PETS & PEOPLE

Canine Oral Health Continues To Make Significant Advances

(NAPSA)—Veterinarians now have an additional tool available to aid in the prevention of periodontitis in their canine patients. The first of its kind, the Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin is now available.

“Many dog owners don’t check their dog’s teeth and gums until they notice bad breath or their veterinarian identifies periodontal disease, yet maintaining healthy teeth is critical to keeping a dog healthy,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., associate director, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Biologicals Clinical Development, Pfizer Animal Health.

“We are finally able to provide pets with an additional layer of prevention against canine periodontitis,” he added. “This is a strong step toward helping veterinarians combat the problem.”

Canine periodontal disease continues to be a widespread issue. In fact, according to Beard et al., by the age of 3, an estimated 85 percent of all dogs have some form of periodontal disease, underscoring the need for additional canine periodontal disease advancements.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license, which means the product has met the requirements for purity, safety and a reasonable expectation of efficacy. Long-term efficacy studies are currently in progress. The label claim approved by the USDA for this product is as an aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis, as demonstrated by a reduction in bone changes.

Many veterinary practices already offer dental services for their patients. The core of this program is general cleaning and polishing under anesthesia. In addition, most practices recommend other oral health management items, such as specialty foods and dental care products. Where the challenge arises is in the education of owners and the compliance of owners in following their veterinarians’ recommendations, as well as having their dog examined on an annual basis.

“Canine dental disease is a condition that is widely diagnosed,” explained Jan Bellows, DVM, Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, Weston, Fla. “And although canine oral health has been a low priority for many companion animal health care practices, more and more veterinarians are working to fully integrate it into their practices.”

Veterinarians will now be able to provide a more complete oral health care program for their canine patients with the Porphyromonas vaccine, launched by Pfizer Animal Health.

For additional information on canine periodontitis or pet health in general, see your veterinarian. For additional information on Pfizer, visit www.pfizerah.com.

Original Source: napsnet.com