A longitudinal assessment of periodontal disease in Yorkshire terriers

Long-term effects of motivational interviewing vs. traditional counseling on dog owners' adherence to veterinary dental home care: a three-year follow-up study

Introduction

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. However, disease is largely preventable by eliminating dental plaque, best achieved by daily tooth brushing. Unfortunately, owner adherence is low to the recommendation of daily tooth brushing in dogs.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various communication strategies, traditional advice (TA) versus motivational interviewing (MI), and compare them to a control group receiving no additional communication (CG), on dog owners' performance of dental home care and the oral health of their dogs.

Methods

The study was conducted as a longitudinal clinical intervention study spanning 3 years, and involved 75 dog owners with young dogs who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TA, MI, or CG. Intervention groups received annual telephone consultations based on their assigned methodology. A questionnaire was administered twice to all groups, and the dental health of the dogs was assessed at the study's conclusion.

Result

Tooth brushing frequency demonstrated a significant increase in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01), albeit with a relatively low occurrence of daily brushing among owners. Dental health assessment revealed a significantly lower plaque index in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.05), and a lower calculus index in the TA group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the MI and TA groups in terms of dental health.

Conclusion

Regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with veterinarians (MI and traditional advice) improved owner knowledge, attitude, and decreased frequency of not brushing. Although dental health parameters improved, the effect size was small, suggesting the complexity of adherence. Personalized calls to dog owners offer potential for dental health improvement, warranting further comparison of MI with traditional advice.

Adherence to dental home care in dogs with periodontitis: a post-treatment survey

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is a common disease in dogs, and daily dental home care in the form of tooth brushing is essential for prevention and treatment. Despite this, many studies reveal low adherence to tooth brushing advice. This study aimed to assess compliance with dental home care among dogs with periodontitis and understand the factors influencing brushing routines. A questionnaire survey was emailed to 63 dog owners whose dogs had been diagnosed with periodontitis, received dental cleaning at the University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and were given tooth brushing instructions. The survey was supplemented by telephone interviews, resulting in a 57% response rate.

RESULTS

The study presents dog owners' routines, experiences, attitudes, and motivation regarding tooth brushing. Approximately 42% brushed their dogs' teeth daily while others did so less frequently or not at all. Reported challenges, such as uncooperative dogs and difficulty establishing a routine, may explain infrequent brushing.

CONCLUSIONS

While the study suggests that owners of dogs with periodontitis tend to follow dental care recommendations better than the general dog owner population, it also reveals that preventive care is inadequate for more than half of the dogs. Given the high prevalence of periodontitis, there's a need for resources to address infrequent tooth brushing. Understanding dog owners' needs can help establish daily brushing as a routine, improving canine oral health and overall well-being.

Characterization of Canine Gingival-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Exosomes

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from numerous tissues and have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. Evidence is accumulating which suggests that MSCs are also present in the gingival tissue. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of collecting, purifying, and amplifying gingival-derived MSCs (GMSCs) from canine gingiva and to obtain GMSC-derived exosomes (GMSC-exo). GMSCs were isolated and cultured; furthermore, cellular immunofluorescence demonstrated that GMSCs possess characteristic MSC markers, and in vitro differentiation was induced, indicating that GMSCs can differentiate into multiple lineages. GMSC-exo was successfully extracted from GMSCs supernatant and found that they exhibit the typical characteristics of exosomes as analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow analysis, and western blotting. GMSC-exo promoted the proliferation and migration of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. It was concluded that canine gingiva is a good source of MSCs. Additionally, GMSC-exo is a potentially promising cell-free therapeutic tool for the treatment of canine gingival diseases.

Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride 38% on reduction of gingivitis in dogs: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a ubiquitous disease in small animal veterinary medicine. Currently regular professional dental cleaning and daily tooth brushing are considered gold standards in the prevention of periodontal disease. Efforts to find a noninvasive, cost effective and easy to use preventative for periodontal disease are ongoing. The primary objective of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to determine if a single application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) 38% on the buccal surface of all teeth would reduce gingivitis within 3 months in dogs with stage two periodontal disease.

Methods

Twenty-nine client-owned dogs 3-12 years old, 6-35 pounds were randomized 1:1 into active and placebo-control groups. Both groups underwent a baseline treatment and a three-month follow-up under general anesthesia. Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Calculus Index (CI) were assessed and recorded at each event.

Results

A single application of SDF 38% did not significantly lower GI relative to the control group. However, the GI score dropped significantly in both groups relative to baseline, with a 53% reduction in the average GI score for dogs that received SDF 38% treatment and a 44% reduction for dogs that received placebo treatment. There were no differences in PI or CI scores compared to control groups.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to determine if a more frequent application or a longer study duration would yield a different outcome.

