Infundibula of equine maxillary cheek teeth: Part 2: Morphological variations and pathological changes.
Authors: Suske A, Pöschke A, Müller P, Wöber S, Staszyk C
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Infundibular Morphology and Pathological Changes in Equine Maxillary Cheek Teeth Understanding which infundibular abnormalities are developmental versus pathological has long challenged equine dentists, yet histomorphological criteria have remained poorly defined—this investigation addressed that gap by examining 688 healthy and 55 diseased permanent maxillary cheek teeth using macroscopic analysis, porphyrin assays to detect residual blood, and microscopic histological examination. The research distinguished infundibular cemental hypoplasia (present in >50% of clinically normal teeth and >70% of diseased teeth) as a non-pathological developmental variant, whilst identifying infundibular erosion as the pathologically significant finding, occurring in <6% of healthy teeth but >27% of those with endodontic disease. The first molar (Triadan 09) proved most susceptible to cemental hypoplasia, particularly affecting the mesial infundibulum, and microscopic findings revealed numerous enamel infoldings, focal aplasia, and residual blood in 74% of infundibula—features that likely facilitate microbial colonisation and progression toward endodontic involvement. For practitioners, these findings suggest that cemental hypoplasia alone does not warrant intervention, but detecting infundibular erosion signals compromised endodontic integrity and warrants appropriate management; additionally, the anatomical variations described highlight why certain teeth and sites carry inherently greater infection risk, informing both preventive strategies and clinical decision-making around tooth retention.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Infundibular cemental hypoplasia is a developmental variation found in most horses; monitor teeth with this feature closely as they are prone to erosion and endodontic disease
- •The first molars (Triadan 09) require particular attention during dental examinations given their higher prevalence of infundibular abnormalities
- •Infundibular erosion should be considered a red flag strongly associated with endodontic disease and warrants aggressive therapeutic intervention
Key Findings
- •Infundibular cemental hypoplasia was detected in >50% of healthy teeth and >70% of diseased teeth, with the first molar (Triadan 09) showing highest prevalence at 75%
- •Infundibular erosion was present in <6% of healthy teeth but >27% of diseased teeth and was always accompanied by endodontic disease
- •Residual blood was identified in 74% of infundibula despite absence of vital blood vessels, creating a favorable environment for microbial growth
- •Enamel infoldings, variable depths, and focal enamel aplasia in infundibular morphology facilitate microbial settlement and spread of infectious agents into the endodontic system