An Epidemiological study on Periodontal Diseases in Dogs - A Clinical Study of 103 Canine Patients

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are quite common in pet dogs, but seldom draw attention of pet owners and Veterinarians. A study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in dogs. Oral cavities of 103 dogs, older than 6 months, were examined and details about feeding practices were recorded. The overall prevalence of periodontal diseases was recorded to be 68.9%. Within a breed, prevalence was high in Spitz (78.45%), Pomeranian (70%), Labrador (62.06%), Mongrel (75%) and other non descriptive breeds (68%) but low in German Shepherd, Dalmatian and Boxer breeds (50% each). In general, dogs given non-vegetarian diet appeared to suffer less than those given only vegetarian diet. Dogs given only vegetarian diet had highest prevalence (75.5%) of dental problems, followed by those given a combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet (65.5%), a combination of both and commercial food (60%), a combination of vegetarian and commercial food (55.56 %) and vegetarian and egg (25%).