Your pet’s size and breed can make it susceptible to specific oral conditions
By Brett Beckman, DVM, Diplomate American Veterinary Dental College
Periodontal disease is the number-one most diagnosed disease in dogs as well as cats. It’s generally more common and severe in small dogs, as well as some large breeds such as Greyhounds.
To prevent and treat dental disease, pets should have their first Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) at 18 months of age or sooner.
Just as certain breeds of dogs are susceptible to certain diseases, the size and breed of your dog matters when it comes to dental care. Knowing your pet’s risks helps you seek the proper care to keep your pet safe from oral conditions that can lead to discomfort and pain.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth, affects far more of our pets than all other oral diseases combined.
Veterinarians know a lot about periodontal disease because it is so common in our pets.
Periodontal disease manifests differently in different sizes of pets. Small dogs tend to have more severe periodontal disease than large dogs, and they tend to develop this disease at a much earlier age. Some large breeds, especially
Greyhounds, are also prone to early and severe periodontal disease. Small dogs generally have smaller jaws with relatively larger teeth than most large breed dogs, which can leadbto crowding, rotation and misaligned teeth that can cause trauma to other teeth as well as gum and lip tissue. As pets age, the trauma can add up and result in periodontal disease.
Other Oral Conditions
Gingival overgrowth (hyperplasia), or excess growth of gums, is more common in large breed dogs, especiallyBoxers (Photo 1). We also see it more frequently in Great
Danes, Collies and Dalmatians. This condition often results in debris and hair collection between the gum tissue and the tooth, causing inflammation and periodontal disease.
Tooth overcrowding is more common in small breeds. Overcrowding often causes the teeth to come to rest in an abnormal position (Photo 2). This can result in injuries to other teeth or gum tissue and can also lead to periodontal disease.
n Cysts occur frequently in small breed dogs, especially short-nosed breeds like Boston Terriers, Pugs and ShihTzus. Unfortunately, these patients rarely show that there is a problem. X-rays will reveal a dark halo around a tooth (Photo 3). Teeth and bone are gradually destroyed if the cyst is not removed.
Lingually (toward the tongue) displaced canine teeth in the lower jaw more often affect large breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers. The lower canine tooth will dig a hole in the hard palate, the upper canine tooth or both (Photo 4). Treatment is aimed at moving the tooth with braces or incline planes, extraction or crown reduction with treatment of the pulp. Specialists generally treat this condition.
n Eosinophilic stomatitis can produce red and inflamed areas and ulcers throughout the mouth (Photo
5). This condition affects Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Siberian Huskies. Some pets with this condition may not show pain, even though the condition is quite painful. Treatment is frustrating and can range from steroids to extraction of adjacent teeth.
Mesioversion of the maxillary canines (lance canine) is a breed-specific predisposition of Shetland Sheepdogs (Photo 6). This condition occurs when one or both upper canine teeth come in too far forward and can cause tooth or gum trauma. The pet may be unable to completely close its mouth.
Personalized Prevention
Individual breeds and breed sizes have different needs for oral care. Your veterinarian can recommend the right schedule of preventative treatment for your pet. A
Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) is a complete evaluation, cleaning and treatment under anesthesia. It involves full-mouth dental x-rays, periodontal probing, cleaning, polishing, diagnosis and treatment.
All dogs and cats should have their first COHAT at 18 months of age or sooner. Many small breed dogs will already have advanced disease at this age that will require treatment beyond cleaning.
Recommendations for a pet’s oral home care and in-hospital cleaning and evaluation frequency are also different for small and large breed dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend what’s right for your dog.
Proper oral home care may include water additives, brushing, sealants and special foods and/or chews.
Schedule an evaluation that may uncover hidden oral problems in your pet. Early recognition and treatment of many hereditary or congenital oral diseases may save your pet from unrecognized discomfort or pain.
Dr. Brett Beckman specializes in veterinary dentistry. He sees Sarasota pets once a month at CriticalVetCare. Please visit www.criticalvetcare.com for more information and Dr. Beckman’s schedule.