Malocclusion in cats associated with mandibular soft tissue trauma: a retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether an association existed between cephalometric measurements, maxillomandibular dental arch distances and the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions in the mandibular soft tissues of cats. METHODS: Cats that had presented for dental consultations and that underwent cone-beam CT during diagnostic assessment were included in the study and categorised as cases and controls in a 1:2 ratio. Cases were designated as cats with a clinical diagnosis of malocclusion causing trauma to the buccal mandibular soft tissues or pyogenic granuloma secondary to the trauma, and controls were designated as cats with the absence of such diagnoses and without a history of other musculoskeletal anomalies in the head. Cephalometric measurements, including skull and facial indexes, as well as distances and angulations between dental crowns and crown tips, were calculated and analysed statistically. RESULTS: In total, 72 cats (24 cases and 48 controls) were included in the study. Cephalometric measurements revealed a significant association between the skull and facial indexes and the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions in the caudal teeth. Brachycephaly was a strong predictor of the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions. In addition, the space between crown tips and teeth angulations was a contributing factor to the trauma. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cats with traumatic malocclusions in the cheek teeth tend to present a narrower interdental space between the maxillary and mandibular carnassial teeth, mostly attributed to skeletal and dental malocclusion. These findings can be used to help raise awareness about this disease in cats and its association with brachycephaly. Cut-off values have been proposed and could be used in the selection of cats by breeders to reduce the occurrence of this disease.

A water additive with pomegranate can reduce dental plaque and calculus accumulation in dogs.

Oral homecare plays a major part in dental disease prevention but it can be difficult to perform and time-consuming. Furthermore, the product used can be of limited efficiency. The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of a water additive to limit the accumulation of plaque and calculus in dogs. Forty dogs were selected and randomly allocated to one of the two groups after scaling and polishing on day 0. The control group received no oral hygiene while the second group received the water additive (Vet Aquadent® FR3SH™, Virbac) every day. After 30 days, plaque and calculus accumulations were evaluated under anesthesia. The Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) was assessed on days 0 and 30. On day 30, the plaque and calculus indices were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) in the Aquadent group compared to the control group with median (Q1-Q3) scores of 1.22 (0.99-1.44) vs. 2.31 (1.65-3.86), respectively for plaque and 0.25 (0.15-0.42) vs. 0.33 (0.32-0.69) for calculus. Between day 0 and day 30, the GBI significantly decreased in the control group [from 0.39 (0.21-0.56) to 0.19 (0.08-0.29)] and in the Aquadent group [from 0.33 (0.18-0.47) to 0.00 (0.00-0.00)] but the decrease was significantly greater in the Aquadent group. These results show for the first time that the water additive tested can reduce dental deposit accumulation in dogs and improve gingival health. It can be recommended after a dental cleaning, especially to owners who are reluctant to provide dental care at home due to a lack of time or convenience.

A Retrospective Study of Ectopic Eruption in 35 Dogs.

Ectopic eruption results from a disturbance in tooth development and eruption, leading to an erupted or non-erupted tooth being in an unexpected anatomical location. This retrospective case series describes the location, position, form, and clinical signs associated with ectopic eruption in dogs. Thirty-five dogs (46 teeth) were diagnosed with ectopic eruption at three clinical practices during 2017-2020. The cases were described in terms of the location, the development and eruption status, the clinical signs, the consequences, and the treatment performed. The collected data were statistically analyzed to establish possible ramifications. The results showed that the ectopic eruption in the evaluated cases involved permanent teeth, mainly located in the maxilla, and mostly unerupted. Those located in the mandible were significantly more impacted than those located in the maxilla. This study concluded that tooth crowding and malocclusion (39.1%), facial swelling (8.6%), and periodontal disease (8.6%) were associated with the presence of ectopic eruption, and consequently, treatment was required in the majority (65.2%) of cases.

Treatment of Naturally Occurring Periodontitis in Dogs With a New Bio-Absorbable Regenerative Matrix.

