Determinación de la presencia, clasificación de grados y factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la enfermedad periodontal en perros (Canis lupus familiaris)

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) is recognized as the most common and clinically relevant condition in dogs. It is an inflammatory and infectious pathology that leads to the progressive loss of the supporting dental structures (periodontium). The objective of the present study was to determine its prevalence, classify the severity according to the diagnostic criteria of the American Veterinary Dental College, identify the predominant lesion, and analyze its possible association with age, type of diet, cranial conformation, and bite type. A total of 100 dogs were evaluated, all under general anesthesia. The presence of PD was confirmed in 81% of the dogs. Of these, 24% presented with gingivitis (Grade I), 35% with early periodontitis (Grade II), 15% with moderate periodontitis (Grade III), and 7% with severe periodontitis (Grade IV). The predominant lesion was gingival recession, observed in 62% of cases. Geriatric dogs (≥ 8 years) showed the highest prevalence (95%), as did those with dolichocephalic cranial conformation (100%) and those fed a mixed diet (93%) or dry food (83%). Regarding bite type, PD was observed in 100% of dogs with a pincer bite and in 93% of those with prognathism. A positive correlation was found between the presence of PD and factors such as age (p = 0.017), type of diet (p = 0.023), and bite type (p= 0.044). However, no significant association was found with cranial conformation. Risk analysis indicated that age was the only significant risk factor for the development of PD (OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.02 – 0.063). This study provides relevant epidemiological data and highlights the urgent need to strengthen oral health prevention, focusing on owner education, dietary changes, and the implementation of regular systematic dental check-ups as an essential part of clinical management and animal welfare.