CT – A Game Changer for Dental and Sinus Diagnostics


An EMC series


Nasal discharge in horses can beboth alarming and frustrating. Pus coming from both nostrils can indicate guttural pouch or lower airway infection, whereas smelly pus coming from one nos- tril is commonly associated with sinusitis and dental infection- related sinusitis. It is important to have a veterinarian exam the horse quickly to determine the cause and to insure there is not a contagious situation such as  


Dr. James Brown reviewing 3D digital scans of  acquired by the  Pegaso ™CT unit


During the exam, a veterinarian will do a palpation of the head for swelling, an oral exam and perhaps an upper airway endoscopy. The vet may also assess the surface of the teeth for abnormalities such as fractures, caries of the infundibulum, and open pulp chambers, which can be accompanied by infection. Despite a thorough exam, sometimes the reason for sinusitis may not be evident andimaging of the head will be the most expeditious means foraccurate diagnosis. The complex nature of the horse’ssinus compartments, combined with opacity (whiteness)from fluid, often make  orses  treated with antibiotics and lavage of the sinuscompart ments but in many cases, aftertreatment is  inuedtheproblem returns which can befrustrating.


orse positionedfor CT image capture of the 


For horses with sinusitis or suspected dental


issues,Computed Tomography (CT)  a game changer. A CTscan produces 3-D images and has major advantages overradiographs as the scan can be viewed in different imageplanes. A scan can identify pathological changes bothwithin the tooth and around the root area where infectionstend to occur. Until recently, CT was performed undergeneral anesthesia; however, standing CT units, such asEMC’s Pegaso unit are now available. Horses are sedatedfor the 60 second scan which provides a thorough evaluation of the horse’s teeth and sinus compartments. Gettingto the of nasal discharge is essential to treatment,cure and return to work for horses


–James A. Brown, BVSc, MS, Diplomate ACT, Diplomate ACVS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Equine Surgery


For further information about dental and sinus treatments available at the EMC, contact Kathy Ashland at 703-771-68


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