Prevalence of oral diseases in dogs in Tirana urban area

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of oral diseases in dogs examined at the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital during 2013 - 2014. The dogs underwent a special control for diseases of oral cavity. Site specifications and severity of dental diseases were assessed using modified indexing systems. A total number of 776 dogs, presented at a private Tirana/Albania urban veterinary hospital for different reasons, during this period were analyzed. Analysis by oral disease type revealed 692 dogs or 89.1% dent-gingival disorders. Of these animals, 441 (56.8%) of 776 dogs had periodontal disease; 468 (60.3%) had dental calculus; 241 (31.0%) had teeth loss and 50 (6.4%) had abnormal attrition. Two cases of dogs suffering from tumours, one case with dental caries, two cases with the enamel hypoplasia and one case with gingival hyperplasia, were also observed. Data from this study showed that periodontitis and dental calculus are among the most common diseases prevalent in dogs. There were also observed changes in the deposit of calculus between the upper and lower jaw; with the most calculus deposits observed in the upper jaw. No differences were observed between the right side and the left side of the jaw. Dental calculus index was almost the same between the right side and left side. Frequency of periodontal changes and the degree of inflammation increased with an increase in the age of the dog. Dental calculus was observed at an earlier age in small breeds of dogs. Dental calculus index was lower in large dog breeds compared to the small dog breeds and increased with age. Results of the study showed a high prevalence of oral diseases in dogs and confirmed that periodontal disease is the most common oral disease in dogs.