Treatment of equine cheek teeth by mechanical widening of diastemata in 60 horses (2000-2006).
Authors: Dixon P M, Barakzai S, Collins N, Yates J
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Treatment of Cheek Teeth Diastemata: Clinical Outcomes of Mechanical Widening Cheek teeth diastemata represent a common source of dental pain in horses, yet robust clinical data on treatment efficacy have been scarce. Dixon and colleagues evaluated mechanical widening as a treatment approach in 60 horses (median age 9 years) presenting with clinically significant diastemata between 2000 and 2006, classifying cases as primary (inadequate tooth compression; n=29) or secondary to other dental abnormalities (n=31). Using mechanical burring to widen 207 of 273 identified diastemata to 4.5–5.5 mm on the occlusal surface, the researchers found notably different outcomes between groups: primary diastemata resolved completely in 72% of horses after a median of 1.3 treatments, whilst secondary diastemata required more intervention (median 2.2 treatments) with only 48% achieving full remission, though 42% showed good improvement at nine-month follow-up. Importantly, the procedure was safe, with negligible serious complications despite removal of inappropriate crown tissue in four cases. For practitioners managing quidding, weight loss and halitosis linked to diastemata—which affected 82%, 35% and 17% of this cohort respectively—mechanical widening represents an evidence-based intervention, though realistic expectations should be set regarding the need for repeat treatments, particularly when secondary factors are driving the condition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Diastema widening by mechanical burring is an effective treatment for clinically significant cheek tooth diastemata with associated periodontal pocketing, achieving >70% remission in primary cases
- •Secondary diastemata require more frequent interventions (median 2.2 vs 1.3 treatments) and show lower success rates than primary diastemata, warranting identification and management of underlying dental abnormalities
- •The procedure is safe when performed by trained personnel with minimal risk of pulp exposure or serious post-operative complications, making it a viable clinical option for managing painful diastema-related disease
Key Findings
- •Of 273 identified diastemata in 60 horses, 207 were widened mechanically to 4.5-5.5 mm diameter on the occlusal surface using a burr
- •Primary diastemata (n=29) showed 72% complete remission and 28% good improvement at 10 months after median 1.3 treatments
- •Secondary diastemata (n=31) showed 48% full improvement, 42% good improvement, 6% slight improvement, and 3% no improvement at 9 months after median 2.2 treatments
- •Mechanical diastema widening is an effective and safe treatment with minimal complications, though secondary diastemata require more frequent retreatment