Periodontitis in Dogs

By: Dr. David Nielsen

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Pet Lovers

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations.

Diagnosis In-depth

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize canine periodontitis. Tests may include:

Your veterinarian should complete a thorough dental history and dental examination. Periodontitis can be seen at almost any age and affects more than 80 percent of dogs over 3 years of age.

Full mouth radiographs (X-rays) are usually very important because 70 percent of the tooth structure is below the gumline and periodontitis cannot be properly diagnosed without them.

Periodontal probing and dental charting may be done.

Radiographs (X-rays) may determine the type of therapy for teeth that have bone loss because 90 percent of teeth that have 90 percent bone loss can be saved.

Chronic, refractory cases may benefit from anaerobic culture and sensitivities.

Treatment In-depth

Treatment for canine periodontitis may include one or more of the following:

Antimicrobials may be given one hour pre-operatively if indicated. Examples of antimicrobials are those that target gram-negative anaerobic bacteria such as clindamycin and a combination of enrofloxacin and metronidazole.

Chlorhexidine (0.12 percent) may be sprayed in the oral cavity which may reduce aerosolized bacteria by 95 percent at the start, middle and end of the procedure.

Ultrasonic scaling (removing tarter from teeth), both supra- and sub-gingival (above and below the gum line), and root planning (scraping of the tooth to remove bacteria) may be performed by an experienced veterinarian.

Periodontal pockets (deep space between the gum and root of the tooth) greater than 5 mm may require surgical periodontal flaps in order to effectively root plane away the calculus and bacterial biofilms.

Single pockets may benefit from a locally instilled perioceutic product.

Follow-up

The best treatment for your dog is a combination of home care and professional veterinary care. Home care is critical to the prognosis/outcome of canine periodontitis.

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