Periodontal structures in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction: A histological evaluation

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Endocrinology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and dental disorders are common in horses over 15 years old.
• PPID involves endocrine and immune dysregulation, similar to human conditions linked to periodontitis.
• The connection between PPID and equine dental pathology remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare histological findings of gingiva and subgingival periodontal ligament in PPID-affected horses versus controls.
• To investigate the relationship between PPID and pathological changes in equine dental structures.

Main Methods:

• A case-control morphometric descriptive study was conducted.
• 10 PPID-affected horses (mean age 27.3 years) and 10 controls (mean age 21.4 years) were included.
• Histological parameters analyzed: leukocyte infiltration, gingival epithelium keratinization, periodontal blood supply, and cementum structure.

Main Results:

• Gingival leukocyte infiltration was more widespread in PPID horses, extending deeper into the periodontium.
• Older age was associated with increased leukocyte infiltration in the periodontal ligament in both groups.
• Cementum irregularities were four times more common in PPID horses, increasing susceptibility to periodontal disease.

Conclusions:

• Multifocal leukocyte infiltration and irregular cementum are more prevalent in PPID-affected horses.
• Findings suggest an association between older age and periodontal disease, with potential PPID contribution.
• Irregular cementum in PPID horses may predispose them to food impaction and periodontal issues.