A longitudinal assessment of periodontal health status in 53 Labrador retrievers

Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can have major welfare implications in cats. This study aimed to report the frequency and demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and to explore associations with common comorbid disorders in cats in the UK.

METHODS

The study included a random sample of 18,249 cats obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 from clinics participating in the VetCompass programme. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported. Risk factor and comorbid disorder analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS

Periodontal disease had a 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72-15.76). Breeds with the highest prevalence included Siamese (18.7%, 95% CI 12.24-26.72) and Maine Coon (16.7%, 95% CI 11.37-23.18). The median age of cats with periodontal disease (9.47 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.96-12.97) was higher than for cats without periodontal disease (4.94 years, IQR 1.95-9.51; P <0.001). Increasing adult body weight, increasing age and sex-neuter status were significantly associated with rising odds of periodontal disease. Cats with periodontal disease had a higher median count of comorbid disorders per individual cat (3, IQR 2-4, range 1-14) than cats without periodontal disease (1, IQR 0-2, range 0-15; P <0.001). Cats with periodontal disease had 1.79 times the odds (95% CI 1.62-1.99, P <0.001) of diagnosis with at least one comorbid disorder disease than cats without periodontal disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Periodontal disease is the most common specific diagnosis in cats and is confirmed as a leading health issue in cats. Ageing is identified as the strongest predictor of periodontal disease risk in cats, suggesting the potential for increasing health gains from emphasis on dental care and health in cats as they age. The study offers evidence on a close link between periodontal disease and reduced overall health in cats.

In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial effect of Brazilian red propolis ethanol extract in the prevention of periodontal disease in dogs

Dental plaque (DP) is found on the surface of teeth and comprises a community of microorganisms that form a structured biofilm. Bacteria present in DP are potential periodontal pathogens when there is an imbalance in the healthy oral environment, and are precursors of periodontal disease (PD). In dogs, the treatments, such as mechanical removal, are difficult and expensive to apply. Therefore, in order to seek new therapeutic alternatives to control dental plaque in dogs, Brazilian red propolis ethanol extract (RPEE) was tested to evaluate its antibacterial effect on bacteria isolated from DP of dogs without PD. DP was collected from the supragingival dental surfaces of 10 dogs. Bacterial isolates of DP were identified by PCR and sequencing of 16S rDNA gene. The RPEE was obtained using the ultrasound ethanol extraction technique, and the chemical composition was obtained by HPLC-DAD and UV-spectrophotometry. In total, 29 different bacteria belonging to five genera were identified. Formononetin, biochanin A, liquiritigenin and daidzein were the major constituents of the RPEE. The cytotoxic effect showed cell viability after 24 h above 50 % at all concentrations evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration was between 37.5 and 150.0 µg/mL for all bacterial isolates. The minimal bactericidal concentration was between 150 and 1200 µg/mL for Gram-positive and 300-1200 µg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. The results are promising and suggest that RPEE has significant antibacterial potential against the bacteria present in the DP of healthy dogs. Although further studies are still needed, the results suggest RPEE might be safely used in the prevention of periodontal disease.

Genomic Medicine in Periodontal Disease: Old Issue, New Insights

Genetic variability is the main cause of phenotypic variation. Some variants may be associated with several diseases and can be used as risk biomarkers, identifying animals with higher susceptibility to develop the pathology. Genomic medicine uses this genetic information for risk calculation, clinical diagnosis and prognosis, allowing the implementation of more effective preventive strategies and/or personalized therapies. Periodontal disease (PD) is the inflammation of the periodontium induced mainly by bacterial plaque and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Microbial factors are responsible for the PD initiation; however, several studies support the genetic influence on the PD progression. The main purpose of the present publication is to highlight the main steps involved in the genomic medicine applied to veterinary patients, describing the flowchart from the characterization of the genetic variants to the identification of potential associations with specific clinical data. After investigating which genes might potentially be implicated in canine PD, the RANK gene, involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis, was selected to illustrate this approach. A case-control study was performed using DNA samples from a population of 90 dogs – 50 being healthy and 40 with PD. This analysis allowed for the discovery of four new intronic variations that were banked in GenBank (g.85A>G, g.151G>T, g.268A>G and g.492T>C). The results of this study are not intended to be applied exclusively to PD. On the contrary, this genetic information is intended to be used by other researchers as a foundation for the development of multiple applications in the veterinary clinical field.

The bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with periodontal disease

OBJECTIVE

To compare the bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of periodontal disease.

ANIMALS

Dogs without periodontal disease (n = 12) or with mild (10), moderate (19), or severe (10) periodontal disease.

PROCEDURES

The maxillary arcade of each dog was sampled with a sterile swab, and swabs were submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene.

RESULTS

714 bacterial species from 177 families were identified. The 3 most frequently found bacterial species were Actinomyces sp (48/51 samples), Porphyromonas cangingivalis (47/51 samples), and a Campylobacter sp (48/51 samples). The most abundant species were P cangingivalis, Porphyromonas gulae, and an undefined Porphyromonas sp. Porphyromonas cangingivalis and Campylobacter sp were part of the core microbiome shared among the 4 groups, and P gulae, which was significantly enriched in dogs with severe periodontal disease, was part of the core microbiome shared between all groups except dogs without periodontal disease. Christensenellaceae sp, Bacteroidales sp, Family XIII sp, Methanobrevibacter oralis, Peptostreptococcus canis, and Tannerella sp formed a unique core microbiome in dogs with severe periodontal disease.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results highlighted that in dogs, potential pathogens can be common members of the oral cavity bacteriome in the absence of disease, and changes in the relative abundance of certain members of the bacteriome can be associated with severity of periodontal disease. Future studies may aim to determine whether these changes are the cause or result of periodontal disease or the host immune response.

Mucosal Vaccination Against Periodontal Disease: Current Status and Opportunities

Approximately 9 out of 10 adults have some form of periodontal disease, an infection-induced inflammatory disease of the tooth-supporting tissues. The initial form, gingivitis, often remains asymptomatic, but this can evolve into periodontitis, which is typically associated with halitosis, oral pain or discomfort, and tooth loss. Furthermore, periodontitis may contribute to systemic disorders like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Control options remain nonspecific, time-consuming, and costly; largely relying on the removal of dental plaque and calculus by mechanical debridement. However, while dental plaque bacteria trigger periodontal disease, it is the host-specific inflammatory response that acts as main driver of tissue destruction and disease progression. Therefore, periodontal disease control should aim to alter the host's inflammatory response as well as to reduce the bacterial triggers. Vaccines may provide a potent adjunct to mechanical debridement for periodontal disease prevention and treatment. However, the immunopathogenic complexity and polymicrobial aspect of PD appear to complicate the development of periodontal vaccines. Moreover, a successful periodontal vaccine should induce protective immunity in the oral cavity, which proves difficult with traditional vaccination methods. Recent advances in mucosal vaccination may bridge the gap in periodontal vaccine development. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of mucosal vaccination strategies to induce protective immunity in the oral cavity for periodontal disease control. Furthermore, we highlight the need for additional research with appropriate and clinically relevant animal models. Finally, we discuss several opportunities in periodontal vaccine development such as multivalency, vaccine formulations, and delivery systems.

The Relationship Between Periodontal Infection and Systemic and Distant Organ Disease in Dogs

Infection in the mouth causes systemic and distant organ changes in dogs. This article summarizes the information available. Reported changes include an increase in liver-generated acute-phase proteins in response to the infectious insult to the body and evidence of microscopic changes in renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues. Treatment of periodontal infection results in a decrease in the acute-phase protein concentration, which supports the hypothesis that a cause-and-effect relationship exists between periodontal infection and distant organ changes.

Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting

Objectives

Periodontal disease is a frequent diagnosis of dogs and can have severe negative impacts on welfare. It was hypothesised that breeds with skull shapes that differ most in conformation from the moderate mesocephalic skull shape have higher odds of periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods

The cohort study included a random sample of dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 from the VetCompass Programme database. Risk factor analysis used random effects multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results

The study included a random sample of 22,333 dogs. The 1‐year period prevalence for diagnosis with periodontal disease was 12.52% (95% CI: 12.09 to 12.97). Eighteen breeds showed increased odds compared with crossbred dogs. Breeds with the highest odds included Toy Poodle (odds ratio 3.97, 95% confidence intervals 2.21 to 7.13), King Charles Spaniel (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.50 to 4.61), Greyhound (odds ratio 2.58, 95% confidence interval 1.75 to 3.80) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval 1.85 to 3.09). Four breeds showed reduced odds compared with crossbreds. Brachycephalic breeds had 1.25 times the odds (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.42) of periodontal disease compared with mesocephalic breeds. Spaniel types had 1.63 times the odds (95% confidence interval 1.42 to 1.87) compared with non‐spaniel types. Increasing adult bodyweight was associated with progressively decreasing odds of periodontal disease.

Clinical Significance

The high prevalence identified in this study highlights periodontal disease as a priority welfare concern for predisposed breeds. Veterinarians can use this information to promote improved dental care in predisposed dogs, especially as these dogs age.

Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, therefore it is important to have reliable evidence on the general health issues of the breed. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study aimed to explore the relative risk to common disorders in the Labrador Retriever. The clinical records of a random sample of dogs were reviewed to extract the most definitive diagnoses for all disorders recorded during 2016. A list of disorders was generated, including the 30 most common disorders in Labrador Retrievers and the 30 most common disorders in non-Labrador Retrievers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to report the odds of each of these disorders in 1462 (6.6%) Labrador Retrievers compared with 20,786 (93.4%) non-Labrador Retrievers. At a specific-level of diagnostic precision, after accounting for confounding, Labrador Retrievers had significantly increased odds of 12/35 (34.3%) disorders compared to non-Labrador Retrievers; osteoarthritis (OR 2.83) had the highest odds. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers had reduced odds of 7/35 (20.0%) disorders; patellar luxation (OR 0.18) had the lowest odds. This study provides useful information about breed-specific disorder predispositions and protections, which future research could evaluate further to produce definitive guidance for Labrador Retriever breeders and owners.

Weekly and Daily Tooth Brushing by Care Staff Reduces Gingivitis and Calculus in Racing Greyhounds

Simple Summary

Dental disease affects many dogs worldwide and is believed to be particularly problematic for racing greyhounds. It costs the industry and rehoming charities financially and likely causes unnecessary suffering to a large number of dogs. The risk factors for dental disease in this population are debated, and the best methods to overcome it are relatively unresearched. We carried out a trial in which 160 racing greyhounds were divided into three groups. The staff looking after them either brushed their teeth daily, weekly or never, for a period of two months. An experimenter measured the dog’s level of calculus (hardened dental plaque) and gingivitis (gum inflammation) at the start, and again after two months. We found that both weekly and daily brushing resulted in significant reductions in calculus, but for gingivitis only daily brushing resulted in a significant reduction. The effects, however, were not noticeable on the front incisor teeth. Since the staff implementing the routine reported a minimal time commitment and positive experiences, we suggest that daily brushing is recommended for racing greyhounds, and that emphasis is placed on brushing all teeth groups. Similar trials need to be conducted with retired greyhounds since these have been shown to present particularly high levels of periodontal disease.

