Oral disease in pets is not only common, it is also often predictable by breed or breed size. Understanding the common breed associations with an oral disease can help you establish both a diagnosis and an accurate treatment plan. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease (Photo 1) is the most diagnosed disease in domestic pets. It affects far more patients than all other oral diseases combined. Because the disease is so common in our patients, we know a lot about it. Casual observation of a reasonable number of large breed and small breed dogs in any veterinary hospital will reveal that small dogs tend to have more severe periodontal disease than large dogs. The disease also develops at a much earlier age in small dogs. Specific breeds aside, small breed dogs generally have shorter maxillas and mandibles with relatively larger teeth in relation to jaw size than most large breed dogs. This leads to crowding, rotation and malocclusions that predispose small breed dogs to periodontal disease. Since the bone is present in less volume due to larger teeth in smaller jaws, destruction of bone is more rapid and severe. Some large breeds, especially Greyhounds, are also prone to early and severe periodontal disease. Common Conditions Breed or breed size can predict pathology for some common conditions. Gingival overgrowth is more common in large breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Collies, Dalmatians and especially Boxers (Photo 2). Gingival overgrowth, also called gingival hyperplasia, is the coronal growth of excess gingival tissue, creating pockets that predispose to periodontal disease and foreign body entrapment (particularly hair) that causes inflammation. Treatment involves removing excess tissue with a scalpel and careful contouring with dental burs. Those experienced with laser and electrosurgery may use these modalities, taking care not to burn bone. Tooth overcrowding is more common in small breeds. Overcrowding results in an alteration of the normal eruption pathway of the teeth, allowing them to come to rest in an abnormal final position in the arcade (Photo 3). This can result in malocclusions and predispose the patient to periodontal disease. Selective extraction to eliminate overcrowding will prevent periodontal disease. Cysts occur frequently in small breed dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds. Commonly, patients with cysts are asymptomatic but are missing the mandibular first premolar. Radiographs often disclose a malpositioned unerupted tooth surrounded by a halo lucency (Photo 4). Destruction of the mandible will progress unless the tooth and the cyst are removed. Adjacent teeth may also need extraction, endodontic treatment or monitoring, depending on the extent of cyst expansion. Lingually displaced mandibular canines are potentially a problem in any breed; however, large breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers appear to be overrepresented. Although multiple factors contribute to these malocclusions, heredity plays a major role. Trauma to the palate or the canine tooth are commonly present (Photo 5). Treatment is aimed at orthodontic tooth movement, extraction or crown reduction and vital pulp therapy. Eosinophilic stomatitis (plaque, granuloma) affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Siberian Huskies. Oral discomfort and the extent of the stomatitis vary from diffuse mucositis/stomatitis to distinct plaque-like ulcerations affecting one or multiple areas within the oral cavity and oropharynx (Photo 6). Treatment is frustrating and can range from steroids to extraction of adjacent teeth. Mesioversion of the maxillary canines (lance canine) in Shetland Sheepdogs (Photo 7) is another common example of breed-specific predispositions. Treatment involves referral for orthodontic movement of one or more teeth, depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the canine and adjacent teeth.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:25:11 +0000
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