severity of findings suggest routine intraoral endoscopy should be considered standard practice, particularly in older horses or those presenting with reduced appetite, quidding, or subtle changes in performance or condition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Nearly 1 in 5 horses in this population had dental disease—implement regular oral examinations and endoscopic screening as part of preventive health programs, especially in older horses (7+ years)
- •Molar rasping dramatically improved chewing efficiency and feed intake in affected horses; routine floating should be standard practice to prevent secondary weight loss and malnutrition
- •Watch for behavioral signs of dental disease: difficulty finishing feed, excessive salivation, and poor body condition—these warrant prompt endoscopic examination to identify pathology early
Key Findings
- •19.7% (59/300) of horses examined had dental disease or disorders, predominantly affecting molar teeth
- •91.5% (54/59) of affected horses showed clinical improvement after molar tooth rasping for sharp edges, with normalized chewing and improved feed consumption
- •Dental pathologies included EOTRH, hypercementosis, caries, tooth displacement, and periodontitis in horses aged 7-25 years
- •Regular dental examination using clinical inspection combined with endoscopic and radiological evaluation identified subclinical and clinical dental disease