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Periodontal Disease of Dogs
Škutová, Šárka ; Barták, Miroslav (advisor) ; Olekšáková, Tereza (referee)
Periodontal disease (PD) affects periodontium and thanks to its prevalence it is considered to be one of the most occurred diseases in small animals and even in human. The uppermost etiological agens presents bacterial plaque. Bacterial plaque strongly accumulate if it is not eliminated and it might be the cause of development of gingivitis or even periodontitis over time.
The anatomy itself is relatively large, since the oral cavity is comprised of many kinds of tissues and a detailed description thereof would cover 70 pages at least. That is why the main aim of this work was to attempt to select the most basic information only.
Due to dividing of anatomical structures into bones, soft tissues, salivary glands and teeth, the individual components of supporting apparatus (periodontium) are not described in chapter called ,,periodontium,,. Here is explained its purpose and a description and function of periodontal ligament, which has not been included above. Particular attention was paid to the teeth. Determining the type and the number of individual teeth, the knowledge of their structure and the number of roots, all of that is important when it comes to a tooth extraction. The knowledge of tooth marking, dental formulas, identification systems and odontogenesis itself is equally important.
As for each disease, the etiology is the essential part for understanding the formation of disease. Bacterial plaque, which adheres to enamel of teeth is regarded (as already mentioned) as initial etiological agens. It can mineralize in tartar in varying degrees depending on every individual subject (animal). There are involved other risk factors at onset of the disease such as age, breed, number and line-up of the teeth, their pathology, diet, but also some diseases.
PD can be classified in two basic forms (gingivitis, periodontitis). Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is often denoted as initial and totally reversible stage of disease. It is possible that there may not be present any symptoms or just slight redness at the beginning. Later stage leads to swelling, pain and significant bleeding, whereas it can manifest in periodontitis if therapy is absent.
Periodontitis affects the entire periodontium and it is often called as an irreversible stage. Although thanks to guided tissue and bone regeneration it is possible to achieve at least slight improvement these days. In most patients disease passes into chronic form, causes them not only pain during eating, but may also result in various systemic diseases. A special form which affects younger individuals is called ,,juvenile periodontitis,,. Diagnosis is primarily based on the medical history and examination of the oral cavity. Tartar index, gingivitis index, grades of tooth mobility and other parameters, which helps to determine the extension of disease and stage can be obtained using the intraoral radiographic, visual examination and measurement by periodontal probe. All collected information can be used to devise recommended therapy.
The sole therapy depends on the state of the patient and the requirements of the owner. It consists of several steps. The essence is especially removal of any deposits of bacterial plaque and tartar, correction of teeth pathologies (smoothing rough surfaces) and tissues pathologies to eventual tooth extraction. As part of the therapy may also be chosen application of antibiotics and other preparations supporting wound healing. Many specialists have been developing new treatments over the past 10 years, but most of them are still not fully finished. These include the development of vaccines, photodynamic therapy, or guided tissue and bone regeneration, which were already mentioned.
An integral part of therapy is home dental care. Without consistent home care there is a high probability of relapse.
An important weapon against the rise of PD are various preventive measures. The most effective method of prevention is probably regular tooth brushing using a brush and a special paste made for animals. However, many owners prefer to avoid this method. They rather elect to feed dry diets, dental treats and other products which help to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar. Another option is a professional teeth cleaning performed by a veterinarian.
A survey via questionnaire consisted of 16 questions, which were aimed at awareness of the disease, age, sex, breed, size, diet, preparations which help to control amount of plaque and tartar, systemic diseases and especially the presence of PD, age at first hit by disease, the circumstances of diagnosis, stage, treatment and relapse.
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