At Waltham Petcare Science Institute, we are at the forefront of key research into the oral microbiome; identifying and defining the important role it plays in gum disease and the overall systemic health of cats and dogs.

Now, our latest study, published by Frontiers in Veterinary Science, has confirmed that the oral microbiome holds information that could help support early disease detection and improve pets' quality of life.

The study, 'Real-World Diagnostic Potential of Bacterial Biomarkers of Canine Periodontitis', puts the diagnostic accuracy of a molecular screening technique to the test. And findings show that this approach to identifying disease-associated bacteria in dogs- using quantitative poylmerase chain reaction (qPCR) screening - can detect microbial biomarkers specifically associated with canine periodontal disease from a single dental plaque sample. 

These findings mark our second investigation in support of molecular screening tests for periodontal disease. Our first study, 'Developing diagnostic tools for canine periodontitis: combing molecular techniques and machine learning models,' was published by BMC Veterinary Research last September which signalled the potential use of canine-specific microbial biomarkers for early disease detection. Both studies show that advanced molecular screening protocols could improve earlier detection and aid diagnosis of this prevalent but underdiagnosed condition from a single oral sample.

When you consider that periodontal disease is estimated to affect more than 80% of dogs over the age of three and is often linked to other serious health conditions, such as liver, kidney and heart disease, the scientific rigour of our combined data and findings could have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of dogs. 

A closer look at our latest research 

Building on our September 2023 study, which used a historical bank of over 220 plaque samples, researchers this time collected plaque samples from 127 client-owned dogs. Each dog was attending a VCA Animal Hospitals for a prescribed, pre-planned dental procedure under general anesthesia.

Visual examinations were carried out and supragingival plaque samples were collected from conscious dogs. This was followed by detailed clinical assessment under general anesthesia, intra-oral dental radiographs, and collection of additional supragingival and subgingival 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 an accuracy of 80.9%, when compared to a clinical evaluation under general anaesthesia by a veterinary professional.

Sensitivity (the proportion of true positive results) was 81% and specificity (the proportion of true negative results) was consistent across all samples at 80%. 

The impact of this research 

These results highlight the opportunity for advancing screening techniques that could support early disease detection, improving oral health of dogs, and consequently, better long-term health outcomes.

As the researchers said in their paper:" Use of this molecular screening tool in conscious dogs has the potential to improve early detection and support veterinary decision making, ultimately improving the oral health of dogs and consequently their quality of life." 

These findings move us closer to fulfilling our purpose of building A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. 

Read our original study here: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-023-03668-3