Epidemiological study on periodontal diseases and some other dental disorders in dogs

The Effect of Subacute Oral Folic Acid Treatment on Growth of Porphyromonas gulae in Dogs

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in humans and animals. It is a multifactorial disease resulting in attachment loss and tooth loss. Therefore, preventive dentistry, such as daily teeth cleaning or providing dental chews from puppyhood is essential. This study aimed to find an alternative option for preventive dentistry by examining both in vitro and clinically, the antibacterial, antihalitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects of folic acid (FA) in dogs with periodontal disease. The antibacterial and antihalitosis responses of FA were evaluated in vitro using Porphyromonas gulae, a bacterium that plays a significant role in the development of periodontal disease in dogs. Anti-inflammatory responses, such as secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 induced by P. gulae infection in human gingival epithelium have been studied. This study used dogs with P. gulae-associated periodontal diseases and was conducted by providing a dental chew containing 0.13% FA for 28 days. The viability and halitosis production (hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan) of P. gulae was significantly inhibited by FA in a dose and time-dependent manner. IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 secretion were also significantly suppressed by FA treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro bactericidal, antihalitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects of FA were confirmed in dogs with P. gulae-associated periodontal disease. One month of oral treatment with 0.13% FA-containing dental chews significantly reduced halitosis as well as P. gulae activity. This study suggests that oral treatment with FA can be a preventive option for periodontal disease in dogs as well as humans.

Development of Yorkshire Terrier Dentition

The development of dentition in dogs has been associated with several problems including tooth over-crowding, missing permanent dentition, and persistent deciduous teeth (PDT). Information on dentition development in different breeds is lacking. This study of 61 Yorkshire terriers aimed to determine the (i) average age at deciduous tooth exfoliation, (ii) average age at permanent tooth eruption, (iii) PDT incidence, and influencing factors such as body weight. The ages of exfoliation of deciduous teeth and eruption of permanent dentition were influenced by body weight and tooth type. These dentition changes tended to occur later in dogs ≤ 3 kg versus dogs > 5 kg. Generally, incisors were exfoliated first, followed by premolars and then canines. At a body weight of 4.5 kg, the middle of the data range, the estimated age at loss of deciduous teeth (with 95% confidence intervals) was 21.9 (21.1, 22.9) weeks for incisors, 26.1 (24.9, 27.4) weeks for canines, and 23.9 (22.9, 24.9) weeks for premolar. The estimated age at eruption of permanent dentition was 22.3 (21.6, 23.0) weeks for incisors, 23.8 (23.0, 24.6) weeks for canines, 24.7 (24.0, 25.5) weeks for premolars, and 26.4 (25.5, 27.3) for molar teeth. However, this sequence was disrupted in dogs ≤ 3 kg. Yorkshire terriers had a high incidence of PDT. At a body weight of 4.5 kg, the estimated proportion of PDT was: incisors 0.86% (0.32, 2.31), canines 15.62% (7.62, 29.37) and premolars 3.57% (1.62, 7.66). Canines constituted the most frequently retained tooth type, with 89.1% retained in dogs ≤ 3 kg compared to 12.0% in dogs > 5 kg. This information will enable veterinarians to provide personalised advice regarding the oral care requirements for Yorkshire terriers and highlights the need to regularly monitor this breed between the ages of two and seven months, during the active phases of tooth development.

The association between gingivitis and oral spirochetes in young cats and dogs

Although gingivitis frequently occurs in young cats, spirochetes are often found in the early stages of periodontal disease. This study was conducted to determine the association between gingivitis and oral spirochetes in young cats and dogs. The degree of gingivitis was evaluated in a total of 68 cats and 31 dogs under one year of age, and plaques were collected from each carnassial. To detect spirochetes or Porphyromonas gulae in plaque samples, 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers. All data were analyzed using Fisher's exact probability test and odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The prevalence of gingivitis was significantly higher in young cats (92.6%) than in young dogs (45.2%). The positive rate of spirochetes by PCR in gingivitis cases was 85.4% in young cats and 15.4% in young dogs, and the positive rate of P. gulae was 66.7% in young cats and 15.4% in young dogs. Both results were significantly higher in young cats than in young dogs. In young cats, spirochetes were significantly associated with gingivitis (OR = 7.95; 95% CI = 1.17, 53.83; P < 0.05), but P. gulae was not (OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 0.38, 15.66; P = 0.23). These results suggest that spirochetes may be associated with the early stages of periodontal disease in cats.

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.

