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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

A Case Report of Periodontal Disease in a Dog

Journal:
International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology
Year:
2025
Authors:
Paolo Ruggero Errante
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, Brazil · Brazil
Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs that affects their gums and teeth. It happens when bacteria build up on the teeth, leading to gum inflammation and, if untreated, can cause tooth loss. In this case, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel had a lot of tartar on its teeth and showed signs of gum inflammation. The vet diagnosed the issue using a physical exam and special imaging tests, then treated it by removing loose teeth, cleaning the tartar, and polishing the remaining teeth. The treatment aimed to improve the dog's oral health and was successfully carried out.

Abstract

Periodontal disease is the most common condition affecting the oral cavity of dogs, characterized by gingivitis and periodontitis, caused by the presence of aerobic bacteria that accumulate on the surface of tooth in form of biofilm, subsequently favoring the colonization and growth of anaerobic bacteria with pathogenic potential. In gingivitis, inflammation of gums occurs, and in periodontitis, loss of epithelial adhesion, progressive bone loss and tooth mobility occur. Numerous factors are associated with periodontal disease, such as race, age, dental arch occlusion disorders, retention of deciduous teeth and dental crowding. The most common clinical signs of periodontal disease are halitosis and gum inflammation. The diagnosis is made through direct visual examination, which can identify the presence of dental calculus deposition and gingival inflammation, and the use of imaging tests such as radiography and computed tomography is essential. Surgical treatment consists of complete removal of dental calculus, removal of unstable teeth and polishing of teeth. In this study, a report of periodontal disease was carried out in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog, which presented a large amount of supragingival dental calculus on all teeth. The diagnosis was made through clinical signs, physical examination and computed tomography with 3D imaging. The treatment was carried out by extraction of mobile teeth, removal of dental calculus and polishing of the teeth.

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Original publication: https://doi.org/10.23880/izab-16000639