Equine idiopathic cheek teeth fractures: Part 2: A practice‐based survey of 147 affected horses in Britain and Ireland

Abstract

There is limited information on the prevalence of idiopathic cheek teeth (CT) fractures in the general equine population and on which CT are most commonly affected. To obtain information on the prevalence of fracture patterns and clinical details of idiopathic CT fractures. Details of cases with idiopathic CT fractures encountered were obtained via a questionnaire sent to suitably experienced veterinary practitioners and equine dental technicians (EDTs). Details of 147 horses that suffered a total of 182 idiopathic CT fractures; and median 0.4% (range 0.07-5.9%) of horses examined were diagnosed with such fractures; 133 maxillary CT and 49 mandibular CT fractures were found; maxillary Triadan 09s and 10s were preferentially fractured (46% of all fractured CT); fracture patterns included maxillary CT slab fractures (through 1st and 2nd pulp chambers) in 87 teeth (48% of all fractured CT), maxillary CT midline sagittal fractures (through the infundibula) in 31 CT; and various other types of maxillary CT fractures in 15 CT. In the mandibular CT, lateral slab fractures (through the 4th and 5th pulp chambers) were found in 28 CT and a variety of other fracture patterns in the other 21 mandibular CT. Clinical signs included quidding in 33% of cases, bitting and behavioural problems (29%) and halitosis (12%), however 39% of horses with idiopathic CT fractures were asymptomatic. Treatments included oral extraction of the smaller dental fragment in 37% of cases, extraction of the entire fractured tooth (9%); removal of sharp edges on the remaining part of fractured tooth (14%); reduction of height of the opposite tooth (4%); other surgical or endodontic treatments, or referral of case for further investigation and treatment (10%); or no specific treatment (39%). Following treatment, 81% of cases were reported to be asymptomatic, 6% had ongoing clinical problems and the outcome was unclear in 13% of cases. Idiopathic CT fractures are present in approximately 0.4% of horses and may variably cause none to severe clinical signs. Most idiopathic CT fractures respond well to treatment. Understanding of the prevalence, clinical findings and treatment of idiopathic CT fractures will improve management of these disorders.