April 2009

A Purdue University study has recently demonstrated a link between gum diseases and heart problems in dogs.

"Our data shows a clear statistical link between gum disease and heart disease in dogs," said Larry Glickman, a professor of epidemiology, who conducted the study. "We knew from previously published research that there was growing evidence of a link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, birth defects and low birthweight among humans. So we thought it was time to assess whether such a link existed in dogs. The research is important because gum disease occurs in up to 75 percent of all dogs by middle age."

Glickman's study was published in the February edition of the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. For his research, Glickman examined records of 59,296 dogs with gum disease and matched them to those of a similar number of dogs without gum problems. He followed the dogs over time to see which ones developed heart diseases and the type of heart disease that developed. He then did statistical tests to see if the incidence of heart disease would increase as the severity of the gum disease increased.

Moving forward, Glickman wants to understand how gum and cardiac diseases are related.

"We'll first evaluate whether gum disease in dogs causes systemic signs of inflammation and identify the specific bacteria in the mouth that are responsible for inflammation," he said. "Knowing the mechanism is important because it'll allow us to develop preventive drugs and then examine their effectiveness. We can also get pet food companies to develop foods that will prevent gum disease in dogs and cats."

Gum diseases can be prevented by good oral hygiene and regular visits to a veterinarian who can scale and clean the dog's teeth, Glickman said. But many pet owners don't realize that gum disease causes more than just bad breath, he added.

Glickman was assisted in his research by George Moore, a veterinarian at Purdue University's Small Animal Hospital, Gary Goldstein, a veterinary dentist at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota at St. Paul, Minn., and Elizabeth Lund at the Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, Ore.

www.medicalnewstoday.com

Writer: Soumitro Sen,

Source Purdue University

There are many breeds commonly affected by heart disorders;

Atrioventricular valvular insufficiency

Afghan hounds, American cocker spaniels, Beagles, Bull terriers, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Fox terriers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Japanese Chins, Maltese, Miniature and toy poodles, Miniature schnauzers.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Airedales, American and English cocker spaniels, Boxers, Dalmatians, Doberman pinschers, Golden retrievers, Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, Labrador retrievers, Newfoundlands, Old English sheepdogs, Portuguese water dogs, Saint Bernards, Scottish deerhounds, Springer spaniels

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Pointers

Your pet may show no sign of heart problems, or you may notice some of the following;

Coughing

Changes in breathing; difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, labored breathing, rapid or fast breathing

Changes in behavior (more noticeable in dogs); tiring easily, reluctance to exercise or not wanting to go fore walks, less playfulness, slowing down or lack of energy, depression or a withdrawn demeanor

Poor appetite

Weight loss

Fainting or collapsing

weakness

Restlessness, especially at night

Swollen abdomen. 

Don't assume your pet's behavior is simply a sign of aging.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the above.