Periodontal disease in dogs

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory damage to the periodontium (ie, the gums, teeth, alveolar bone, and tooth cement). In the case of the dog population, it is the most common disease, which affects up to 90% of dogs older than 5 years in Europe.

Etiology

The origin and development of periodontal disease is determined by a complex of mechanisms - interacting and regulating - between the bacterial system and the host's immune system. Bacteria that stimulate the host's immune system activate defense mechanisms, leading to the massive production of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, which then cause their own periodontal damage.

Symptoms and consequences

The most pronounced local symptom of periodontitis is bad breath (halitosis), which is mainly caused by the production of volatile sulfur compounds by anaerobic bacteria. Other symptoms include salivation, loss of appetite, bleeding gums, ulceration of the mucous membranes, mobility of the teeth, and local complications such as abscesses, local lymphadenopathy, osteomyelitis of the jaws, or oronasal fistulas. Consequences of periodontal disease are also the changes in behavior such as apathy or aggression.

It's not "just about teeth"

Plaque bacteria also subsequently enter the bloodstream, leading to the production of inflammatory mediators and the development of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial endocarditis, pneumonia. In addition, liver dysfunction may also occur - intrahepatic cholestasis, hepatic steatosis, hepatic abscesses. The impact of chronic periodontitis on the body is therefore significant and is not limited to "wobbling" of the teeth and odor.

VariOr® Canis test

Using many years of experience with laboratory molecular-biological diagnostics of periodontitis in human medicine, we have developed a test enabling the detection and identification of bacteria causing periodontitis in dogs - the VariOr® Canis test.

The test is performed on a sample of sulcal fluid taken from periodontal trunks.

In addition to confirming the diagnosis, the test results allow the veterinarian to choose the most effective (antibiotic) treatment given the type and number of bacteria detected. Repeating the test during and after therapy gives the veterinarian and the owner full control over the course and outcome of the treatment.

Who is the test for?

The test is intended mainly for veterinarians, whom serves to confirm the diagnosis, to determine the further direction of treatment and to control its course.

The test can of course be performed on the basis of the breeder's request, but the collection must be performed by an expert - a veterinarian.

Main advantages of the test:

- DNA detection of periodontal bacteria - no cultivation required

- early detection of the disease

- controlled treatment process

How to perform the VariOr® Canis test?

- The veterinarian / breeder will order a collection kit in our laboratory free of charge

- according to the instructions enclosed with the sampling set, samples must be taken: sampling is carried out using paper pins, which are inserted into the periodontal trunks

- the sample (s) together with the order are then sent to the laboratory

- in the laboratory, the test is performed within 15 working days from the delivery of the sample

- the laboratory report is sent to the veterinarian (together with the invoice)

How does the VariOr® Canis test work?

The test is based on molecular biological detection of DNA of determined pathogens. The principle of the assay is reverse hybridization of the labeled PCR product with specific membrane-bound probes. The test detects bacteria with a demonstrable relationship to periodontal disease in dogs.

How much does the test cost?

The VariOr® Canis test costs CZK 1,900 incl. VAT

Free subscription set order:

Phone: +420 608 636 119
E-mail: laborator@gentrend.cz

The launch of the VariOr® Canis test was supported within the project "Extension of Molecular Biology Laboratory Products for Veterinary Medicine and International Labreport Process Innovation" from the European Regional Development Fund.