Association of periodontal disease with breed size, breed, weight, and age in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States

Despite periodontal disease (PD) being amongst the most common diagnoses in primary-care practice, the disease is generally underdiagnosed. However, the millions of clinical records generated by pet hospitals each year provide unique opportunities to generate insights about disease risk across large numbers of dogs. The objective of this study was to undertake a retrospective analysis of medical records to ascertain which sizes and breeds of dog are most frequently diagnosed with PD. Although data collection regarding PD was not consistent, it was assumed that the same inconsistencies in recording periodontal abnormalities were present across the range of bodyweight, breed categories and breeds. Over 3 million medical records across 60 breeds of dogs visiting a chain of veterinary hospitals in the United States collected over a 5-year period were analysed. Statistical analysis of a subset of these records found that extra-small (<6.5 kg) breeds of dog were up to five times more likely to be diagnosed with PD than giant breeds (>25 kg) (P <0.0001). The majority of breeds most frequently diagnosed with PD were in the extra-small, small (6.5-9 kg) and medium-small (9-15 kg) breed size categories. Additional risk factors for PD diagnosis included age, being overweight and time since last scale and polish. Veterinarians should consider targeting client education about dental health, and diagnostic efforts, towards canine patients of the small-breed size categories and those with a higher risk of developing PD (e.g. overweight).

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.

Natural Development of Periodontal Disease in the Dog: A Review of Clinical, Anatomical and Histological Features

Periodontal disease occurs naturally in a wide range of species from rodents to humans. Clinical studies document the development of periodontal disease. Histopathology reveals the inflammatory response to plaque accumulation. This article presents a review of the clinical and histopathological features of periodontal disease in the dog.

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.

A longitudinal assessment of periodontal health status in 53 Labrador retrievers

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence and rates of progression of gingivitis and periodontitis in Labrador retrievers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-three dogs, aged 1·1 to 5·9 years, had their periodontal health assessed every 6 months for up to 2 years. The extent of gingivitis and periodontitis was measured around the whole gingival margin of every tooth under general anaesthesia.

RESULTS

All dogs had gingivitis at the initial assessment. The majority (64·2%) of tooth aspects had very mild gingivitis. The palatal/lingual aspect of all tooth types was most likely to show bleeding when probed: 63·0% of these aspects had mild or moderate gingivitis. Over 2 years, 56·6% of dogs developed periodontitis and dogs as young as 1·9 years were affected. There was a significant positive correlation between the proportion of teeth with periodontitis and age. In total, 124 teeth (5·7%) developed periodontitis; 88 (71·0%) of these were incisors. The palatal/lingual aspect of the incisors developed the disease first (2·8% of incisor aspects).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Periodontitis developed in regions that are difficult to see in conscious dogs implying that detection and treatment of disease requires periodic sedation or anaesthesia.

Raw beef bones as chewing items to reduce dental calculus in Beagle dogs

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effect of raw bovine cortical bone (CB) (medullary bone cross-sectioned) and marrow or epiphyseal 'spongy' bone (SB) as chew items to reduce dental calculus in adult dogs.

METHODS

Eight 3-year-old Beagle dogs were observed in two study periods. In the first study, the dogs each received a piece of bovine femur CB (122 ± 17 g) daily and in the second study, a piece of bovine femur SB (235 ± 27 g). The first study lasted 12 days and the second 20 days. Dental calculus was evaluated using image integration software.

RESULTS

At the start of the studies, dental calculus covered 42.0% and 38.6% of the dental arcade areas, respectively. In study one, the chewing reduced the established dental calculus area to 27.1% (35.5% reduction) after 3 days and after 12 days the dental calculus covering was reduced to 12.3% (70.6% reduction). In study two, the dental calculus covered 16.8% (56.5% reduction) after 3 days, 7.1% (81.6% reduction) after 12 days and 4.7% (87.8% reduction) after 20 days. The CB remained largely intact after 24 h, but SB was reduced to smaller pieces and in some cases totally consumed after 24 h. No complications such as tooth fractures, pieces of bone stuck between teeth or intestinal obstructions were observed during the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Chewing raw bovine bones was an effective method of removing dental calculus in dogs. The SB bones removed dental calculus more efficiently in the short term.

Antimicrobial activity of tea catechin against canine oral bacteria and the functional mechanisms

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenolic compound of green tea. Polyphenolic compounds were extracted from the leaf of Camellia sinensis (Japanese green tea), and the minimum inhibitory concentration against canine oral bacteria was measured. Subsequently, we investigated the inhibitory effects of polyphenolic compounds and EGCG on the growth of canine oral bacteria. EGCG showed antimicrobial activity against a model bacterium, Streptococcus mutans. Our results indicate that EGCG can inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans and that EGCG does not interact with streptococcal lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Furthermore, our findings suggest that EGCG interacts with other component(s) of the bacterial membrane aside from streptococcal LTA to inhibit biofilm formation and damage biofilms.

Serum Ionized Calcium Quantification for Staging Canine Periodontal Disease: A Preliminary Study

Periodontal diseases (PD) are infectious, inflammatory, progressive diseases of the oral cavity affecting people and dogs. PD takes 2 forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Diagnosing or staging PD can be achieved only with dental x-rays and periodontal probing, both of which require the use of general anesthesia in dogs. This study aimed to determine whether serum ionized calcium ([iCa(2+)]) levels can be useful in preliminary PD staging in dogs. A sample of 40 dogs (n = 40) was divided into 4 groups (n = 10 each) based on the following PD stages: G1 (gingivitis), G2 (initial periodontitis), G3 (moderate periodontitis), and G4 (severe periodontitis). The groups were then subjected to [iCa(2+)] quantification. Statistically significant differences were observed between PD stages and [iCa(2+)] for all stages except G3 and G4. Therefore, this parameter can be used as an additional tool to establish and monitor preliminary PD status.

