Overview
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in horses, often referred to as temporohyoid osteoarthropathy, involves degenerative changes leading to functional impairment and potential neurologic deficits. 12Diagnosis
Imaging: CT is crucial for identifying temporal bone fractures associated with osteoarthropathy 1.
Clinical Signs: Includes ipsilateral neurologic deficits, facial nerve paralysis, vestibular ataxia, and auricular hemorrhage 12.
Joint Fusion: Presence of temporohyoid joint fusion is often observed in affected horses 1.Management
Surgical Intervention: Ceratohyoidectomy can be performed in standing sedated horses to alleviate symptoms 2.
Postoperative Monitoring: Close clinical follow-up is necessary to assess recovery from vestibular ataxia and other symptoms 2.
No Specific Drug Therapy Mentioned: Abstracts do not detail pharmacological treatments for TMJ osteoarthritis 12.Special Populations
Quarter Horses: Overrepresented in cases with temporal bone fractures, suggesting a breed predisposition 1.
No Specific Data on Pregnancy, Pediatrics, or Elderly: Abstracts do not cover these special populations 12.Key Recommendations
Utilize CT imaging for diagnosis to detect temporal bone fractures in suspected cases of temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
Consider ceratohyoidectomy as a surgical intervention for horses presenting with severe neurologic deficits due to temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (Evidence: Weak) 2.
Monitor clinical signs closely postoperatively, particularly focusing on resolution of vestibular ataxia and facial nerve function (Evidence: Expert opinion) 2.References
1 Tanner J, Spriet M, Espinosa-Mur P, Estell KE, Aleman M. The prevalence of temporal bone fractures is high in horses with severe temporohyoid osteoarthropathy. Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association 2019. link
2 Racine J, O'Brien T, Bladon BM, Cruz AM, Stoffel MH, Haenssgen K et al.. Ceratohyoidectomy in standing sedated horses. Veterinary surgery : VS 2019. link