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.

Infective endocarditis in dogs in the UK: 77 cases (2009-2019)

OBJECTIVES

To determine the causative organisms, clinical features and outcome of canine infective endocarditis in the UK.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of three veterinary referral hospitals were searched for dogs with infective endocarditis between December 2009 and December 2019. Signalment, clinical signs, causative organism, valve affected, treatment and survival data were recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven cases with possible or definite infective endocarditis (according to the modified Duke criteria) were included. The majority were large breed (40/77 - 51.9%). There were 47 of 77 (61%) male dogs and the mean age was 7.3 ±3 years. A causative organism was identified in 26 of 77 (33.8%) cases. The most common organisms were Escherichia coli (7/27 - 25.9%), Pasteurella spp. (5/27 - 18.5%), Staphylococcus spp. (4/27 - 14.8%) and Corynebacterium spp. (4/27 - 14.8%). Bartonella spp. were not detected in any patients. The mitral valve was most commonly affected (48/77 - 62.3%). Clinical features were non-specific, with lethargy being the most common clinical sign observed (53/77 - 68.8%). Fifty-three dogs (68.8%) survived to discharge. The median survival time post discharge was 425 days (2 to 3650 days). The development of congestive heart failure was associated with a poorer outcome. Cardiac troponin concentration, antithrombotic use and the development of thromboembolism or arrhythmias were not significantly associated with outcome.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Some dogs with infective endocarditis that survive to discharge can have a long lifespan. The inability to detect an underlying organism is common and Bartonella spp. may be a less prevalent cause of canine infective endocarditis in the UK than in the USA.

Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses

Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs over 3 years of age. In dogs, as in humans, daily tooth brushing, as a means of active dental home care, is considered the gold standard for prophylaxis and prevention of periodontal disease progression. However, the performance of adequate tooth brushing is insufficient in dogs. There is no full account as to why dog owners fail to comply with this routine, but in order to facilitate better practice, a further understanding of dog owner's perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding their dogs' dental health. In a large-scale Swedish survey regarding dental health in dogs, dog owners' free text comments (n = 8,742) from a concluding open-ended query were analyzed using qualitative methods. Many different notions concerning dental health in dogs were identified, of which perceived importance of different diets and chewing being the most prominent. Five common themes represented dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding dental health in their dogs: what is considered to cause dental problems; what is deemed not to promote dental health; how to prevent dental problems; what impedes proper dental care, and; needs for increased knowledge and support. Contrary to existing research and knowledge in the field, the respondents commonly trusted that diet procure good dental health in the dog, as does chewing on bones. Seemingly, a range of misconceptions flourish among dog owners, indicating a need to share information and experiences, as well as support to bridge barriers to tooth brushing and other aspects that can enhance dog owners' knowledge and practice. In addition, this study highlights the need for randomized controlled trials on effects of diets and supplements on different aspects of dental health; calculus, periodontal disease, and dental fractures, including dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages. Further research is also needed with respect to which strategies that best aid dog owners, by whom the support is best provided, when, and at what time point.

Evaluation of Salivary Biochemistry in Dogs with and without Plaque, Calculus, and Gingivitis: Preliminary Results

Simple Summary

Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent disorders observed in dogs requiring primary-care veterinary services. Traditional methods for its diagnosis involve clinical measurements requiring sedation or general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether quantified salivary biochemistry parameters can be used as markers of periodontal disease in dogs. Seventy-nine dogs were allocated into three groups according to the severity of periodontal disease: none (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3). A blood sample and a saliva sample were collected from each dog to quantify biochemical parameters that included alpha-amylase, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, and phosphorus. LDH and phosphorus showed the highest values in Group 3 whereas calcium, amylase, and lysozyme did not differ among groups. The salivary phosphorus cut-off value of 4.04 mg/dl that was established signified that above such value, periodontal disease could be predicted with fairly high probability. Although further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results, this study offers a valid starting point for further investigation into the role of saliva as a non-invasive tool for detecting periodontal disease in dogs.

