Journal of Veterinary Dentistry

This prospective, randomized, and blinded clinical trial aimed to compare opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) protocols for perioperative analgesia and hemodynamic stability in 60 healthy dogs undergoing dental procedures, including extractions and endodontic treatments. All dogs received intramuscular medetomidine (10 µg/kg) as premedication, followed by intraoperative constant rate infusions according to group assignment: OFA1 (ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/hr), OFA2 (ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/hr and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg/hr), or OSA (ketamine 0.6 mg/kg/hr and hydromorphone 0.05 mg/kg intravenous bolus). Regional nerve blocks using bupivacaine (0.25 mg/kg per site) were administered in all groups. Subcutaneous meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) was also administered at the end of surgery. Both OFA1 and OFA2 protocols provided effective nociceptive control, with hemodynamic variables remaining within 20% of pre-stimulation values. The incidence of intraoperative rescue analgesia did not differ significantly among groups (p = .35). However, significant overall group differences were observed in mean heart rate (p < .001) and arterial blood pressures (p < .001), with the OSA group demonstrating the lowest values. Postoperative pain scores were not significantly different among groups. Overall, OFA protocols provided effective analgesia and nociceptive control, supporting the clinical feasibility of OFA in dental procedures while highlighting the value of opioids for autonomic modulation.

Blood glucose (BG) monitoring is an essential component of perioperative patient management under general anesthesia. This study demonstrates that BG levels obtained from oral surgical extraction sites are statistically comparable to samples obtained from the venous and ear pinna sites. Utilizing the oral surgical extraction site for BG measurement offers a practical alternative, thereby reducing the need for frequent venipuncture or ear pinna capillary puncture. In this study, 51 patients (38 canines and 13 felines) had BG measurements obtained from their oral surgical extraction sites, peripheral venous sites and ear pinnae resulting in 153 total samples. The analysis revealed there was no statistically significant difference in BG measurements between sampling sites. This study showed that oral surgical extraction sites provide a viable and accessible alternative for BG monitoring in feline and canine patients.

In equine husbandry, oral cavity procedures are commonly performed and may be associated with complications, including extraoral diseases, potentially resulting from bacterial contamination and inadequate antisepsis. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a major issue for healthcare professionals, including veterinarians that may misuse these pharmaceuticals. Therefore, developing novel methods for antisepsis is desirable. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a 100 µg/ml ozonized injectable water solution versus 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Fifty adult equines had swab samples collected from their oral cavities, to make cultures and isolate the main microorganisms present. Half of the animals then had their mouths washed with 0.12% chlorhexidine and the other half were treated with the 100 µg/ml ozonized solution mouthwash. Following these treatments, another swab sample was obtained from each animal, and the culture repeated. The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) and the number of times a microbe genus was present were counted. The genera isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas, as well as yeast cells. The first 3 were the most prevalent, present in over 70% of the animals. The authors concluded that in healthy horses, a single mouth rinse with a 100 µg/ml ozonized solution was less effective than 0.12% chlorhexidine for reducing CFU count and presence. This study confirmed the known efficacy of chlorhexidine and its superiority to ozonized water. It also highlighted the importance of performing procedures antiseptically.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is commonly encountered in dogs. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as the preferred imaging modality for identification and monitoring of AP in the human endodontic community. This study compared intraoral radiographs (IOR) and CBCT for identifying periapical lucency (PAL) (as a proxy for AP) of the maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs. All dogs had IOR and CBCT performed under general anesthesia. Imaging was evaluated retrospectively and compared. PAL was identified more frequently with CBCT, and results were statistically significant. No other statistically significant relationships were identified. This study shows that CBCT is superior to IOR in identification of PAL of the maxillary fourth premolar teeth in dogs.

The aim of this study was to determine if an intraoral resin splint that is secured to the mandible with cerclage wires, a cerclage intraoral resin splint (CIRS), is a viable, minimally invasive option for mandibular body fracture repair in dogs. A medical record search identified 16 dogs with fractures as a result of periodontal disease, endodontic disease, head trauma, or a combination of these causes, and CIRS was performed in partially or completely edentulous areas of the mid or caudal mandibular body. At the time of appliance removal, the fracture sites of 13 dogs had healed with a bony union. Two dogs showed a fibrous union, and 1 dog revealed a nonunion. This study demonstrated that CIRS is a minimally invasive treatment option for repair of mid and caudal mandibular body fractures in dogs, even among patients with severe bone loss secondary to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent oral condition in companion animals, affecting over 80% of dogs and cats by three years of age. Despite its high incidence and systemic health implications, it is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in veterinary practice. This review addresses the pathophysiology, diagnostic tools, and provides evidence-based strategies for prevention and management of periodontal disease in dogs and cats. The review explores the anatomy and physiology of the periodontium and details the mechanisms of disease progression, particularly the role of bacterial biofilm and host immune response. A focus is placed on the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway, which governs osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, a hallmark of advanced periodontitis. Risk factors such as age, diet consistency, and breed size are examined in relation to disease susceptibility. Current best practices in prevention, including daily tooth brushing, dental chews, antiseptic rinses, barrier sealants, and mechanical debridement, are reviewed alongside emerging therapies such as ozone treatment and regenerative procedures using platelet-rich fibrin, synthetic bone grafts and hyaluronic acid.