Molecular Microbiological Characteristics of Gingival Pockets in the Periodontal Diseases of Dogs.

Introduction: Canine periodontitis results among other factors from a disturbed balance of dental plaque microflora and an inadequate host inflammatory response to a stimulus. This investigation sought to identify microorganisms associated with canine periodontitis. Material and Methods: Microbiological analysis was undertaken of gingival pockets in an experimental group of 36 dogs with periodontal diseases. Swabs were collected with the use of Pet Test (MIP Pharma, Berlin, Germany) from patients with gingival pockets deeper than 5 mm. Samples were aggregated and placed in separate shipping containers with the Pet Test kit. Results: Identification was made of the most common microorganisms, e.g. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Prevotella intermedia. The red complex constituted the largest proportion of all analysed organisms (84.26%). Capnocytophaga gingivalis was isolated from 33 dogs, Peptostreptococcus micros from 32 dogs, Fusobacterium nucleatum from 29 animals and P. intermedia from 20. Conclusion: The highest percentage of pathogens was supplied by P. gingivalis (61%). It is thought that dogs acquire them by means of cross-species transmission. The inter-study variability of results may depend not only on the method of periopathogen detection, but also on environmental factors, host immune status or genetic background. Depending on the state of periodontal disease, patients show varied microbiological profiles of the gingival pockets.

Elastographic and Morphological Testicular Changes in Hypothyroidism - An Experimental Study.

INTRODUCTION: Methimazole-induced hypothyroidism is a clinical problem in the treatment of hyperthyroidism in people and animals and is an example of metabolic disease that can lead to fertility disorders and can give elastographic testicular changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasound elastography using the Esaote MyLab Twice ultrasound system and a morphological examination of testes were performed in seven methimazole-administered (group E) and seven healthy rats (group C). RESULTS: The elasticity ratio of strains in the scrotal wall of the near-field test area to testicular tissue (ELX-T-RAT) and hardness percentage of strained tissues in the defined area of a testicle (ELX-T%HRD) in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C. The degree of spermatogenesis was statistically significantly higher in group E than in group C and similarly seminiferous tubule diameters in group E were statistically significantly higher than in group C. Body weight and testicular weight in group E were statistically significantly lower than in group C. CONCLUSION: Changes in the elastographical parameters of testes may result from disorders secondary to hypothyroidism. The usefulness of elastography is noteworthy in the case of evaluation of testis function in patients with some metabolic disorders.

Molecular-level evaluation of selected periodontal pathogens from subgingival regions in canines and humans with periodontal disease.

Dogs commonly serve as a model for various human conditions, including periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the anaerobic bacteria that colonize the subgingival areas in dogs and humans by using rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based tests and to compare the results obtained in each species. Bacterial microflora evaluations, both quantitative and qualitative, were performed by applying ready-made tests on twelve dogs and twelve humans. Five samples were collected from each subject's deepest gingival pockets and joined to form a collective sample. The results of the study revealed interspecies similarities in the prevalences of Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Red complex bacteria comprised the largest portion of the studied bacterial complexes in all study groups, with P. gingivalis being the most commonly isolated bacterium. The results show similarities in the prevalence of bacterial microflora in dogs and humans. Microbiological analysis of gingival pockets by using rapid real-time PCR-based tests in clinical practice, both veterinary and human, can facilitate the choice of appropriate pharmacological treatment and can provide a basis for subsequent verification of the treatment's effectiveness.

Analysis of gingival pocket microflora and biochemical blood parameters in dogs suffering from periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Periodontal diseases in dogs are caused by bacteria colonising the oral cavity. The presence of plaque comprising accumulations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria leads to the development of periodontitis. Due to the fact that in a large percentage of cases periodontal diseases remain undiagnosed, and consequently untreated, they tend to acquire a chronic character, lead to bacteraemia and negatively impact the health of internal organs. The aim of the present study was to perform a qualitative microbiological analysis of gingival pockets and determine the correlations between selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters and the extent periodontal diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one dogs treated for periodontal diseases were qualified for the study and subsequently divided into two groups: with 3rd and 4th stage of periodontal disease. Swabs from the patients' gingival pockets were taken for bacteriological testing. Blood was tested for parameters including erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit values and leukocyte count. Blood serum was analyzed with respect to the concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AspAT/AST) and urea. RESULTS: The microbiological analysis of gingival pockets indicated the presence of numerous pathogens with a growth tendency in bacterial cultures observed in dogs with advanced-stage periodontal disease. The concentration of biochemical blood markers was significantly higher in dogs with 4th stage of periodontal disease, to compared to the 3rd-stage group. Morphological parameters were not significantly different with the exception of haemoglobin concentration, which was lower in dogs with 4th stage disease. In both groups, elevated leukocyte counts were observed. CONCLUSION: By conducting a detailed microbiological examination, it is possible to provide a better prognosis, plan adequate treatment and monitor dogs treated for peridontopathy.