PLAQUE REDUCTION EFFECTIVENESS OF ENZYMATIC DENTAL RAWHIDE CHEWS IN BEAGLE DOGS

Hennet P

Objective: To test a dental rawhide chew (CET dental chew, Virbac, Inc.) for its ability to reduce plaque accumulation in dogs.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-two dogs were assigned to two groups based on their willingness to accept the rawhide chew. All the dogs received a scaling/polishing then animals in the test group received twice daily rawhide chews. Reactions to the chews were assessed at each occasion and reported. At the end of the trial period plaque accumulation was scored.

Results: A student's t-test statistical analysis compared the means in treated and non-treated groups. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between mean plaque scores for upper and lower jaws as well as for the whole mouth in the CET chew group compared to the non-treated group.

Conclusion: CET dental chews fed twice daily reduce plaque accumulation.