Behavioural and physical changes in equine patients after complete extraction of all incisors due to equine odontoclastic tooth resorption with hypercementosis

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundEquine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is being increasingly recognised as a painful and debilitating condition in some affected horses, that can produce pain on prehension or result in infected, fractured and loose incisors. The only known way to completely alleviate the pain and secondary infection associated in many horses affected with EOTRH is by extraction of the diseased incisors. Currently, few large‐scale clinical outcome studies have been performed.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine if horses that are diagnosed with clinical EOTRH experience a statistically significant improvement in the quality of their lives after surgical extraction of all incisors and to determine if owners were satisfied with the results of the surgery.Study designA retrospective web‐based survey was sent out to owners of horses diagnosed with EOTRH who had undergone extraction of all incisors in the previous 3 years.MethodsForty‐eight surveys were completed, and the answers examined for statistical significance.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in the horses' body condition, dropping of hay, speed of eating, general behaviour, resistance to bridling and headshaking. In addition, owners reported that horses were ‘happier’ after surgery and that total extraction improved quality and extended the life of their horse. Over 90% of owners would also elect to have the procedure performed on another horse in the future.Main limitationsRetrospective surveys are prone to selection, recall and misclassification bias.ConclusionsOwners were highly satisfied with the total extraction of all incisors as a treatment for horses affected by EOTRH. Survey results showed that post‐extraction horses had improved body condition and exhibited better bridling and eating behaviours which are consistent with a decrease in dental pain. Owners felt that their horse was happier and that the surgery had improved the horse's quality of life.