Abstract

This study evaluated whether salivary alpha-amylase, lysozyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, and phosphorus can be used as markers of periodontal disease in dogs. Plaque, calculus, and gingivitis indexes were used to allocate 79 dogs in three groups: none (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3) periodontal disease. A blood sample and a saliva sample were collected from each dog to quantify biochemical parameters. LDH and phosphorus showed the highest values in Group 3 (LDH: Group 1, 2559.85 ± 676.95; vs. Group 2: 1636.76 ± 597.36 vs. Group 3: 4099.18 ± 545.45 U.I./l, p = 0.016; phosphorus: Group 1, 3.02 ± 0.76 vs. Group 2: 5.34 ± 0.67 vs. Group 3: 5.85± 0.61 mg/dl, p = 0.049) whereas calcium, amylase, and lysozyme did not differ among groups. A ROC curve analysis permitted the establishment of a salivary phosphorus cut-off value of 4.04 mg/dl, above which periodontal disease could be predicted (70% sensitivity (95% CI: 50.6–85.3%) and 72.41% specificity (95% CI: 52.8–87.3%)). Only salivary calcium was higher in males; no other salivary parameters appeared affected by gender or age. Although further results on a larger population are needed, this study shows that salivary LDH and phosphorus increase in dogs affected by plaque, supragingival calculus, and gingivitis, and this suggests their potential use as markers of periodontal disease in canine species.

Small Animal Veterinarians' Communication With Dog Owners From a Motivational Interviewing Perspective

Veterinary communication skills are fundamentally important in animal practice. Despite client-centered communication being recommended as the optimal medical communication style, a paternalistic approach is still common in veterinary medical encounters with pet owners. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based counseling method aiming to strengthen a person's motivation and commitment to behavior changes. In this exploratory study, the aim was to investigate Swedish small animal veterinarians' use of client centered communication with dog owners regarding dental home care in dogs. This was achieved by analyzing the use of MI-techniques among veterinarians without previous training or knowledge of the method. Individual telephone calls, reflecting a veterinary clinical scenario, between small animal veterinarians (n = 8) and a trained professional actor playing a dog owner were recorded and coded according to an MI coding protocol (MITI 4.2.1). In the present study, the degree of spontaneously used MI was low. From an MI-communication perspective, with a simulated dog owner, the veterinarians predominantly relied on asking questions, giving information, and persuasive talk. The veterinarians dominated the conversations and made minimal attempts to involve the dog owner resulting in a power imbalance between veterinarian and client. As the degree of spontaneously used MI was found to be low, MI-training may be required in order to apply the method in professional counseling. The veterinarians' communication pattern suggested a paternalistic communication style, when attempting to motivate a client to brush his or her dog's teeth. We suggest that Motivational Interviewing (MI) has a potential to improve veterinary communication and adherence to medical recommendations if introduced and implemented in veterinary practice.

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.

Improved Oral Health and Adaptation to Treatment in Dogs Using Manual or Ultrasonic Toothbrush or Textile of Nylon or Microfiber for Active Dental Home Care

Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There are several different tools available, and in this intra-subject study, four different active dental home care treatment options were examined: manual and ultrasonic toothbrush, a nylon glove, and a microfiber finger cloth. The treatments were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and calculus in beagle dogs. Each dog received two treatments on the buccal sides of the teeth once daily, either two types of toothbrushes (N = 10) or two types of textiles (N = 11), on separate sides of the mouth. The dogs' teeth were assessed before and after the five-week treatment period, with the assessor blinded by additional, similar dogs (N = 7). The study also assessed the dogs' stress levels during treatment using a fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. All four treatments improved dog oral health, reducing gingivitis and plaque. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. Adaptation to dental care occurred in the dogs over time. This information can be used to encourage dog owners to brush their dogs' teeth.

Correlation of brachycephaly grade with level of exophthalmos, reduced airway passages and degree of dental malalignment' in Persian cats

For many years, there has been a trend to breed cats with an increasing degree of brachycephalic head features, which are known to have a severe impact on the animals' health and welfare. The direct relation between different grades of brachycephaly and their negative implications have not been researched in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to establish correlations between the different grades of brachycephaly and reduced upper respiratory airways, exophthalmos of the eye globes and malalignment of the teeth in Persian cats. Sixty-nine Persian cats of various skull dimensions and ten Domestic shorthair cats were recruited for the study. The cats' skulls were examined using three-dimensional reconstructions created from Computed Tomography datasets. Brachycephaly was graded using established craniometric measurements (facial index, cranial index, skull index, craniofacial angle). The flow area of the nasal passageways at different locations, the amount of the eye globe not supported by the bony orbit and the axial deviation of the teeth were quantified and evaluated for a correlation with the grade of brachycephaly. The results of this study clearly show that increased grades of brachycephaly in Persian cats resulted in larger extra-orbital parts of the ocular bulbs. The brachycephalic skull dimension also resulted in a lower height of the naso-osseal aperture, while other areas of the nasal airways were not correlated with the severity of brachycephaly. Persian cats showed a significantly increased occurrence of premolar tooth displacement in the upper jaw with increasing brachycephaly grades. It was interesting to note that the measured values had a broad range and values of some individual Persian cats showed an overlap with those of Domestic shorthair cats.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation With a Powder Containing A.N. ProDen™ (Ascophyllum Nodosum) Algae on Dog Saliva Metabolome

