Periodontal disease and leucopenia

Periodontal disease is rare in nature but widespread in domestic dog and cat populations. Unnatural diets are known to facilitate the buildup of oral microbial communities which then interact with host-immune defences giving rise to periodontitis. Eight of 14 animals undergoing dental treatment and dietary change at a suburban veterinary practice were investigated and found to have low leucocyte counts. Follow-up testing revealed changes averaging a 77.7 per cent increase with concomitant 'subjective good health'. These findings serve to cast doubt on the commonly used haematological reference ranges where the subject animals may have suffered from periodontal disease. The demonstrated reversibility of white cell depression associated with periodontal disease should provide a focus for further research.