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 u nexplored topic. A 6-mo study in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and colla red lemurs (Eulemur fulvus collaris) and two studies in baboons (Papio cyno cephalus) (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 ide ntical, but non-HMP-coated, dry primate chow. At study initiation, the prim ates were given a thorough dental prophylaxis and provided with the control diet or experimental diet. At the conclusion of the test period, the anima ls were anesthetized and examined for clinical calculus independently by tw o examiners. The animals were then given another dental prophylaxis, provid ed the alternate ration, and the foregoing procedures were repeated. When t he animals were provided the HMP-coated diet, significant reductions in cal culus formation of 48-62% were observed in the lemurs and the baboons. No c linically significant changes were observed in body weights or in blood che mistry values as a result of ingestion of the HMP-coated regimen.