A cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of periodontal disease in a population of dogs (Canis familiaris) in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana and Illinois

Abstract

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were: 1) to estimate the prevalence and characterize the severity of periodontal disease in a population of dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities; 2) to characterize PD preventive care utilized by facility owners; and 3) to assess inter-rater reliability of a visual scoring assessment tool. Adult dogs (N = 445) representing 42 breeds at 24 CB facilities in Indiana and Illinois were assessed. Periodontal disease was scored visually using the American Veterinary Dental Collage 0-IV scale. Inter-rater reliability was assessed on 198 dogs and facility owners were asked to provide information about the preventive care utilized. The overall prevalence of periodontal disease (Grades I-IV) was 86.3% (95% CI: 82.9, 89.3). An ordered logistic regression analysis found age (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.24, 1.54; P<0.0001), facility (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.09, 1.18; P<0.0001), sex (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.12, 2.65; P = 0.013), and non-professional dental scaling (OR = 2.82; 95% CI 1.34, 5.91; P = 0.006) to be statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability analysis found agreement to be 86.2%, with a weighted kappa of 0.4731 (95% CI 0.3847, 0.5615) indicating moderate agreement. Risk of periodontal disease increased with increasing age. Additionally, a trend toward decreasing risk with increasing weight was also found, although it was not statistically significant. The trends identified agree with studies that have evaluated periodontal disease in the companion dog population and do not support the assumption that the dental health of dogs in commercial breeding facilities is worse than that of the population as a whole. Although there were few cases of severe periodontal disease and all facilities employed some type of preventive care in this sample, the large number of dogs with some degree of disease (Grades I-IV) suggests that further investigation of preventive care is warranted.

Miniature Schnauzers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013: demography, mortality and disorders

“…In a research population of beagles where full-mouth examination was carried out under general anaesthesia and where periodontal disease was defined as clinical attachment loss ≥1 mm, the prevalence of periodontal disease was reported at 20% in one-year old dogs and 84% in dogs over 3 years [62]. A cross-sectional study of dogs in a commercial breeding facility in the USA reported an 86.3% prevalence of periodontal disease using examination of the dentition and gingiva without sedation or anaesthesia [63]. Nonetheless, the results from the current study highlight dental disease as a disorder priority and suggest that attention to increased dental prophylaxis for the Miniature Schnauzer by owners and veterinarians is warranted.…”

Dental Biofilm as Etiological Agent of Canine Periodontal Disease

“…Unfortunately, the damage from periodontal disease is not confined to just loss of teeth. Oral infection, especially periodontitis, may affect the course and pathogenesis of a number of systemic diseases, such as chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, endocarditis, interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis and hepatitis [1].…”

“…Periodontal disease is a significant veterinary health problem of companion dogs [1]. Periodontal disease refers to a group of inflammatory diseases.…”

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

“…Although one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, with a reported prevalence of 80-89% in dogs over 3 years of age (1)(2)(3)(4), periodontal disease is often overlooked and may therefore be inadequately treated and prevented (5). Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease affecting the tooth supporting tissues which may lead to progressive tissue and tooth loss (6).…”