Evaluation of teeth injuries in Beagle dogs caused by autoclaved beef bones used as a chewing item to remove dental calculus

Abstract

Dental calculus (DC) is the most widespread oral problem in domestic dogs. Chewing items are used to remove DC from the tooth surface; they also favor oral health and animal welfare. Raw beef bone mastication also shortly reduces DC in adult dogs. However, it can cause oral lesions and hence is not popular. This study evaluated the impact of bone mastication on the dental roots, enamel, and gingiva of dogs. Twelve adult Beagle dogs were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups in a completely randomized block design: cortical bone (CB) or spongy bone (SB). Intraoral radiographs were obtained on days 0 and 14, and calculus assessment was performed using images captured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14; an integration program was used to measure the proportion between the area covered by calculus and the total area of teeth. DC was completely removed from the first and second premolars and molars from both the arcades in less than 3 days of supplementation, indicating that these teeth were frequently used for chewing (P < 0.10). Bones were highly effective for DC removal and gingival inflammation reduction. Despite the hardness of bones, no lesions or teeth root and enamel fracture, or esophageal or intestinal obstructions-complications related to bone ingestion-were noted. However, SB showed some gingival lesions (n = 4) and bone remnants between teeth (n = 2). Gingival lesions were caused by the daily and continuous supply of new pieces of bone for 13 days. Specific pieces of bone should be used for oral home care programs because they shortly remove almost 90% of DC, allowing longer intervals between periodontal cleaning procedures. Long-term studies are required to evaluate the use of bones and evaluate their impact on teeth and periodontium after prolonged supplementation.

Effects of autoclaving on compressive strength of bovine bones and their use as chewing agents for dogs

“…Although none of these problems were faced in our study, pet owners should supervise their dogs while the product is being provided to prevent possible health issues. We reinforce that based on previous studies ( Marx et al, 2016 ; Pinto et al, 2020 ) is extremely important to remove the leftover pieces of bones at the end of each day to avoid health complications due to ingestion of small bone fractions. A complete professional teeth cleaning may be performed less often if bones are provided as chewing agents, but it is still highly recommended.…”

“…Unfortunately, other parameters regarding oral health (e.g., gingivitis and dental plaque) were not evaluated in the present study. Although teeth root and enamel fractures and digestive tract injury were not observed by Pinto et al (2020) when autoclaved bones were fed to Beagle dogs, lesions were found on the gingiva and pieces of spongy bones were found between teeth – which warrants further attention regarding the used of autoclaved bones as chewing agents. Another major concern regarding the use of bones as chewing agents by dogs relates to the fact that small bone fragments could be swallowed and become lodged in the esophagus.…”

“…The lack of difference observed in our study between bone types may be due to the fact that the dogs had a small amount of supragingival calculus at the time of the study. In the studies from Marx et al (2016) and Pinto et al (2020) , raw bones and autoclaved bones, respectively, were tested as chewing agents in Beagle dogs. In the study of Marx et al (2016) , a greater reduction in dental calculus for raw spongy bones compared with raw compact bones (56.5% vs. 35.5%, respectively) was observed after three days of supplementation.…”

Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses

“…It may also be hypothesized that size of the chewing bones, individual occlusion, chewing intensity and individual chewing patterns also play a role in the development of dental fractures. Interestingly, some studies have indicated that the use of bones can decrease dental calculus ( 15 , 51 ). These studies have, however, been small and more evidence is needed.…”

Periodontal Diseases in Dogs (Etiology, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis)

“…Periodontitis apart from inflammation of the periodontium is also characterized by inflammation of the periosteum, which can be marginal, apical, or diffuse (Belov et al, 1990;Pinto et al, 2020). Periodontal disease is divided into acute and chronic, and into aseptic and purulent (Nises et al, 2018).…”