The Importance of Dental Radiographs
This case is a great example of why dental radiographs are so important.
This horse was diagnosed with EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis) and required extraction of the affected incisors.
Although Dr. Skillman initially believed both teeth had been removed completely, post-extraction radiographs revealed that portions of the roots remained. Due to the severity of the disease, they had split from the roots of the tooth.
Radiographs allowed Dr. Skillman to identify the retained root fragments and successfully remove them, ensuring a complete extraction and a better outcome for the horse.
EOTRH is a painful, progressive dental disease that primarily affects the incisors and canine teeth of older horses. In horses with EOTRH, the body begins to break down (resorb) the tooth roots while simultaneously producing excessive amounts of cementum (a hard tissue that covers the roots), causing enlarged, irregular and often infected tooth roots.
Common signs include:
– Difficulty grasping or biting food
– Dropping feed while eating
– Excessive salivation
– Bad breath
– Swelling or draining tracts around the gums
– Sensitivity when the mouth or incisors are touched
– Weight loss in severe cases
