EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PERIODONTAL-DISEASE IN POODLES

The periodontal condition of 123 poodles was assessed using the parame ters of depth of gum pocket, attachment level, bleeding on probing, an d plaque and calculus accumulation. No dogs were free of periodontal d isease. The number of deep pockets and dramatic loss of attachment ran ged from 0.1 teeth in young dogs to 4.2 teeth in old animals. A sixfol d increase in deep pocketing took place in dogs between the ages of si x and seven, followed by a twofold increase in the number of teeth mis sing in dogs within the 10 to 11 year age group. First premolars, inci sors and second molars were at highest risk. No correlation between di etary conditions and disease incidence could be detected. It is conclu ded that, by concentrating their diagnostic efforts on those age group s and types of teeth at highest risk, clinicians could improve the eff ectiveness of their treatment interventions.