Although periodontal disease is one of the most common (oral) diseases in dogs, an effective treatment approach to periodontitis lacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a regenerative, bio-absorbable implant biomaterial made of medical-grade porcine gelatin, which is cross-linked by transglutaminase into a porous scaffold for the treatment of periodontitis in dogs in a clinical setting. Nine client-owned dogs were included in this multicenter, prospective interventional clinical study. A split-mouth design was used to treat any teeth with periodontitis; teeth on one side of the mouth were treated with open periodontal therapy alone (control teeth) and teeth on the other side were treated with open periodontal therapy and the tested implant (teeth treated with the implant). A recheck under general anesthesia was performed 3 months after the initial treatment and included periodontal probing, dental radiographs, and/or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the teeth included in the study. This revealed a reduction of the probing depth (PD) at all teeth, but in teeth treated with the implant, a statistically significant improvement (average 2.0 mm) over control teeth (average 1.0 mm) was diagnosed. Similarly, alveolar bone height was increased at most of the teeth, but in teeth treated with the implant, a statistically significant improvement (average 1.26 mm palatally and 1.51 mm buccally) over control teeth (average 0.58 mm palatally and 0.7 mm buccally) was observed for the buccal site. Open periodontal therapy alone improves clinical parameters and alveolar bone height in dogs with periodontitis, which is further significantly improved by the addition of the implant used.

Skeletal-dental features in 33 bull terrier dogs.

BACKGROUND: The Bull terrier breed has been reported in the veterinary literature to suffer frequent dental and skeletal malocclusions. In this retrospective case series, we report skeletal-dental anomalies in a group of 33 Bull terriers presented for a dental consultation. RESULTS: Out of 33 dogs examined, 24 cases had full mouth radiography or Cone-beam computed tomography performed. Eruption and development abnormalities observed were as follows: hypodontia in 54.1% (13/24), eruption changes in 29.2% (7/24), and tooth shape abnormalities in 33.3% (8/24). All dogs presented with some type of dental or skeletal malocclusion: neutroclusion was the most common (66.7% of the animals), followed by mandibular mesioclusion (18.8%), maxillo-mandibular asymmetry (9.4%), and mandibular distoclusion (6.3%). Dental abnormalities noted included rotation of mandibular and maxillary premolar teeth, distal displacement of the incisor teeth, lingual displacement of the mandibular canine teeth, and absence of mandibular premolar and molar teeth. Lingual displacement of mandibular canine teeth was associated with malocclusion causing trauma (odds ratio 7.1, 95% confidence interval [1.4 to 36.1], p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Malocclusions and tooth shape abnormalities were found to be the most frequent finding in this group of Bull terriers. Although these findings cannot be generalized to the global population further studies are needed to observe the true expression of these anomalies in the general breed population.

The mycobiome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mycobiome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of periodontal disease. ANIMALS: 51 dogs without periodontal disease (n = 12) or with mild (10), moderate (19), or severe (10) periodontal disease. PROCEDURES: The whole maxillary arcade of each dog was sampled with a sterile swab, and swabs were submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region with a commercial sequencing platform. RESULTS: Fungi were detected in all samples, with a total of 320 fungal species from 135 families detected in the data set. No single fungal species was found in all samples. The 3 most frequently found fungal species were Cladosporium sp (46/51 samples), Malassezia restricta (44/51 samples), and Malassezia arunalokei (36/51 samples). Certain fungi, specifically those of the family Didymellaceae, the family Irpicaceae, and the order Pleosporales, were significantly associated with different stages of periodontitis. Mycobial analysis indicated that Cladosporium sp could be considered part of the core oral cavity mycobiome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results highlighted that fungi are present in the oral cavity of dogs and are characterized by substantial species diversity, with different fungal communities associated with various stages of periodontal disease. The next-generation DNA sequencing used in the present study revealed substantially more species of fungi than previous culture-based studies.

The bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bacteriome of the oral cavity in healthy dogs and dogs with various stages of periodontal disease. ANIMALS: Dogs without periodontal disease (n = 12) or with mild (10), moderate (19), or severe (10) periodontal disease. PROCEDURES: The maxillary arcade of each dog was sampled with a sterile swab, and swabs were submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing targeting the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: 714 bacterial species from 177 families were identified. The 3 most frequently found bacterial species were Actinomyces sp (48/51 samples), Porphyromonas cangingivalis (47/51 samples), and a Campylobacter sp (48/51 samples). The most abundant species were P cangingivalis, Porphyromonas gulae, and an undefined Porphyromonas sp. Porphyromonas cangingivalis and Campylobacter sp were part of the core microbiome shared among the 4 groups, and P gulae, which was significantly enriched in dogs with severe periodontal disease, was part of the core microbiome shared between all groups except dogs without periodontal disease. Christensenellaceae sp, Bacteroidales sp, Family XIII sp, Methanobrevibacter oralis, Peptostreptococcus canis, and Tannerella sp formed a unique core microbiome in dogs with severe periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results highlighted that in dogs, potential pathogens can be common members of the oral cavity bacteriome in the absence of disease, and changes in the relative abundance of certain members of the bacteriome can be associated with severity of periodontal disease. Future studies may aim to determine whether these changes are the cause or result of periodontal disease or the host immune response.

Comparison of a Vegetable-Based Dental Chew to 2 Other Chews for Oral Health Prevention.

Giving dental chews to dogs is part of the passive homecare that helps prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. The objectives of these studies were to assess the effectiveness of a vegetable-based dental chew (VF) to maintain oral health, and to compare it to 2 different reference chews (RC) with a proven effectiveness. The first study was conducted on 45 small dogs (<10 kg) and the second on 60 larger dogs (15-30 kg) who were randomly assigned to 3 different groups. During 30 days, one group received no chew (control) while the second and third group received either one RC (RC1 or RC2) or one VF per day. All dogs had their teeth scaled on Day 0. On Day 30, scores were given for plaque and calculus. Gingival parameters were also assessed. Statistical analysis (analysis of variance and Tukey tests ± Bonferroni's adjustment) were performed to compare groups with α set at .05 for significance.The 3 types of chews were found to be efficacious to reduce plaque and calculus formation and the gingival bleeding compared to control (P < .05). There was no significant difference between RCs and VF in both trials except for the gingival bleeding parameters which showed a greater improvement with VF. Therefore, daily administration of the VF is effective to reduce plaque and calculus formation and gingival bleeding and has a better efficacy on gingival bleeding than the other reference products tested. It can therefore be used with confidence at home for preventative dental care.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation With a Powder Containing A.N. ProDen™ (Ascophyllum Nodosum) Algae on Dog Saliva Metabolome.

The objective of this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study (designed according to evidence-based medicine standards) was to determine the effect of 30-day administration of powdered brown algae, Ascophyllum nodosum (ProDen PlaqueOff, SwedenCare AB, Sweden), on saliva metabolomes in dogs. Sixty client-owned dogs underwent professional dental cleaning and were randomly subdivided into two groups receiving daily powdered brown algae A. nodosum, or a placebo (microcrystalline cellulose in powder), adjusted to their bodyweight. After a comprehensive oral health assessment and professional dental cleaning, which were both performed under general anesthesia, clinical assessments for gingivitis, plaque, and calculus were conducted. Saliva samples were collected at Day 0 and Day 30 of supplementation. Whole saliva is a mixed fluid that is derived predominantly from the major salivary glands but it also contains numerous other constituents. Additionally, its composition varies on whether salivary secretion is basal or stimulated. Authors put efforts to avoid contamination of saliva by other constituents and character of saliva was basal. Quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer was used to conduct analysis of the saliva samples. Metabolomic analyses identified clear changes after 30 days of supplementation, and the direction of these changes was completely different than in dogs that received a placebo treatment during the same period. The positive clinical effect of 30 days of A. nodosum supplementation on oral health status in dogs described in previous publication combined with the absence of some metabolites in the saliva of dogs on day 30 of supplementation suggest that brown algae inhibit or turn off some pathways that could enhance plaque or calculus development. The exact mechanism of A. nodosum is still unclear and warrants further study.

Comparative morphometry of the temporomandibular joint in brachycephalic and mesocephalic cats using multislice CT and cone beam CT.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare morphometric measurements of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in two groups of cats with brachycephalic and mesocephalic craniofacial skull conformations using multislice CT and cone beam CT. METHODS: CT records of 20 cats without TMJ pathology were included in the study, and were divided into two groups according to those with mesocephalic or brachycephalic skull conformation. Width and depth of the mandibular fossa, width and height of the head of the mandible, and two different angles were measured in 40 TMJs. RESULTS: TMJ conformation differed between groups: 3/6 parameters were statistically different. Brachycephalic cats had a significantly narrower mandibular fossa, a shorter head of the mandible and a wider angle of congruence (angle 2). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results provide morphometric measurements that can serve as a reference tool for the veterinary radiologist and surgeon when TMJ evaluation is necessary. Moreover, the study identified significant differences between the two craniofacial skull conformations.

Retrospective Study of 18 Titanium Alloy Crowns Produced by Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Dogs.

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology is routinely used in various fields of human dentistry, particularly prosthodontics. Reverse engineering and additive manufacturing allow the technician to create an easier, faster and more accurate restoration, with a natural design and adequate strength. Eighteen titanium alloy full crowns were produced for canine teeth of 7 working dogs using CAD/CAM technology (3D BioCare, Nobel Biocare). Reasons for crown therapy included abrasion, enamel infraction, and crown fracture. Crown preparation was routinely performed, and impressions were delivered to the laboratory where digital impressions were performed with a lab scanner. Using 3D dental design software, the metal crown was designed and sent for manufacture. Each prosthodontic crown was then carved from a solid titanium alloy block to obtain the final crown. All prosthodontic crowns were an adequate fit, and cementation was routinely performed. Crowns were lost from 2 canine teeth during the dogs' normal working activity, in one case, for 2 times. In all cases, replicas were requested. In the first case, the second cementation was successful. In the second case, the second crown was again lost and only the third cementation was successful. Follow up of all cases range from 12 to 62 months. Mean survival time for the crowns was 58.0 months. Here, CAD/CAM technology is shown to be a useful tool for manufacturing accurate prosthodontic crowns for veterinary patients. Moreover, CAD/CAM enables the production of prosthodontic crown replicas in a very short time and at relatively low cost compared to traditional methods, consequently eliminating the need for at least one anesthetic procedure in the incidence of crown cementation failure.

Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study.

The objective of this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study (designed according to evidence based medicine standards) was to determine the effect of 90-day administration of edible treats containing the brown algae, Ascophyllum nodosum, on plaque and dental calculus accumulation on the teeth of dogs, as well as on other parameters characterizing canine oral health status, including: plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), oral health index (OHI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) concentration. Sixty client-owned dogs, including Japanese chin, miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and West Highland White Terrier (WHWT) breeds, underwent professional dental cleaning and were randomly subdivided into two groups receiving daily edible treats containing the brown algae A. nodosum, or placebo, adjusted to their bodyweight. After a comprehensive oral health assessment, including a professional dental cleaning, which were both performed under general anesthesia, clinical assessments of PI, CI, OHI, GBI, and VSC concentration were performed under sedation after 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment. Oral administration of edible treats containing A. nodosum significantly improved PI, CI, and VSC concentration, compared with the placebo-treated group. The consumption of edible treats containing A. nodosum efficiently decreased plaque and calculus accumulation in the investigated dogs. Dogs treated with A. nodosum also exhibited significantly lower concentrations of VSC and better oral health status (e.g., OHI and GBI) than those in the placebo-control group.

Oral and dental anomalies in purebred, brachycephalic Persian and Exotic cats.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of dental anomalies in brachycephalic cats from various geographic regions and analyze potential relationships with oral disease. DESIGN Prospective multicenter cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 50 purebred Persian (n = 42) and Exotic (8) cats. PROCEDURES Cats were anesthetized, and a complete dental examination, dental charting, 3-view oral photography, and full-mouth dental radiography were performed. RESULTS Malocclusions were observed in 36 (72%) cats. Crowding of the teeth was evident in 28 (56%) cats, with the incisors being most commonly affected. Malpositioned teeth were noted in 32 (64%) cats, with abnormal orientation being the most common anomaly followed by rotation and impaction. Numerical abnormalities were present in 38 (76%) cats, including 6 (12%) with hyperdontia and 32 (64%) with hypodontia. Periodontal disease was reported in 44 (88%) cats, and cats with periodontal disease were older than cats without. Tooth resorption was evident in 35 (70%) cats. Overall, 123 of 1,349 (8.7%) teeth had external inflammatory resorption and 82 (6.1%) had external replacement resorption. The premolar teeth were the teeth most commonly affected with inflammatory resorption, whereas the canine teeth were the teeth most commonly affected with replacement resorption. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that because of their brachycephaly, Persian and Exotic cats have unique oral and dental features that may predispose them to dental disease (eg, tooth resorption and periodontal disease). Knowledge of the particular dental anomalies common in brachycephalic cats could aid in early detection and mitigation of dental disease in these breeds.

Evaluation of Complete Blood Count Indices (NLR, PLR, MPV/PLT, and PLCRi) in Healthy Dogs, Dogs With Periodontitis, and Dogs With Oropharyngeal Tumors as Potential Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammatory Response.

The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess complete blood count (CBC) indices of dogs with periodontitis (PD; n = 73) and dogs with oropharyngeal tumors (OT; n = 92) in comparison to CBC indices of healthy dogs (HD; n = 71). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume to platelet ratio, and platelet large cell ratio index (PLCRi) were evaluated as biomarkers of systemic inflammatory response provoked by PD and OT. Results of multivariable polytomous logistic regression analysis indicated no significant associations between CBC indices and PD. Both NLR and PLCRi were significantly higher in dogs with OT when compared to HD and dogs with PD and could, therefore, indicate a tumor-associated systemic inflammatory response. Additional studies of CBC indices, along with other biomarkers of systemic inflammatory response, are recommended to validate them as reliable indicators of clinical disease activity.

Comparison of Histological and Proliferation Features of Canine Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Intraoral Location: 36 Cases.

Grade and labeling indices for immunohistochemical tumor proliferation markers Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated in 36 cases of canine oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) based upon intraoral location. Grade was significantly associated with location ( P = .035). Grade II tumors were most frequently diagnosed. Grade I tumors were identified in the gingiva and the buccal mucosa, and grade III tumors were seen in the gingiva and the tonsillar region. Animals with tumors arising from the tonsils and of the tongue tended to be older ( P = .007), and those in the former group were more likely to have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis ( P = .001). Mean expression of PCNA and Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) for all tumors were 62.54% and 50.70%, respectively, and there was a statistical significant association between the 2 variables ( R = .70; P < .001). Proliferation index was not associated with any of the intraoral locations evaluated, but higher PCNA PI was significantly associated with grade ( P = .031). Ki-67 PI was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis, especially for OSCC of gingival location ( P = .028). The results obtained in this study are preliminary but clinically relevant, since they provide information that can explain differences in biologic behavior among intraoral locations and contribute to more accurate tumor staging to support the choice for different treatment strategies available for OSCC.

Superficial temporal myofascial flap application in temporomandibular joint arthroplasty in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old, intact female domestic longhair cat was referred for surgical treatment after diagnosis of closed jaw locking secondarily to right temporomandibular joint ankylosis and left pseudoankylosis. The animal underwent successful surgical management with bilateral excision arthroplasty followed by interposition of a temporal superficial myofascial flap. Immediately after surgery, the full range of lower jaw movement was achieved and normal occlusion was maintained. Ankylosis did not recur in the 1 year postoperative follow-up period. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: A temporal myofascial flap could be considered as interposition material after temporomandibular joint arthroplasty to avoid postoperative re-ankylosis and mandibular drift. The main advantages of this flap are its autogenous origin, and the ability to maintain separation between the two bones, preserve mobility and disrupt new bone formation.

The impact of home-prepared diets and home oral hygiene on oral health in cats and dogs.

Many factors influence the oral health status of cats and dogs. The present study aimed to elucidate the influence of feeding home-prepared (HP) food v. commercial pet food on oral health parameters in these animals and to investigate the effect of home oral hygiene on oral health. The study surveyed 17,184 dogs and 6371 cats visiting over 700 Polish veterinary surgeries in 2006-7 during a Pet Smile activity organised by the Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association. All animals underwent conscious examinations to assess dental deposits, size of mandibular lymph nodes and gingival health. An oral health index (OHI) ranging from 0 to 8 was calculated for each animal by combining examination scores, where 0 indicates good oral health and 8 indicates poorest oral health. Information was collected on age, diet and home oral hygiene regimens. There was a significant effect of diet on the OHI (P < 0.001) whereby feeding the HP diet increased the probability of an oral health problem in both cats and dogs. There was a significant beneficial effect of feeding only commercial pet food compared with the HP diet when at least part of the diet was composed of dry pet food. Daily tooth brushing or the offering of daily dental treats were both effective in significantly reducing the OHI in both cats and dogs compared with those receiving sporadic or no home oral hygiene. Feeding only a dry diet was beneficial for oral health in cats and dogs. Tooth brushing and the offering of dental treats were very effective in maintaining oral health, provided they were practised daily.