Analysis of gingival pocket microflora and biochemical blood parameters in dogs suffering from periodontal disease.
OBJECTIVE
Periodontal diseases in dogs are caused by bacteria colonising the oral cavity. The presence of plaque comprising accumulations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria leads to the development of periodontitis. Due to the fact that in a large percentage of cases periodontal diseases remain undiagnosed, and consequently untreated, they tend to acquire a chronic character, lead to bacteraemia and negatively impact the health of internal organs. The aim of the present study was to perform a qualitative microbiological analysis of gingival pockets and determine the correlations between selected morphological and biochemical blood parameters and the extent periodontal diseases.


METHODS
Twenty-one dogs treated for periodontal diseases were qualified for the study and subsequently divided into two groups: with 3rd and 4th stage of periodontal disease. Swabs from the patients' gingival pockets were taken for bacteriological testing. Blood was tested for parameters including erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit values and leukocyte count. Blood serum was analyzed with respect to the concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AspAT/AST) and urea.


RESULTS
The microbiological analysis of gingival pockets indicated the presence of numerous pathogens with a growth tendency in bacterial cultures observed in dogs with advanced-stage periodontal disease. The concentration of biochemical blood markers was significantly higher in dogs with 4th stage of periodontal disease, to compared to the 3rd-stage group. Morphological parameters were not significantly different with the exception of haemoglobin concentration, which was lower in dogs with 4th stage disease. In both groups, elevated leukocyte counts were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
By conducting a detailed microbiological examination, it is possible to provide a better prognosis, plan adequate treatment and monitor dogs treated for peridontopathy.
Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland iza-polkowska@tlen.pl.
Izabela
I
Polkowska
Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Aleksandra
A
Sobczyńska-Rak
Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Magdalena
M
Gołyńska
D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D005658:Fungi / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005888:Gingival Pocket / Q000382:microbiology*; D064307:Microbiota; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000382:microbiology*; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology
blood analysis; dogs; periodontal disease; periodontal pathogens