Periodontal diseases and other dental disorders in dogs : An epidemiologic study

Abstract

The study determined the epidemiology of periodontal diseases among dogs. This study was conducted on 181 dogs older than 6 months to examine their oral cavities and gather information about their feeding habits. Periodontal diseases were reported in 59.67% of dogs. It was highest for Spitz (75.61%), followed by German shepherd (64.49%), Mongrel (61.53%), Labrador (51.02%) and other Non-descriptive breeds (33.9%). Compared to dogs fed only vegetarian diets, those fed non-vegetarian diets had few health problems. There was the highest incidence of dental problems among vegetarians (69.28%), followed by those given a combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets (51.32%). Periodontitis was common in these dogs, regardless of its cause, and its incidence increased with age. Lesions were more severe in the premolar and molar regions than in the maxillary and mandibular incisor regions. The incidence of missing teeth increased with age. First premolars were the most commonly lost teeth, followed by other premolars and molars, where severe periodontitis was commonly found. The incidence and severity of calculus on teeth increased with age. Due to these findings, it is especially important to keep dogs’ dental hygiene in good condition and conduct continuous periodic examinations.