1. What is this condition called?
2. What causes it?
3. How should it be treated?

Answers:

1. This dog has periodontitis
2. Periodontitis is generally a plaque related disease. It is inflammation of the periodontium (gingiva, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone) causing loss of attachment of these tissues to the affected teeth. This can present as gingival recession or the development of periodontal pockets. This dog also has mucositis. This is inflammation of the oral mucosa which often affects the tissue overlying the teeth, especially the canine teeth. Sometimes this clinical picture is described as Chronic Ulcerative Paradontal Stomatitis (CUPS).
3. Treatment involves :

• Detailed examination, charting and x-rays of all teeth.
• Thorough supra and sub-gingival scaling and polishing of all of the teeth
• Elimination of periodontal pockets. This may involve tooth extraction.
• Elimination of areas that are plaque retentive and difficult to keep clean. This usually involves tooth extraction.
• Diligent home care including daily brushing with a Chlorhexedine containing toothpaste, twice daily flushing with a Chlohexedine containing flushing solution,
• Use of plaque controlling diets and chewsOngoing monitoring including both conscious check ups and at least six monthly check ups under anaesthetic