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Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors
Dan G O'Neill1, Alyx Blenkarn1, Dave C Brodbelt1
1Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK.
Insights
Periodontal disease affects 15.2% of cats, with older cats and certain breeds being more susceptible. This common feline health issue is linked to increased comorbid disorders, highlighting the importance of dental care.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Feline Health
- Periodontology
Background:
- Periodontal disease is a common, multifactorial inflammatory condition in cats.
- It significantly impacts feline welfare and is a prevalent health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of periodontal disease in UK cats.
- To identify demographic risk factors associated with the condition.
- To explore links between periodontal disease and other common feline disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a random sample of 18,249 cats from UK primary care clinics in 2019.
- Utilized data from the VetCompass programme, including all recorded disorders.
- Employed multivariable logistic regression for risk factor and comorbidity analysis.
Main Results:
- A 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% for periodontal disease was observed.
- Siamese and Maine Coon breeds showed higher prevalence rates.
- Older age, increased body weight, and neuter status were significant risk factors.
- Cats with periodontal disease had more comorbid disorders (median 3 vs 1) and 1.79 times the odds of having at least one comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal disease is the most frequent specific diagnosis in cats, representing a major health issue.
- Age is the primary predictor, emphasizing the need for proactive dental care in aging cats.
- A strong association exists between periodontal disease and poorer overall health in cats.
Objectives:
Periodontal disease is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that can have major welfare implications in cats. This study aimed to report the frequency and demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and to explore associations with common comorbid disorders in cats in the UK.
Methods:
The study included a random sample of 18,249 cats obtained from 1,255,130 cats under primary care during 2019 from clinics participating in the VetCompass programme. All disorders recorded during 2019 were extracted and reported. Risk factor and comorbid disorder analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling.
Results:
Periodontal disease had a 1-year period prevalence of 15.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.72-15.76). Breeds with the highest prevalence included Siamese (18.7%, 95% CI 12.24-26.72) and Maine Coon (16.7%, 95% CI 11.37-23.18). The median age of cats with periodontal disease (9.47 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.96-12.97) was higher than for cats without periodontal disease (4.94 years, IQR 1.95-9.51; P <0.001). Increasing adult body weight, increasing age and sex-neuter status were significantly associated with rising odds of periodontal disease. Cats with periodontal disease had a higher median count of comorbid disorders per individual cat (3, IQR 2-4, range 1-14) than cats without periodontal disease (1, IQR 0-2, range 0-15; P <0.001). Cats with periodontal disease had 1.79 times the odds (95% CI 1.62-1.99, P <0.001) of diagnosis with at least one comorbid disorder disease than cats without periodontal disease.
Conclusions And Relevance:
Periodontal disease is the most common specific diagnosis in cats and is confirmed as a leading health issue in cats. Ageing is identified as the strongest predictor of periodontal disease risk in cats, suggesting the potential for increasing health gains from emphasis on dental care and health in cats as they age. The study offers evidence on a close link between periodontal disease and reduced overall health in cats.
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