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Equine veterinary journal2021; 53(6); 1132-1140; doi: 10.1111/evj.13401

Risk factors for bit-related lesions in Finnish trotting horses.

Abstract: Bit-related lesions in competition horses have been documented, but little evidence exists concerning their potential risk factors. Objective: To explore potential risk factors for oral lesions in Finnish trotters. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The rostral part of the mouth of 261 horses (151 Standardbreds, 78 Finnhorses and 32 ponies) was examined after a harness race. Information on bit type, equipment and race performance was collected. Results: A multivariable logistic regression model of Standardbreds and Finnhorses showed a higher risk of moderate or severe oral lesion status associated with horses wearing a Crescendo bit (n = 38, OR 3.6, CI 1.4-8.9), a mullen mouth regulator bit (n = 25, OR 9.9, CI 2.2-45) or a straight plastic bit (n = 14, OR 13.7, CI 1.75-110) compared with horses wearing a snaffle trotting bit (n = 98, P = .002). Bar lesions (67 horses) were more common in horses wearing unjointed bits than in horses wearing jointed bits (Fisher's exact test P < .001). Lesions in the buccal area and the inner lip commissures were not associated with bit type. Using a tongue-tie or an overcheck, galloping, placement in the top three or money earned in the race were not associated with lesion risk. Conclusions: The sample size for certain bit types was insufficient for statistical analysis. Conclusions: Moderate and severe oral lesion status was more common in horses wearing a Crescendo bit, a mullen mouth regulator bit or a straight plastic bit than in horses wearing a single-jointed snaffle trotting bit. However, lesions were observed regardless of bit type. Further studies on rein tension, the interaction between bit type and rein tension and prevention of mouth lesions in trotters are warranted.
© 2021 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-01-28 PubMed ID: 33336423PubMed Central: PMC8518388DOI: 10.1111/evj.13401Google 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 study focuses on identifying potential risk factors that contribute to oral lesions in Finnish trotting horses, with a specific focus on different types of bits. Using statistical analysis, the study found that certain types of bits, such as the Crescendo bit, the mullen mouth regulator bit, and the straight plastic bit, caused more moderate and severe oral lesions as compared to horses wearing a single-jointed snaffle trotting bit. However, any type of bit can cause oral lesions and further studies are recommended.

Methods Used in the Study

  • The cross-sectional study involved the examination of the rostral part (front part) of the mouth of 261 horses after a harness race.
  • The investigated sample included different breeds of horses including 151 Standardbreds, 78 Finnhorses and 32 ponies.
  • Data on the type of bit used, equipment, and race performance was collected for analysis.

Results of the Study

  • The findings show a higher risk of moderate or severe oral lesions associated with horses wearing specific bit types.
  • Horses with a Crescendo bit, a mullen mouth regulator bit or a straight plastic bit had a higher risk of oral lesion status compared with horses wearing a snaffle trotting bit.
  • Bar lesions were more commonly found on horses wearing unjointed bits compared to horses wearing jointed bits.
  • Lesions in the buccal area and the inner lip commissures were not associated with the type of bit used.

Other Factors Considered

  • The use of a tongue-tie or an overcheck, galloping, and placement in the top three or money earned in the race were not associated with the risk of lesions.

Conclusions of the Study

  • Insufficient sample sizes for certain bit types limited the statistical analysis.
  • It was conclusively found that moderate and severe oral lesions were more common in horses wearing a Crescendo bit, a mullen mouth regulator bit or a straight plastic bit than in horses wearing a single-jointed snaffle trotting bit.
  • However, regardless of the type of bit used, horses were found to have oral lesions.
  • The study calls for further research on factors like rein tension and its interaction with the type of bit used and preventive measures for mouth lesions in trotters.

Cite This Article

APA
Tuomola K, Mäki-Kihniä N, Valros A, Mykkänen A, Kujala-Wirth M. (2021). Risk factors for bit-related lesions in Finnish trotting horses. Equine Vet J, 53(6), 1132-1140. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13401

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 6
Pages: 1132-1140

Researcher Affiliations

Tuomola, Kati
  • Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Mäki-Kihniä, Nina
  • Independent Researcher, Pori, Finland.
Valros, Anna
  • Research Centre for Animal Welfare, Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Mykkänen, Anna
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Kujala-Wirth, Minna
  • Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Finland / epidemiology
  • Horses
  • Mouth
  • Risk Factors

Grant Funding

  • Orionin Tutkimussäätiö (Orion Research Foundation)
  • Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Helsinki
  • The Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research
  • Eläinlääketieteen Tutkimuksen Tukisäätiö The Finnish Veterinary Foundation (Mercedes Zachariassen Foundation)
  • Juliana von Wendtin Säätiö (Juliana von Wendt Foundation)
  • Suomen Hippos ry

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that this study received funding from Suomen Hippos ry. The data were collected during a welfare programme for trotters, conducted by Suomen Hippos ry. The funder approved the proposed data collection method but had no further role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data or preparation of the manuscript. The decision to submit the report for publication was made by the authors and was approved by the funder. K. Tuomola works as a race veterinarian at Porin Ravit Oy, which is one of the tracks where horses were examined, but she was not on duty during the research period. All authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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  3. Seck M, Jobling R, Brown AF. Trialling Locally Made, Low-Cost Bits to Improve Bit-Related Welfare Problems in Cart Horses: Findings from a Study in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 20;13(1).
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