Prevalence of peripheral dental caries and diastemata in horses fed high-carbohydrate diets

IF 1.1 4区农林科学 Q3 VETERINARY SCIENCES

Equine Veterinary Education Pub Date : 2026-10-07 Epub Date: 2026-02-23 DOI:10.1111/eve.70075

S. L. Paredes, R. P. Mendes, M. D. Lacerenza, R. G. S. Dória, J. d. A. Arantes, L. S. B. Silva, R. R. Corrêa

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Peripheral dental caries and diastemata impair equine oral health. Diets rich in soluble carbohydrates are suspected risk factors, but few studies have assessed their impact. In Brazil, sugarcane is widely used as a forage source due to its availability and low cost.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and severity of peripheral dental caries and diastemata in horses fed sugarcane compared to horses fed Bermuda grass hay and to investigate their association.

Study design

Cross-sectional comparative study.

Methods

Twenty adult mixed-breed horses with no history of dental treatment were allocated into two groups based on dietary history: high soluble carbohydrate group (sugarcane, n = 10) and low soluble carbohydrate group (Bermuda grass hay, n = 10). Horses were sedated and underwent complete oral examination using an oral speculum, dental mirror and endoscope. Peripheral caries was classified according to the modified Honma scale, and diastemata were categorised as open or valved. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U test, prevalence difference and Pearson's correlation.

Results

Peripheral caries affected 37.1% of teeth in the sugarcane group versus 7.9% in the Bermuda grass group. Lesions were more severe in the sugarcane group (grades 1–4) compared to only grade 1 in Bermuda grass group. Diastemata were detected in 80% of horses in the sugarcane group and 50% in the Bermuda grass group, with a higher prevalence in mandibular arcades. Horses fed sugarcane had a 29% higher risk of caries. Caries and diastemata were positively correlated.

Main limitations

The relatively small sample size restricts the generalisation of the findings and limited the application of more advanced statistical analyses such as regression analysis.

Conclusions

Sugarcane-based diets were associated with increased prevalence and severity of peripheral dental caries and diastemata in this sample, underscoring the importance of diet composition in equine oral health and informing preventive management.

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高碳水化合物饲粮对马周围性龋齿和龋裂的影响

背景：周围性龋齿和龋裂损害马的口腔健康。富含可溶性碳水化合物的饮食被怀疑是风险因素，但很少有研究评估其影响。在巴西，甘蔗因其可获得性和低成本而被广泛用作饲料来源。目的比较以甘蔗为饲料的马与以百慕大草料为饲料的马周围龋和龋裂的发病率和严重程度，并探讨两者之间的相关性。研究设计横断面比较研究。方法20匹无牙科治疗史的成年杂交马，根据其饮食史分为高可溶性碳水化合物组（甘蔗，n = 10）和低可溶性碳水化合物组（百慕大草干草，n = 10）。给马注射镇静剂，并使用口腔窥镜、牙镜和内窥镜进行完整的口腔检查。根据改良的Honma量表对周围龋进行分类，裂口分为开放式或有瓣性。统计分析包括Mann-Whitney U检验、患病率差异和Pearson相关。结果甘蔗组周围龋病发生率为37.1%，百慕大草组为7.9%。甘蔗组的病变更严重（1 - 4级），而百慕大草组只有1级。甘蔗组80%的马和百慕达草组50%的马都有裂口，其中下颌骨的患病率更高。吃甘蔗的马患龋齿的风险高出29%。龋病与龋病呈正相关。相对较小的样本量限制了研究结果的推广，并限制了回归分析等更高级统计分析的应用。结论：在该样本中，以糖为基础的饮食与周围性龋齿和龋坏的患病率和严重程度增加有关，强调了饮食组成对马口腔健康的重要性，并为预防性管理提供了信息。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Equine Veterinary Education 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

22.20%

发文量

132

审稿时长

18-36 weeks

期刊介绍： Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) is the official journal of post-graduate education of both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Equine Veterinary Education is a monthly, peer-reviewed, subscription-based journal, integrating clinical research papers, review articles and case reports from international sources, covering all aspects of medicine and surgery relating to equids. These papers facilitate the dissemination and implementation of new ideas and techniques relating to clinical veterinary practice, with the ultimate aim of promoting best practice. New developments are placed in perspective, encompassing new concepts and peer commentary. The target audience is veterinarians primarily engaged in the practise of equine medicine and surgery. The educational value of a submitted article is one of the most important criteria that are assessed when deciding whether to accept it for publication. Articles do not necessarily need to contain original or novel information but we welcome submission of this material. The educational value of an article may relate to articles published with it (e.g. a Case Report may not have direct educational value but an associated Clinical Commentary or Review Article published alongside it will enhance the educational value).