Periodontal and Dental Status in Packs of Spanish Dogs

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.

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

“…Halitosis is most commonly associated with dental disease ( 5 ), including gingivitis, and increase accordingly. Regarding dental calculus, previous studies have suggested a prevalence of 61–100% ( 1 , 4 , 9 , 31 ). Dental calculus is also an indicator of poor dental hygiene and was reported by 53% of dog owners, but it was detected in almost all three-year-old dogs during the examination, increasing the evidence that dental calculus is under-reported by dog owners.…”