The Gingiva of Horses With Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction: A Macroscopic Anatomical Evaluation.
Authors: Nitzsche Anne Maria, Fey Kerstin, Büttner Kathrin, Gröf Manuela, Staszyk Carsten
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Gingival Changes in PPID-Affected Horses Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction represents an increasingly significant clinical concern as the equine population ages, yet its systemic effects on periodontal tissues remain poorly characterised—a gap this anatomical study sought to address. Researchers compared gingival macroscopic features in 14 horses with confirmed PPID and pituitary adenoma (mean age 26.9 years) against 13 age-matched controls (20.0 years), documenting tissue texture, gingival margin morphology, and sulcal depth around cheek teeth. PPID-affected horses demonstrated statistically significant differences including irregular and bulky gingival texture, irregular gingival margins, and notably deeper gingival sulci (frequently >1 mm) compared to controls—findings consistent with the endocrine and immunological dysfunction characteristic of the condition. Given PPID's known associations with impaired wound healing and immune competence, these gingival alterations suggest heightened susceptibility to periodontal disease progression, warranting careful dental assessment and conservative treatment planning in geriatric PPID cases. Equine practitioners should factor PPID status into pre-treatment evaluation, particularly before invasive periodontal procedures, as the underlying soft tissue compromise may compromise healing and increase infection risk.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Screen geriatric horses (>15 years) for PPID before undertaking major dental treatment, as PPID impairs wound healing and immune function
- •Expect increased periodontal disease risk in PPID-positive horses; proactive oral hygiene and monitoring become more critical in these patients
- •Recognize macroscopic gingival changes (irregular texture, bulky appearance, deep sulci) as potential clinical markers of PPID in older horses during routine examinations
Key Findings
- •PPID-affected horses showed significantly more irregular and bulky gingival texture compared to controls
- •Irregular gingival margin shape was more frequently observed in PPID horses
- •Gingival sulcus depth >1 mm on cheek teeth was more common in PPID-affected horses
- •PPID-affected horses were significantly older (mean 26.9 years) than controls (mean 20.0 years)