Canine Oral Health Continues To Make Significant Advances

Main Category: Veterinary
Article Date: 17 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Veterinarians now have an additional tool available to aid in the prevention of periodontitis in their canine patients. Pfizer Animal Health launched today a Porphyromonas vaccine that gives practitioners one more opportunity to optimize their patients' oral health.

The first of its kind, the Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin became available beginning on October 9, 2006. Veterinarians will now be able to provide a more complete oral health care program for their canine patients.

"Many dog owners don't check their dog's teeth and gums until they notice bad breath or their veterinarian identifies periodontal disease, yet maintaining healthy teeth is critical to keeping a dog healthy," said David Haworth, DVM, PhD, associate director, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Biologicals Clinical Development, Pfizer Animal Health.

"We are finally able to provide pets with an additional layer of prevention against canine periodontitis," he added. "This is a strong step toward helping veterinarians combat the problem."

Canine periodontal disease continues to be a widespread issue. In fact, by the age of 3, an estimated 85 percent of all dogs have some form of periodontal disease, underscoring the need for additional canine periodontal disease advancements.(1)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license, which means the product has met the requirements for purity, safety and a reasonable expectation of efficacy. Long-term efficacy studies are currently in progress. . The label claim approved by the USDA for this product is as an aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis as demonstrated by a reduction in bone changes.

A study published in Veterinary Microbiology in 2005, identified the prevalence of three key bacteria, yielding new insights into the prevention of canine periodontitis.(2) The study from Pfizer Animal Health, revealed that at least one of the three most prevalent bacteria thought to cause canine periodontitis were found in 76 percent of dogs with periodontitis: Porphyromonas gulae, Porphyromonas salivosa and Porphyromonas denticanis.

Many veterinary practices already offer dental services for their patients. The core of this program is general cleaning and polishing under anesthesia. In addition, most practices recommend other oral health management items such as specialty foods and dental care products. Where the challenge arises is in the education of owners and the compliance of owners in following their veterinarians' recommendations as well as having their dog examined on an annual basis.

"Canine dental disease is a condition that is widely diagnosed," explained Jan Bellows, DVM, Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, Weston, Fla. "And although canine oral health has been a low priority for many companion animal health care practices, more and more veterinarians are working to fully integrate it into their practices."

To establish a more proactive oral health prevention plan with dog owners, Pfizer experts recommend the following:

-- First mention of proper oral health care should be at the first puppy visit

-- Urge the dog owner to implement daily tooth brushing

-- Encourage regular dental examinations and cleanings

-- Stress the importance of proactive oral health care as an important step in the long-term health of their dog

About Canine Periodontal Disease

Studies have identified periodontal disease as one of the most common health problems in dogs. Prevention is critical to the dog's long-term health and comfort, especially in avoiding the onset of periodontitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums, resorption of the alveolar bone, and degeneration of the periodontal ligament. Left unchecked, it can lead to premature tooth loss and the need for extensive dental work.

About Pfizer

Pfizer Animal Health, a division of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in animal health, committed to providing innovative medicines and vaccines for companion animals and livestock. Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-known consumer products.

For additional information on Pfizer, visit http://www.pfizerah.com.

(1) Beard G, Emily P, Mulligan T, Williams C. American Animal Hospital Association, Veterinary Dentistry, Course 1, 1989.

(2) Hardham J, Drier K, Wong J, et al. Pigmented-anaerobic bacteria associated with canine periodontitis. Vet Microbiol. 2005; 106:119-128.

Pfizer Animal Health
http://www.pfizerah.com

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