Coping with Dog Periodontitis: Treatment and Symptoms

Section 1: Causes of Canine Periodontitis

1. Bacterial Growth Factors: These include Candida albicans, Dermatophytes, and Capsulatum species, among others.

2. Bacterial Factors: Clostridia and spirilla, which are part of the normal oral microbiome, can lead to necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and stomatitis.

3. Physical Factors: Ingestion of foreign objects like wire, fishhooks, wood shavings, burrs, or sewing needles can cause oral injury and inflammation or ulcers.

4. ImmuneMediated Factors: Most cases involve oral lesions that often start locally and can spread from the lips and mucous membranes to the tongue and gums, causing lesions.

5. Disease Factors:

Chronic renal insufficiency due to dehydration (such as diabetes or kidney disease) can lead to dry mouth, exacerbating the condition.

Uremia resulting from systemic diseases.

Thyroid hypofunction can cause oral mucosal ulcers and periodontal disease.

Vitamin deficiencies can directly lead to oral diseases, with a lack of B vitamins often exacerbating such conditions.

Chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers can also lead to the appearance of oral diseases.

Section 2: Symptoms of Canine Periodontitis

1. Teeth may become loose, with the gums showing signs of purulent discharge, exposed root surfaces, softening, swelling, and atrophy.

2. Even in asymptomatic cases, eating can stimulate inflamed areas, causing pain, with the dog possibly whining and drooling excessively.

3. The oral mucosa, soft palate, tongue, hard palate, and gums may exhibit varying degrees of redness, ulcers, or granuloma formation.

4. Radiographic imaging can reveal localized bone resorption within the alveolar bone, indicating apical periodontitis.

Section 3: Preventive Measures for Canine Periodontitis

1. Under anesthesia, remove dental plaque, teeth, and food particles. Pay special attention to cleaning plaque and tartar from the surface of the lower teeth, particularly in the gingival pockets.

2. Try to polish all tooth surfaces to prevent plaque and calculus buildup and adherence.

3. Remove loose teeth. In cases of persistent periodontitis that does not heal, tooth extraction may be necessary. If the gums are hypertrophic, electrocautery can be used to remove tissue.

4. Apply iodine glycerin postoperatively. Administer systemic treatments with antibiotics, vitamin B complex, niacin, and other medications.

5. Regularly check the mouth and teeth, and use gauze to clean tartar. Provide large bones or tough chew toys to exercise the teeth and gums.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more articles on canine periodontitis, click on "Gingivitis and Periodontitis" to learn more.