A new study by Waltham Petcare Science Institute, titled “Real-world diagnostic potential of bacterial biomarkers of canine periodontitis”, has shown that the oral microbiome offers vital information that is key for early canine periodontal disease detection, potentially enhancing the quality of life for pets.
The study on the canine oral microbiome, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, puts the diagnostic accuracy of a molecular technique to the test, with real-world clinical validation. Findings show that this approach to identifying disease-associated bacteria in dogs – using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) screening – can accurately detect microbial biomarkers specifically associated with canine periodontitis from a single dental plaque sample.
Researchers collected plaque samples from 127 client-owned dogs. Each dog attending a VCA Animal Hospitals for a prescribed, pre-planned dental procedure under general anaesthesia. Visual examinations were carried out and supragingival plaque samples were collected from conscious dogs. This was followed by a detailed clinical assessment under general anaesthesia, radiographs and collection of additional plaque samples. The samples were then analysed at Waltham Petcare Science Institute using qPCR assays to detect bacterial biomarkers associated specifically with canine periodontitis.
Supragingival plaque samples obtained from conscious dogs indicated a test accuracy of 80.9 percent when compared to clinical evaluation under general anaesthesia by a veterinary professional. The sensitivity (the proportion of true positive results) was 81.0 percent and the specificity (the proportion of true negative results) was 80.0 percent.
This research into the oral microbiome marks Waltham’s second investigation in support of molecular screening tests for periodontal disease. The initial study, “Developing diagnostic tools for canine periodontitis: combining molecular techniques and machine learning models“, was published by BMC Veterinary Research in September 2023 and showed the potential use of microbial data to develop canine-specific molecular biomarkers for the screening of periodontal disease.
Both studies underscore the potential of molecular diagnostic protocols to facilitate earlier periodontal disease detection and support accurate diagnoses of this prevalent yet often underdiagnosed condition, using a single oral sample.
Periodontal disease impacts more than 80 percent of dogs over the age of three and is associated with serious health conditions such as liver, kidney and heart disease. Therefore, the combined data and findings of these projects into the canine oral microbiome have the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being of dogs worldwide.
The findings presented in this latest study demonstrate real-world clinical validation that qPCR analysis of plaque can provide a quick, simple and reliable approach to detect periodontitis. This research into the oral microbiome also presents a potential opportunity to benefit veterinary professionals and pet owners alike, through advancing early disease detection and opportunities for tailored care plans.
Access the full study on the canine oral microbiome online.
