Cranium
The equine skull consists of 34 bones fused together. It houses the brain, eyes, ears, and the beginning of the respiratory and digestive tracts. The large maxillary and frontal sinuses are air-filled cavities that reduce skull weight. The mandible is the only movable bone of the skull. The skull protects the brain, supports the teeth, eyes, and ears, and provides attachment for facial and masticatory muscles.
Origin: N/A (bone)
Insertion: N/A (bone)
Action: Protects the brain; supports the teeth, eyes, and ears; provides attachment for facial and masticatory muscles
Skull fractures, sinusitis, and dental disease are common clinical problems. The large sinuses can become infected or filled with fluid. Trauma to the head can cause significant neurologic or respiratory compromise. Diagnosis uses clinical examination and imaging.
## Overview Paranasal sinus disease includes infection (sinusitis), cysts, and dental-related problems affecting the frontal and maxillary sinuses. The most common sign is unilateral malodorous nasal
## Overview Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is inflammation or misalignment of the jaw joint. It causes reluctance to chew, quidding, head tossing, resistance to the bit, tenderness over th
## Overview Skull fractures result from falls, kicks, or trailer accidents. Frontal fractures cause facial swelling and nosebleeds. Basilar fractures involving the temporal or occipital bones often d
Head trauma, nasal discharge, or difficulty chewing should be evaluated promptly. Protect the head during transport and handling.
## Overview Paranasal sinus disease includes infection (sinusitis), cysts, and dental-related problems affecting the frontal and maxillary sinuses. The most common sign is unilateral malodorous nasal discharge. Facial swelling, dull percussion, and head shaking may occur. Dental disease of the upper cheek teeth is a frequent underlying cause. ## Causes Primary bacterial infection, tooth-root abscess, sinus cyst, or neoplasia. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy, radiographs or computed tomography, and oral examination. ## Treatment Depends on the cause: antibiotics and lavage for primary sinusitis, tooth extraction for dental disease, or surgical removal for cysts. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for primary sinusitis and most cysts. Dental-related cases require removal of the affected tooth. ## Prevention Regular dental care. Signs include: unilateral malodorous nasal discharge; facial swelling; dull percussion over the sinus; head shaking; possible dental pain
## Overview Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is inflammation or misalignment of the jaw joint. It causes reluctance to chew, quidding, head tossing, resistance to the bit, tenderness over the temporal fossa, and visible muscle wasting above the eye. Dental problems or poor bitting often contribute. ## Causes Dental disease, trauma, or bit-related pressure. ## Diagnosis Palpation, dental examination, and sometimes radiographs or computed tomography of the TMJ. ## Treatment Correct dental issues, adjust bitting, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy. Injections are used in some cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when the underlying cause is addressed. ## Prevention Regular dental care and appropriate bit fit. Signs include: reluctance to chew; quidding; head tossing; resistance to the bit; tenderness over the temporal fossa; muscle wasting above the eye
## Overview Skull fractures result from falls, kicks, or trailer accidents. Frontal fractures cause facial swelling and nosebleeds. Basilar fractures involving the temporal or occipital bones often damage the brain and are frequently fatal. Signs include bleeding from the ears or nostrils, head tilt, nystagmus, depression, and sometimes crepitus or a visible depression. ## Causes High-energy head trauma. ## Diagnosis Neurologic examination and radiographs or computed tomography. ## Treatment Supportive care for brain injury. Surgical repair for selected facial fractures. Basilar fractures with severe neurologic signs have a poor prognosis. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable for facial fractures. Poor for basilar fractures with brain involvement. ## Prevention Safe handling and transport. Signs include: bleeding from ears or nostrils; neurologic signs (head tilt, nystagmus, depression); facial swelling; crepitus; epistaxis
Skull fractures, sinusitis, and dental disease are common clinical problems. The large sinuses can become infected or filled with fluid. Trauma to the head can cause significant neurologic or respiratory compromise. Diagnosis uses clinical examination and imaging.
Head trauma, nasal discharge, or difficulty chewing should be evaluated promptly. Protect the head during transport and handling.
See the Skull on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model