Understanding EOTRH: Impact on Older Horses' Dental Health

Regular dental check-ups are vital for horses, especially as they age, and should always be conducted by a qualified equine dentist. Dental pain in horses can cause serious health problems, including reluctance to eat or drink, and discomfort with bridling due to painful teeth.

While it is common for horses to develop sharp points on their molars, necessitating dental filing, problems also arise from front teeth—the incisors and canines. These teeth require careful examination during routine dental checks to identify any issues.

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) is a recently identified yet longstanding dental condition that principally affects older horses. This progressive disease involves painful resorption of tissue and bone around the roots of the incisors and canines, leading to uncomfortable and debilitating oral conditions.

Recognition of a New but Age-Related Condition

As horses live longer due to advances in nutrition and veterinary care, conditions like EOTRH have become more apparent. It typically affects horses aged 15 years and older, with breeds such as Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods showing higher susceptibility, and stallions possibly more prone than mares or geldings.

EOTRH causes loss of gum tissue between teeth, allowing food to accumulate and promote infections. Gradual destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone results in loose teeth and severe inflammation, which causes intense pain. This pain affects many aspects of a horse's life, including eating, drinking, and tolerance of a bit.

Causes and Risk Factors of EOTRH

The exact cause of EOTRH remains uncertain, although it is likely multifactorial. Age-related changes in oral tissues appear significant, alongside possible contributing factors like insufficient chewing during grazing, oral trauma, or bacterial involvement.

When horses graze, their incisors are naturally bathed in saliva which helps maintain oral cleanliness. Inadequate chewing can cause food and bacteria to stagnate, potentially triggering disease development. Moreover, the mechanical strain of chewing might contribute to the condition as well.

Horses with endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease or equine metabolic syndrome—conditions associated with altered insulin and glucose levels—may be more vulnerable to EOTRH. Limited access to pasture, which reduces chewing of fibrous forage, also increases risk.

Identifying EOTRH: Signs and Symptoms

Because EOTRH develops slowly over several years, early signs are subtle and easily missed. Watch for reluctance to bite hard treats like carrots or apples, as the horse may use its lips instead of teeth.

Additional signs include excessive salivation, headshaking, resistance to the bit, spending time mouthing water buckets rather than drinking, weight loss due to poor appetite, and reluctance to have teeth handled or examined.

Approaches to Managing EOTRH

Unfortunately, once EOTRH is advanced, it cannot be cured. However, regular dental examinations can help with early detection. A qualified equine dentist may recommend daily flushing of the mouth to remove trapped feed and antibiotic treatments to reduce oral bacteria and the risk of infection.

In severe cases, removing affected incisors and canines surgically is often advised. This procedure relieves pain and discomfort, and surprisingly, most horses cope well post-extraction, regaining comfort and quality of life.

Dietary adjustments may be necessary after tooth removal, including softening feed or consulting with an equine nutritionist to ensure nutritional needs are met despite reduced chewing ability.

Conclusion

EOTRH is a significant, painful dental disease in older horses that has only been recognised due to rising equine lifespans. Its impact on feeding behaviour, comfort, and attitude means early vigilance and regular professional dental assessments are critical.

If you notice any suspicious signs in your horse or have concerns about oral health, consult your vet and arrange an examination by a qualified equine dentist promptly. Timely diagnosis and management can greatly enhance your horse's wellbeing and quality of life.

Responsible ownership includes awareness of ageing-related conditions like EOTRH, fostering proactive health care that honours the dignity and comfort of your horse throughout its life.

For quality horses and veterinary advice, consider sourcing through reputable equine professionals and be cautious of unverified purchases to promote ethical ownership.

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