Clinical laboratory profiling and microbiological analysis of the oral cavity of dogs (Canis familiaris) with dental disorders

Abstract

Periodontal disease (PD) is caused by the accumulation of biofilm in the oral cavity. Biofilm is a viscous, yellowish film that is initially composed of non-pathogenic bacteria; the biofilm creates an environment that is conducive to the proliferation of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria if it is not removed, leading to periodontitis. This study identified the bacteria present in oral cavity samples from 22 dogs with dental disorders and related them to clinical and laboratory findings. To identify these microorganisms, samples were collected and cultivated in a variety of culture media and bacterial identification was carried out using biochemical tests. We also performed antimicrobial susceptibility tests to select the most appropriate treatment for each case. The results showed that the dogs in the study presented with anemia, leukocytosis, and increased plasma protein, which were possibly associated with PD. The most severe periodontal changes were observed in dogs between 6 and 12 years old that consumed moist and/or soft foods. We identified eight species of bacteria, including Klebsiella aerogenes, Pantoea agglomerans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and bacteria from the genus Clostridium sp. These results highlight the importance of the antibiogram and of restricting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as complementary treatment for PD.