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Home / Equine Research Bank / Acta Vet Scand / Bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses.
Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2014; 56(1); 40; doi: 10.1186/s13028-014-0040-8

Bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses.

Abstract: Oral lesions related to the use of the bit and bridle are reported to be common findings in horses worldwide and represent an important animal welfare issue. In order to provide an overview of bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses, a field examination of the rostral part of the oral cavity was performed in 424 competition horses coming to the two major national horse events in Iceland in 2012. Records from repeated examination of 77 horses prior to the finals were used to assess potential risk factors. Results: Mild lesions were recorded in 152 horses (36%) prior to the preliminary rounds. They were most often located in the commissures of the lips and the adjacent buccal mucosa (n=111). Severe lesions were found in 32 (8%) horses. For 77 horses examined prior to the finals, the frequency of findings in the area of the mandibular interdental space (bars of the mandible) had increased from 8% to 31% (P<0.0001). These findings were most often (16/24) regarded as severe. The presence of lesions on the bars was strongly associated to the use of curb bits with a port (OR=75, P=0.009). Conclusions: Bit-related lesions were found to be a general problem in Icelandic competition horses. The type of bits used influenced both the location and the severity of the lesions. The use of curb bits with a port was found to be a decisive risk factor for lesions on the bars of the mandible, most of which were regarded as severe. The results also raised questions about the head and neck carriage demanded for the competition horses.
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Publication Date: 2014-08-13 PubMed ID: 25116656PubMed Central: PMC4236600DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0040-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper investigates the prevalence and severity of oral lesions in Icelandic competition horses, which are caused by the use of the bit and bridle. The findings reveal that these kinds of injuries are widespread and that certain types of bits used can influence the location and severity of said lesions.

Research Methodology and Participants

  • The study involved a comprehensive examination of the rostral part of the oral cavity in 424 competition horses. These horses were participants at two significant national horse events in Iceland in 2012.
  • To assess risk factors, repeated examinations were done on a group of 77 horses before they entered the final rounds of competition.

Findings

  • Prior to the preliminary rounds, mild lesions were recorded in 36% of horses (152 out of 424), most often located in the commissures of the lips and the adjacent buccal mucosa.
  • Severe lesions were identified in 8% of the examined horses (32 out of 424).
  • The frequency of findings in the area of the mandibular interdental space (bars of the mandible) increased from 8% to 31% for the group of 77 horses examined prior to the finals. Majority of these findings were considered severe.
  • The use of curb bits with a port was strongly associated with lesions on the bars of the mandible

Conclusions and Implications

  • The research concludes that bit-related lesions are a prevalent issue in Icelandic competition horses.
  • The type of bits used significantly influenced the location and severity of the lesions. Notably, using curb bits with a port contributes to the development of severe lesions on the bars of the mandible.
  • The findings raise questions about the head and neck carriage requirements for competition horses, indicating a need for further studies and potentially, changes in competition regulations to ensure better animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Björnsdóttir S, Frey R, Kristjansson T, Lundström T. (2014). Bit-related lesions in Icelandic competition horses. Acta Vet Scand, 56(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-014-0040-8

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 1
Pages: 40

Researcher Affiliations

Björnsdóttir, Sigríður
    Frey, Rebecka
      Kristjansson, Thorvaldur
        Lundström, Torbjörn

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Welfare
          • Animals
          • Horses / injuries
          • Iceland
          • Mouth / injuries
          • Mouth / pathology
          • Sports

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 20 times.
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