J Vet Sci.  2022 May;23(3):e44. 10.4142/jvs.21318.

Computed tomographic features of the temporomandibular joint in 10 Jeju horses

• Lee S
• Lee EB
• Park KW
• Jeong H
• Shin KY
• Kweon YP
• Seo Jp

• KMID: 2530438
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.21318

Abstract

Background
The equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has a complex anatomical structure that makes diagnosis of TMJ disorders difficult. Computed tomography (CT) is now available in equine medicine; hence, TMJ evaluation has become more convenient.
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to describe the CT features of the TMJ in Jeju horses and to compare these features with those of Thoroughbreds.
Methods
In this report, the TMJs of 10 Jeju horses (mean age: 4.5 ± 1.9 yr; mean body weight: 282.6 ± 40.3 kg) and 6 Thoroughbreds (mean age: 7.3 ± 1.6 yr; mean body weight: 479.7 ± 44.0 kg) were examined using CT. After CT scanning, the Hounsfield units (HU) and height to width ratio (H:W) of the mandibular condyle were measured.
Results
The mean H:W in Jeju horses was significantly lower than that in Thoroughbreds. The mean HU in Jeju horses was lower than that in Thoroughbreds; however, the difference was not significant. The most frequent CT finding was an irregular medial margin of the mandibular condyle in both breeds.
Conclusions
In this study, the shape of the mandibular condyle in Jeju horses was flatter than that in Thoroughbreds. This report could be useful in evaluating the TMJ in Jeju horses. Moreover, CT could be a pragmatic choice for the examination of the TMJ in horses.

Keyword

Temporomandibular joint; computed tomography; jeju horses; horses