Preventing dental calculus formation in lemurs (Lemur catta, Eulemur fulvus collaris) and baboons (Papio cynocephalus).
The prevention of calculus accumulation in exotic animals is a relatively unexplored topic. A 6-mo study in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and collared lemurs (Eulemur fulvus collaris) and two studies in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) (7.5 wks and 6.5 mo) tested the benefits of a primate diet coated with 0.6% sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP) in controlling calculus in these species using a sequential crossover design. The control regimen was an identical, but non-HMP-coated, dry primate chow. At study initiation, the primates were given a thorough dental prophylaxis and provided with the control diet or experimental diet. At the conclusion of the test period, the animals were anesthetized and examined for clinical calculus independently by two examiners. The animals were then given another dental prophylaxis, provided the alternate ration, and the foregoing procedures were repeated. When the animals were provided the HMP-coated diet, significant reductions in calculus formation of 48-62% were observed in the lemurs and the baboons. No clinically significant changes were observed in body weights or in blood chemistry values as a result of ingestion of the HMP-coated regimen.
Willis
G P
GP
Office of Clinical Affairs, School of Dentistry, Indiana University, Indianapolis 46202, USA.
Kapustin
N
N
Warrick
J M
JM
Miller
L L
LL
Stookey
G K
GK
Hopkins
D T
DT
Doan
E J
EJ
Ross
S R
SR
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000662:veterinary; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D007901:Lemuridae; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage
D002614:Chelating Agents; D010710:Phosphates; C005035:hexametaphosphate