Widespread prevalence of Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis detected in German Icelandic horse population: impact of anamnestic factors on etiology.
Authors: Melusine Tretow, A. M. Hain, A. Bienert-Zeit
Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Summary
# Editorial Summary: EOTRH Prevalence and Risk Factors in Icelandic Horses Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) represents a significant pathology affecting the incisors and canines, yet its underlying aetiology remains poorly understood. Tretow and colleagues examined 154 Icelandic horses aged 15 years and older across Lower Saxony between October 2020 and December 2021, collecting owner questionnaires on management and medical history whilst conducting clinical and radiographic assessment of the rostral oral cavity. The prevalence of EOTRH in this population was remarkably high at 72.2%, with age and sex emerging as statistically significant risk factors—disease incidence increased substantially with advancing age (P = .004) and affected male horses more frequently than females (P = .032), whilst geographical origin also appeared influential (P = .017). Conversely, feeding practices, housing systems, and prior dental interventions showed no significant association with disease development. These findings underscore the alarming prevalence of EOTRH within Icelandic horse populations and suggest that many affected horses remain undiagnosed in clinical practice, necessitating greater awareness among equine professionals; however, the persistence of unknown aetiological factors demands further targeted research to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms driving this costly condition.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Expect EOTRH in approximately 7 out of 10 older Icelandic horses (15+ years) — screen routinely with intraoral radiographs, not just clinical examination
- •Male horses and those of advanced age warrant heightened suspicion; geographic/genetic factors may play a role but remain unclear
- •Current management practices (feeding, housing, dental care) do not prevent EOTRH — focus on early detection and monitoring rather than preventive modification of husbandry
Key Findings
- •EOTRH was diagnosed in 72.2% (109/151) of Icelandic horses aged 15 years and older in the German study population
- •Risk of EOTRH increased significantly with age (P = .004) and showed male predisposition (P = .032)
- •Place of birth significantly influenced EOTRH development (P = .017), while feeding, keeping practices, and dental treatments showed no significant association
- •High prevalence of undiagnosed EOTRH indicates widespread underdetection in clinical practice