Abstract

Periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs worldwide and is reported to be particularly prevalent in racing greyhounds. A range of potential risk factors have been hypothesised. Previous research has suggested that regular tooth brushing can reduce both calculus and gingivitis, but the frequency required is unclear. Here, we report a controlled blinded in situ trial, in which kennel staff brushed 160 racing greyhounds’ teeth (living at six kennel establishments), either weekly, daily or never over a two-month period. All of the visible teeth were scored for calculus and gingivitis, using previously validated scales. We calculated average scores for each of the three teeth groups and overall whole mouth scores, averaging the teeth groups. Changes were compared to the baseline. After two months, the total calculus scores (controlling for baseline) were significantly different in the three treatment groups, (F_(2,129) = 10.76, p < 0.001) with both weekly and daily brushing resulting in significant reductions. Gingivitis was also significantly different between groups (F_(2,128) = 4.57, p = 0.012), but in this case, only daily brushing resulted in a significant reduction. Although the dogs in different kennels varied significantly in their levels of both calculus (F_(5,129) = 8.64, p < 0.001) and gingivitis (F_(5,128) = 3.51 p = 0.005), the intervention was similarly effective in all of the establishments. The teeth groups varied, and the incisors were not significantly affected by the treatment. Since the trainers implementing the routine, reported a minimal time commitment and positive experiences, we suggest that daily brushing is recommended for racing greyhounds, and that any instructions or demonstrations should include attention to all teeth groups including the incisors. Similar trials need to be conducted with retired greyhounds since these have been shown to present particularly high levels of periodontal disease.

Periodontal and Dental Status in Packs of Spanish Dogs

Simple Summary

Periodontal disease (PD) is the most frequently occurring canine oral pathology, and even at early stages, it may significantly affect general health. Therefore, veterinarians should be able to properly diagnose PD, treat PD at earlier stages, and establish preventive strategies. However, data about PD prevalence in different sizes and breeds of dogs are highly variable and incomplete. Our objective was to improve understanding of PD in dogs by studying a specific group of animals that were subjected to specific management: pack dogs in Spain. Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years; mixed diet: home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones) received visual dental examinations for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). The low prevalence (15.62%) and extent of PD (<1 affected tooth/individual) was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to risk of PD development.

Abstract

While periodontal disease (PD) is the most common canine oral pathology, its prevalence varies according to diagnosis methodology, breed, and age. We intended to increase understanding of canine PD by studying dogs that are managed in a specific way: pack dogs in Spain. They received a mixed diet (home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones). Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years) received visual dental examination for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). DC was the most prevalent oral problem (75%), followed by TF/DA (68.75%), AT (34.37%), GR (31.25%), and, finally, PD (15.62%). Low individual affectation values were found for AT, GR, and PD (<1 tooth/individual); mean DC grade per individual was 0.06 ± 0.063; and TF and DA were found in 1.63 and 4.72 teeth/individual, respectively. Low prevalence and extent of PD was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to PD development.

A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs

Periodontal disease is a frequent problem seen in veterinary practices. Primary-care veterinary practices, where diagnosis of periodontal disease is predominantly based on visual oral assessment of conscious dogs, report an average prevalence of 9.3 to 18.2% within the dog population. Detailed examinations of anaesthetised dogs report much higher prevalence of between 44 and 100%. The prevalence and severity of periodontitis varies between sizes of dogs, breeds and individuals. The lack of robust evaluation of these variances opens the opportunity for a review of the topic. A literature search was therefore undertaken to determine the frequency and extent (severity and oral location) of periodontal disease in the dog population. Both clinical and retrospective data based surveys of veterinary records, show there is an increased likelihood of developing periodontitis as age increases and with bodyweight decreases. The maxillary and mandibular incisors, fourth premolars and first molars are likely to develop the disease first although in some breeds the canines may also be involved. Poor oral care is a significant risk factor for the development of periodontal disease although diet, behaviour, environment and genetics are also likely to play a role. The information provided in this review can be used by veterinarians to improve the effectiveness of their diagnosis, treatments and interventions by focussing their efforts on the sizes, breeds and individuals most at risk. Given the potential link between periodontal disease and systemic health, veterinarians have the opportunity to positively impact the quality of life of a large number of dogs and therefore their owners.

