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The UK’s leading equine health & well-being magazine
April/May 11
£2.95
Bacteria linked with disease in new research By Louise Cordell NEW research, funded by The Horse Trust, has revealed the link between bacteria and equine periodontal disease. The study, carried out by Alistair Cox at Edinburgh University, is also the first to describe the microscopic anatomy of the common disease. The painful condition affects around 60 per cent of horses aged over 15 and can have a big impact on their quality of life, ability to eat and performance. Although bacteria are known to be a cause of periodontal disease in humans, cats and dogs, its significance in relation to the disease in horses is less clear. Until now, mechanical factors, such as food being packed between the horse’s teeth due to abnormal growth was considered to be the primary cause. For the research, Cox examined the skulls of 22 horses that had been submitted for post mortem examination. Although none of the horses had received treatment for periodontal disease, 16 had some form of the illness. Alistair said: “This research highlights how common periodontal disease is in horses. Yet many horses don’t receive treatment so
are likely to be suffering in silence. I would advise all horse owners to get their vet or equine dentist to regularly check their horse to see if it is developing the condition.” He identified bacteria, including spirochaetes, that were associated with the presence of periodontal disease. Spirochaetes are known to be important in human and canine periodontal disease, but this is the first study to identiry spirochaetes associated with equine periodontal disease. Alistair added: “This study shows that bacteria may be more important than was previously thought in the development of equine periodontal disease. “More research is needed to understand whether bacteria or mechanical factors are the main cause of the disease. “Once we have a better understanding of why and how the disease develops, we can do more to prevent horses from developing this painful condition.” The study also found a significant association between the age of the horse and periodontal disease. Skulls were examined from horses ranging from four to over 20 years of age and the older horses were found to be more likely to have periodontal disease and a more advanced form of the condition.
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is hailed as the greatest three-day event in the world and the competition most event riders would like to win. This year the Trials are set to run over the Easter weekend, from April 21-25. They have also been extended for a day for the first time to allow for the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships for amateur/weekend riders and to give spectators the chance to walk the cross country course. Paul Tapner (pictured at last year’s Trials) is the current Badminton CCI**** Champion and will be competing this year with his horse Kilfinnie II.