A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in 52 Miniature Schnauzers

Background

Periodontal disease (PD) is the most widespread oral disease in dogs and has been associated with serious systemic diseases. The disease is more prevalent in small breeds compared to large breeds and incidence increases with advancing age. In prevalence studies 84% of beagles over the age of 3 and 100% of poodles over the age of 4 were diagnosed with PD. Current knowledge of the rate of progression of PD is limited. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of PD progression in miniature schnauzers, an at risk small breed of dog.

Dogs (n = 52, age 1.3-6.9 years) who had received a regular oral care regime prior to this study were assessed for levels of gingivitis and periodontitis around the whole gingival margin in every tooth under general anaesthetic. Assessments were conducted approximately every six weeks for up to 60 weeks following the cessation of the oral care regime.

Results

All of the 2155 teeth assessed entered the study with some level of gingivitis. 23 teeth entered the study with periodontitis, observed across 12 dogs aged between 1.3 and 6.9 years. 35 dogs had at least 12 teeth progress to periodontitis within 60 weeks. Of the teeth that progressed to periodontitis, 54% were incisors. The lingual aspect of the incisors was significantly more likely to be affected (p < 0.001). The severity of gingivitis in periodontitis-affected teeth was variable with 24% of the aspects affected having very mild gingivitis, 36% mild gingivitis and 40% moderate gingivitis. Periodontitis progression rate was significantly faster in older dogs. Only one dog (age 3.5) did not have any teeth progress to periodontitis after 60 weeks.

Conclusions

This is the first study to have assessed the progression rate of periodontitis in miniature schnauzers and highlights that with no oral care regime, the early stages of periodontitis develop rapidly in this breed. An oral care regime and twice yearly veterinary dental health checks should be provided from an early age for this breed and other breeds with similar periodontitis incidence rates.

Bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws: a review

Bisphosphonate use has increased in veterinary medicine over the last decade. During this time, bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) in human patients has been identified. Only recently was a dog model for BRONJ developed for human oral surgery and medicine. Veterinary patients treated with bisphosphonates may be at an increased risk for BRONJ There has been little, to no, investigation of potential long term side-effects of bisphosphonate use in veterinary patients; potential sequelae are unknown. The history of bisphosphonates, their use, and BRONJ in veterinary patients are discussed.

Ability of orally administered IFN-α4 to inhibit naturally occurring gingival inflammation in dogs

It has been reported that type I interferons (IFN-α/β) play an important role in innate immune responses against viral and bacterial infections. In this study, we used and examined naturally occurred canine periodontal disease to show the therapeutic efficacy of low dose oral administration (LDOA) of canine IFN-α subtype 4 (CaIFN-α4). We administered purified recombinant CaIFN-α4 expressed in a baculovirus system to dogs with or without gingival inflammation. We found that LDOA of CaIFN-α4 reduce periodontopathic bacterial counts. LDOA induced improvement of naturally occurring gingival inflammation, and reduction of the stress marker responses was also observed after LDOA. These results suggest that LDOA of CaIFN-α4 has effectiveness for improvement of naturally occurring gingival inflammation in dogs.

Dietary influences on periodontal health in dogs and cats

A pet cannot be healthy without oral health. Periodontal is a significant disease that has local and systemic ramifications. It has been stated earlier that effective plaque control prevents gingivitis. In human beings, 90% of periodontitis occurs as the result of progression gingivitis, and this type of periodontitis can be completely prevented by plaque control. It is reasonable that dogs and cats react similarly and that effective plaque control could prevent a large percentage of periodontitis cases. Proper nutrition and effective oral hygiene are necessary components of oral health and should be jointly promoted in the management of oral disease in dogs and cats.

Diet and periodontal disease in dogs and cats

A review of relevant literature was undertaken because of concerns about a possible relationship between pet foods, development of periodontal disease, and secondary adverse effects on general health. It was concluded that, while changes in feeding methods in recent decades have arguably improved pet health by reducing or preventing diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies and excesses, periodontal disease remains a serious, diet-related problem. There is reasonable evidence that soft diets are associated with increased frequency and severity of periodontal disease, and that harder foods requiring vigorous prehension and mastication are preferable for dogs and cats. While it is plausible that periodontal disease could cause diseases in other organs and tissues, the evidence for this is limited at present. Further research is needed to better define the relationship between diet types and oral health. In the meantime, veterinarians and pet owners should pay attention to the physical qualities (textures, abrasiveness, 'chewiness') of foods they provide for dogs and cats, as well as to their nutrient content, and should consider additional methods to control plaque and prevent periodontal disease where necessary.