World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines

Dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases are some of the most common problems in small animal veterinary practice. These conditions create significant pain as well as localized and potentially systemic infection. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) believes that un- and under treated oral and dental diseases pose a significant animal welfare concern. Dentistry is an area of veterinary medicine which is still widely ignored and is subject to many myths and misconceptions. Effective teaching of veterinary dentistry in the veterinary school is the key to progression in this field of veterinary medicine, and to the improvement of welfare for all our patients globally. These guidelines were developed to provide veterinarians with the information required to understand best practices for dental therapy and create realistic minimum standards of care. Using the three-tiered continuing education system of WSAVA, the guidelines make global equipment and therapeutic recommendations and highlight the anaesthetic and welfare requirements for small animal patients. This document contains information on common oral and dental pathologies, diagnostic procedures (an easily implementable and repeatable scoring system for dental health, dental radiography and radiology) and treatments (periodontal therapy, extractions). Further, there are sections on anaesthesia and pain management for dental procedures, home dental care, nutritional information, and recommendations on the role of the universities in improving veterinary dentistry. A discussion of the deleterious effects of anaesthesia free dentistry (AFD) is included, as this procedure is ineffective at best and damaging at worst. Throughout the document the negative effects of undiagnosed and/or treated dental disease on the health and well-being of our patients, and how this equates to an animal welfare issue, is discussed.

Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health-A Questionnaire Study in Sweden

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, with a reported prevalence of at least 80% in dogs over 3 years of age. However, there is a lack of studies regarding dog owners' assessment of their dog's dental health, and whether they perceive clinical signs often associated with periodontal disease, i.e., dental calculus, halitosis or mobile or lost teeth. A validated questionnaire survey was distributed to all Swedish dog owners with email addresses in the national registry (n = 209,263). The response rate was 32%. The survey questions concerned opinions and practices regarding canine dental health, including assessment of dental health parameters and dog owners' ability to examine their dog's mouth. A construct (α = 0.76) was used to investigate dog owners' assessed symptoms of their dog's dental health in relation to background factors. Half of the respondents rated their dog's dental health as very good. However, one in four dog owners experienced difficulties when inspecting the dog's teeth. The most common reason for this difficulty was stated to be an uncooperative dog. Almost half of the dog owners reported halitosis to some degree in their dog, and almost four in ten owners reported dental calculus. One in eight dogs had been previously anesthetized for dental cleaning, and one in 12 dogs had experienced problems with gum disease, according to the owners. Owners' assessment varied significantly with the dog's age, weight, breed, breed group, sex, and concurrent disease. Owner-related factors that influenced the assessment of the dog's dental health were age, gender, education, county (urban/rural), and whether they were breeders or not. Dog owners with smaller dogs, older dogs and certain breeds predisposed to periodontal disease assessed their dog's dental health as worse than their counterparts, which is in agreement with previously reported higher prevalence of dental disease in these groups. This indicates that dog owners are able to perform relative assessment of their dog's dental health status. Our results also highlight the need for routine professional assessment of periodontal health, as well as education of dog owners and training of dogs to accept dental care procedures.

A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in Yorkshire terriers

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease of dogs and has been associated with systemic disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent of periodontal disease in a population of Yorkshire terrier dogs with and without a tooth brushing regimen. Each dog was assessed under general anaesthesia two to five times between 37 and 78 weeks of age. The extent of gingivitis and periodontitis was ascertained for every tooth in the mouth. Gingivitis was measured using time to bleeding on probing, and periodontitis was based on extent of clinical attachment loss (probing depth, gingival recession and furcation exposure).

RESULTS

Of the 49 dogs assessed at 37 weeks of age, 98% had at least one tooth or aspect with early periodontitis (PD2, < 25% attachment loss). The average percentage of teeth with periodontitis in the mouth was 29.6% with 95% confidence interval (23.6, 36.4). The odds of early periodontitis was 2.74 (2.23, 3.37) times higher at 78 weeks of age compared to 37 weeks of age. The canine teeth had a significantly higher probability of periodontitis compared to all other tooth types at both 37 and 78 weeks of age (p < 0.001). In addition, at the same time points, the incisors had a significantly higher probability of periodontitis compared to the molars and premolars (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Breeds of dog that are susceptible to developing periodontitis, such as Yorkshire terriers, require effective treatments for the prevention of periodontal disease from a young age. Although tooth brushing is one of the most effective methods when it comes to preventative homecare, this is not always realistic, as was found in this study. Therefore alternative ways to retard or prevent plaque accumulation that are practical for both dogs and their owners are required.