Sinusitis is a common disease of horses yet there are a limited number of reports in the literature that describe the prevalence of infraorbital canal (IOC) pathology and headshaking behaviour in horses diagnosed specifically with primary sinusitis and secondary dental sinusitis. Given the impact that these behaviours can have on horses’ intended athletic use, investigation is warranted.
To determine the occurrence of IOC pathology in horses with concurrent primary or secondary dental sinusitis based on computed tomography (CT) findings and to assess whether the frequency of headshaking behaviour is influenced by the presence of IOC pathology.
Retrospective case series.
Computed tomography studies were assessed for sinusitis (unilateral or bilateral), IOC pathology (unilateral or bilateral) and description of IOC disease including displacement, deformation, periosteal proliferation, hyperostosis, osteolysis and infraorbital nerve exposure. Behaviour outcome was determined by client questionnaire 5 or more years following CT scan.
Sixty-five of 66 horses diagnosed with primary or secondary dental sinusitis demonstrated IOC changes on CT. Hyperostosis (86%), periosteal proliferation (85%) and osteolysis (86%) were common CT findings. Hyperostosis was frequently found to involve both the IOC and supporting bone structure. Five cases were euthanised immediately after CT acquisition or during hospitalisation following diagnostic investigations. Follow-up was obtained in 48/61 cases, with five horses showing headshaking behaviour.
Infraorbital nerve histopathology was not performed. The limited number of cases with no IOC pathology prevented direct comparison between sinusitis groups both with IOC pathology and without IOC changes. The client questionnaire carries a memory bias.
Computed tomography changes involving the IOC may not predict headshaking behaviours in sinusitis secondary to dental disease. This finding is important in the context that these behaviours render some horses unusable and unsafe for their intended riding discipline. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.