EQUINE ODONTOCLASTIC TOOTH RESORPTION AND HYPERCEMENTOSIS (EOTRH)
EOTRH is a syndrome in older horses resulting in resorptive lesions of incisors and canine teeth, and sometimes cheek teeth. As disease progresses, the roots of multiple teeth begin to resorb (dissolve), and the body tries to stabilize these teeth by laying down extra cementum. This results in hypercementosis, or bulbous swellings around the roots of affected teeth. These teeth become infected, abscess, may loosen or even fracture. In severe cases there may also be significant extension of disease to the bone around the affected teeth.
What Causes EOTRH?
This is a slowly progressive disease, it is unknown at this point what the trigger is that starts the process. EOTRH is mostly identified in older horses (15+), but that is really because that is when the signs are more obvious. The veterinarians focused on dentistry that are looking closely for more subtle changes are diagnosing early cases in younger horses.
What Does EOTRH Look-Like?
Normal Horse (resorption)
Moderate EOTRH (hypercementosis)
Severe EOTRH
Severe EOTRH
How is EOTRH Diagnosed?
When we do our oral exam we look at every tooth carefully including incisors and we look for subtle changes that might indicate an underlying concern. Radiographs are essential to making a diagnosis, because even though there may be some outward signs, most of this process occurs below the gumline and cannot be seen without proper radiographic evaluation. This can become a very painful condition for affected horses and can result in weight loss, attitude changes, and discomfort in the bridle.
How is EOTRH Treated?
This is a progressive disease, and there is no way to slow down the disease, the most affective treatment for this disease is extractions of the diseased teeth. Though this may seem like a big procedure horses tolerate these very well. The horses are standing, heavily sedated with plenty of local anesthesia so they cannot feel anything happening in their mouth. This is a same day procedure, so they can go home same day.
What to Expect After Treatment?
There is no diet change after extractions, as they use their cheek teeth and not incisors to chew their hay or feed. They are still very much able to graze, pick up hay & grain using their lips and tongue. These horses are typically completely healed between 4-6 weeks, but usually feeling much better within days after extraction.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with additional questions, and we are also happy to put clients in touch with others that have been through this with their horses.
Additional Information about EOTRH: