ASSESSMENT OF ORAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG THE WORKING BREED DOGS IN CHENNAI CITY: A HOSPITAL BASED SURVEY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nearly four out of five dogs suffer from oral health problems like bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums. The myth of domestic animal's oral health is least important than their physical health should be broken. This study demonstrates and justifies how much role oral hygiene plays in maintaining dogs' general health status. This study aims to assess the oral health status among the working breed dogs in chennai city.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 working dog breeds which belong to kanni and boxer breeds. The study was conducted in various veterinary hospitals and India's blue cross in Chennai based on the simple random sampling method. Their oral health status was assessed by direct visual examination and by using questionnaires regarding demographic data, systemic disease, tooth brushing, and vaccination status. The data were analyzed and tabulated using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: The results of the study showed that majority of kanni and boxer breed had a normal malocclusion (37.3% and 40.7%). A good periodontal status (38.3%) were seen  among kanni and boxer breed. The prevalence of dental caries among boxer and kanni breed is 78% and 22% respectively. While assessing the plaque index, majority of the working breed had small flecks of plaque.

CONCLUSION: A positive association between the malocclusion, periodontal status, missing and fractured tooth was noticed with a P-value of <0.05. The disregard towards the oral hygiene maintenance of dogs must come to an end. The awareness about poor oral hygiene leading to cause systemic effects in dogs must be put in the light.