Dental Abnormalities in Two Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly-Positive Cane Corso Dogs: A Case Series.

Dental-skeletal-retinal-anomaly (DSRA) is a newly described collagenopathy in Cane Corso dogs. The causative mutation has been linked with splice defects within the melanoma inhibitory activity member 3 (MIA/3) gene that codes for the TANGO1 protein. This case series presents the first dental-related radiographic and histopathological abnormalities in two dogs with genetically confirmed DSRA. The clinical, radiological, and histological features are similar to those reported for MIA3/TANGO1 splice defects previously reported in humans and knockout mice. Common clinical features of these patients include generalized opalescent discoloration of the permanent dentition (intrinsic dyschromia), enamel defects, fractured teeth, vision loss, shortened physical stature, and orthopedic abnormalities that resulted in chronic, early-onset lameness. Intraoral radiography revealed delayed dentin deposition, evidence of endodontic disease, and dental hard tissue loss in both cases. Histopathologic findings for both cases were consistent with dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI). DSRA exhibits autosomal recessive heritability and commercial diagnostic tests are now available. Clinicians should be aware of the etiopathogenesis, genetic inheritance and associated comorbidities in order to treat and counsel clients on the management of this condition. It is recommended that all breeding individuals be tested, and carriers be sterilized or omitted from the breeding population. This case study describes intraoral diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up of two DSRA-positive dogs.

Canine Oral Lymphoma: A Review and 3 Case Studies.

Canine oral lymphoma is an infrequently diagnosed malignancy in dogs and reports in the literature are lacking. Most cases are due to epitheliotropic lymphoma, in which lesions are often multifocal and involve the skin as well as the oral cavity. Epitheliotropic lymphoma is an uncommon form of lymphoma that is characterized by neoplastic T-lymphocyte tropism for epithelial tissues. However, not all cases of oral lymphoma are due to epitheliotropic lymphoma, and B-cell disease is also possible. This article describes very different cases of oral lymphoma in dogs including the history at presentation, examination and radiographic findings, treatments, and outcomes. The cases highlight the variability in signalment, examination findings, and clinical courses that are found with oral lymphoma.

Evaluation of a topical gel containing a novel combination of essential oils and antioxidants for reducing oral malodor in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a topically applied gel containing essential oils (menthol and thymol) and polyphenolic antioxidants (phloretin and ferulic acid) for reducing halitosis in dogs. ANIMALS: 20 dogs. PROCEDURES: A blinded crossover clinical trial was conducted. Dogs received a dental cleaning and examination (periodontal examination including periodontal probing and assessments of plaque, calculus, and gingivitis). Owners then applied a gel (active or placebo) to oral soft tissues twice daily for a 4-week period. Teeth of the dogs were cleaned again, and owners applied the other gel for a 4-week period. Clinicians scored halitosis immediately after the initial cleaning and at 4 and 8 weeks, and owners scored halitosis weekly. RESULTS: Halitosis assessment by clinicians revealed that both groups had improvement in halitosis scores. Two dogs were removed because of owner noncompliance. In the active-to-placebo group (n = 9), halitosis was significantly reduced during application of the active gel but increased during application of the placebo. Seven of 9 owners reported increased halitosis when treatment was changed from the active gel to the placebo. In the placebo-to-active group (n = 9), halitosis decreased during application of the placebo and continued to decrease during application of the active gel. Seven of 9 owners reported a decrease in halitosis with the active gel. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An oral topically applied gel with essential oils and polyphenolic antioxidants applied daily after an initial professional dental cleaning decreased oral malodor in dogs.

Dental diseases of puppies and kittens.

Although there are certain differences warranting specific options therapeutically in young animals, many of the basic dental principles still apply. The key is examining the oral cavity of every patient at each visit and knowing how to recognize and manage any abnormalities encountered. Providing sound oral care from the time of a patient's first visit can figure significantly in a lifelong commitment to oral health that can have a positive impact on the patient's overall health.

Main and interaction effects of metallic toxins on classroom behavior.

This study investigated the relationships of metal levels and metal combinations to children's classroom behavior. Hair-metal concentrations of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum were determined in 80 randomly selected elementary-age children, who were also rated by their classroom teacher on the Walker Problem Behavior Identification Checklist (WPBIC). Parents were interviewed to control for confounding variables that may have affected behavioral development. Regression analysis indicated that the set of metals was significantly related to increased scores on four of the five WPBIC subscales and on the total scale, with lead being a major contributor to four of the six dependent measures. Metal combinations were significantly related to increased scores on the WPBIC subscales measuring acting-out, disturbed peer relations, and immaturity, and on the total scale. A continuing reexamination of metal poisoning concentrations is needed because metal levels and metal combinations previously thought harmless may be associated with nonadaptive classroom behavior.