Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) in Icelandic Horses in Germany: A Correlation Between Clinical and Radiographic Findings
Authors: Melusine Tretow, A. M. Hain, A. Bienert-Zeit
Journal: Journal of Veterinary Dentistry
Summary
# Editorial Summary: EOTRH in Icelandic Horses — Clinical and Radiographic Correlations Equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) presents a significant diagnostic challenge because early-stage disease is often clinically silent whilst progressing to severe, painful destruction of incisor and canine teeth in older horses. To clarify which clinical signs warrant radiographic investigation, Tretow and colleagues examined 154 Icelandic horses, staging each animal both clinically and radiographically on a five-point scale (Stage 0–4) and performing statistical analysis to identify which findings correlate with confirmed EOTRH. Non-age-correlated bite angle changes, fistulae, gingival swelling, gingival recession, and gingivitis all showed statistically significant associations with radiographic EOTRH diagnosis, whereas calculus and tooth mobility did not. Interestingly, the absence of correlation between tooth mobility and EOTRH suggests these features may reflect different pathological processes, and practitioners should not rely on mobility as a screening indicator. This work provides an evidence-based framework for determining when radiography is justified in the assessment of suspect EOTRH cases, enabling earlier intervention before irreversible tooth loss occurs—particularly valuable for senior competition and breeding horses where dental function directly impacts performance and quality of life.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Monitor senior horses for bite angle changes, fistulae, gingival recession and inflammation as early warning signs of EOTRH—these clinical signs warrant radiographic investigation even before obvious tooth mobility appears
- •Do not rely on calculus or tooth mobility alone to diagnose or rule out EOTRH; use the combination of gingival signs and bite changes to trigger diagnostic imaging
- •Early radiographic detection based on clinical staging allows intervention before severe, painful destruction occurs—implement regular oral inspections focusing on gingival and bite changes in older horses
Key Findings
- •Non-age-correlated bite angle, fistulae, gingival swelling, gingival recession, and gingivitis showed statistically significant association with radiographic EOTRH diagnosis
- •Calculus and tooth mobility showed no statistical association with EOTRH diagnosis
- •Clinical examination findings can guide decision to pursue radiographic diagnosis at early disease stages
- •EOTRH staging system (0-4) correlates clinical and radiographic findings to enable earlier detection in Icelandic horses