The objective of this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study (designed according to evidence-based medicine standards) was to determine the effect of 30-day administration of powdered brown algae, Ascophyllum nodosum (ProDen PlaqueOff, SwedenCare AB, Sweden), on saliva metabolomes in dogs. Sixty client-owned dogs underwent professional dental cleaning and were randomly subdivided into two groups receiving daily powdered brown algae A. nodosum, or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose in powder), adjusted to their bodyweight. After a comprehensive oral health assessment and professional dental cleaning, which were both performed under general anesthesia, clinical assessments for gingivitis, plaque, and calculus were conducted. Saliva samples were collected at Day 0 and Day 30 of supplementation. Whole saliva is a mixed fluid that is derived predominantly from the major salivary glands but it also contains numerous other constituents. Additionally, its composition varies on whether salivary secretion is basal or stimulated. Authors put efforts to avoid contamination of saliva by other constituents and character of saliva was basal. Quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer was used to conduct analysis of the saliva samples. Metabolomic analyses identified clear changes after 30 days of supplementation, and the direction of these changes was completely different than in dogs that received a placebo treatment during the same period. The positive clinical effect of 30 days of A. nodosum supplementation on oral health status in dogs described in previous publication combined with the absence of some metabolites in the saliva of dogs on day 30 of supplementation suggest that brown algae inhibit or turn off some pathways that could enhance plaque or calculus development. The exact mechanism of A. nodosum is still unclear and warrants further study.

Periodontal disease is associated with cognitive dysfunction in aging dogs: A blinded prospective comparison of visual periodontal and cognitive questionnaire scores

Background

Periodontal disease has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease in people. It is theorized that the chronic inflammatory condition characteristic of oral dysbiosis in patients with periodontal disease leads to disruption of the blood-brain barrier, cytotoxin- and pathogen-induced brain damage, and accumulation of neurotoxic β-amyloid. In this inflammatory theory of Alzheimer's disease, β-amyloid-a known antimicrobial protein-accumulates in response to oral pathogens. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is considered a naturally occurring animal model of human Alzheimer's disease. Like humans, periodontal disease is quite common in dogs; however, a link between periodontal disease and cognitive dysfunction has not been identified in this species.

Aim

The purpose of this prospective investigation was to compare visual periodontal scores (from digital oral photographs) with numerical (0-54) cognitive assessment questionnaire forms in aging dogs with and without a clinical diagnosis of CCD.

Methods

A visual analogue scale (0-4) was used to score the severity of periodontal disease in 21 aging dogs: 11 dogs with a clinical diagnosis of presumptive CCD and 10 dogs without a clinical history of cognitive decline. Individuals scoring the dental photographs were blinded to all case information, including cognitive assessment scores. Cognitive assessment scores were compared with periodontal disease scores for all dogs.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between periodontal and cognitive scores, with higher cognitive impairment scores being more likely in dogs with more severe periodontal disease and vice versa. No associations were identified between age and either periodontal disease or cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Although a cause-and-effect relationship between periodontal disease and cognitive impairment cannot be ascertained from this preliminary study, we established a link between these two disorders that warrants further investigation using more stringent criteria for evaluating both periodontal disease and cognitive dysfunction.

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.

Structure of the parotid gland in natural infection by Leishmania infantum in Canis familiaris

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to perform a histopathological, morphometric and proteomic study of the parotid gland of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum treated and not treated with Allopurinol.

DESIGN

Parotid glands from 14 dogs were used, divided into two groups: untreated and treated with oral allopurinol (20 mg / kg, once daily for 90 days). After adequate dissection, the organs were submitted to histopathological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical techniques, using the monoclonal anti-β-catenin antibody.

RESULTS

Histopathological evaluation of treated and untreated groups showed acinar hypertrophy, structural disorganization of the nucleus and cytoplasm. There was an increase in the area and perimeter of the parotid acini in the experimental groups. The immunostaining of the β-catenin protein in the membrane was severely reduced in the treated and untreated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Leishmania infantum infection and treatment with Allopurinol alter the tissue structure of the parotid gland in dogs, promoting an increase in the acinar volume and a decrease in the expression of β-catenin in cell membranes.

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.