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Mars Petcare launches first data-driven periodontal disease risk assessment tool for dogs

Mars Petcare launches first data-driven periodontal disease risk assessment tool for dogs

Mars Petcare Launches First Data-driven Periodontal Disease Risk Assessment Tool For Dogs

2 years ago
1251 views

Posted
19th April, 2023 11h01

Author
Mars Petcare


Mars Petcare has launched the PEDIGREE Gum Disease Risk Checker, a new pet owner-facing, data-driven periodontal disease (PD) risk assessment tool for dogs created in collaboration with scientists at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Mars Petcare’s science centre.

Global Petcare R&D VP at Mars Pet Nutrition, Dr. Elise Malandain said: "Periodontal disease affects over 80% of dogs over the age of three,1 leading to chronic pain, gum erosion and potential loss of bone and teeth. It is also linked to other major health complications in dogs, such as heart, liver and kidney conditions.2 PD in dogs is not often detected and diagnosed until the disease has worsened, which can mean treating the disease is more difficult.3” Dr. Malandain added: “This new risk assessment tool will help indicate to pet owners what level of risk their pet is at for developing this disease to help inform conversations with veterinary professionals about prevention or treatment.”

The PEDIGREE Gum Disease Risk Checker uses aggregated data from BANFIELD Pet Hospital medical records to identify whether a dog has a high, medium, or low risk of having PD based on the breed size, age, and body condition the owner has stated. 4,5 By taking other factors into account, including a dog's history (e.g., diet, previous extractions, halitosis), clinical signs (e.g., bleeding gums) and current dental routine (e.g., tooth brushing), the tool also provides tailored oral care recommendations.5

Studies by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute have shown PD risk factors are associated with certain characteristics and attributes of dogs, including their breed size.3,6 Studies have also shown that breeds reported with frequent PD tend to be smaller sized dogs, including Yorkshire terriers and cocker spaniels.2,3,6

Visit us in person at this year's EVDF Congress from 27—29 April in Krakow, Poland, to learn more about the Gum Disease Risk Checker. You can also explore the tool and experience exactly how it will help raise awareness of PD among dog owners on the PEDIGREE® website: https://bit.ly/40mTANN

Read more about the research that has facilitated the development of the Gum Disease Risk Checker on the Waltham Petcare Science Institute website.

References:

  1. Kortegaard HA, Erikksen T and Baelum V. (2008) Periodontal disease in research beagle dogs – an epidemiological study. Journal of Small Animal Practice 49, 610-616.
  2. O’Neill et al. Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting. J Small Anim Pract. 2021; 62(12): 1051–1061.
  3. Wallis C et al. Association of periodontal disease with breed size, breed, weight, and age in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States. Vet J. 2021; 275:105717.
  4. O'Rourke et al. Periodontal disease risk model for dogs. 2022. [Abstract]. World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
  5. O’Rourke et al. Periodontal disease risk model for dogs. 2020. [Poster abstract]. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Virtual.
  6. Wallis C, Holcombe LJ. A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 61(9): 529—540.

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