Canine Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Life-Threatening Infections Affecting the Heart, Kidney and Liver; Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists Advocate Prevention As The Best Medicine.

NEW YORK -- Dogs and their human companions share much in common, including their susceptibility to diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums. Increasingly, veterinarians are diagnosing canine periodontal disease, which if left untreated, can result in life-threatening diseases affecting major organs, including the kidney, liver and heart. While it often begins with a simple case of "doggy breath" that is ignored, advanced periodontal disease can destroy tissue, resulting in serious infections and eventually can cause irreversible organ damage or even death.

"We cannot overemphasize the critical importance of getting proper oral care for all pets," said Sheri Berger, DVM, DACVO, Medical Director for Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists. "By the time a pet is referred to our specialty facility for care, potentially life-threatening organ damage may have already occurred," she added.

Gingivitis and other oral conditions are generally reversible with healthy home care routines, proper diet and regular dental exams with cleanings to remove accumulated plaque around the teeth so harmful bacteria cannot proliferate. Once bacterial infection enters the pet's circulatory system, the urinary tract, respiratory tract, and normal kidney, liver and heart functions can be seriously compromised with potentially irreversible and deadly consequences.

Periodontal conditions have been linked as secondary factors in systemic diseases and disorders. Bacterial invasion can damage the delicate kidney membranes so that filtration and transport of body waste becomes impaired. Depending on the severity of kidney disease or failure, specialty treatment may include intensive care, dialysis or under special circumstances, kidney transplantation, adds Dr. Berger.

Bacterial infection can also seriously damage a dog's liver and result in canine liver disease, one of the top five leading causes of non-accidental death in dogs. Since the liver can function fairly effectively at 70-80 percent capacity, by the time symptoms manifest, the disease may be in an advanced state. Prompt and proper diagnosis, veterinary and dietary intervention and consistent follow-up and monitoring are all essential for managing secondary liver conditions.

Serious cardiac complications can occur when the heart suffers damage from a serious infection and is unable to deliver enough blood to meet the body's needs. If the heart does not pump efficiently, blood may collect in the heart, lungs or other organs. This constricts blood vessels and fluid may leak out and build up in the lungs, abdomen and other vital tissues and result in congestive heart failure, which is a grave, irreversible condition.

"With routine preventive veterinary visits to ensure oral hygiene, devoted pet owners can help protect their companions from infections that can develop into serious life-threatening complications," said Larry Cohen, DVM, Group Vice President for Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists. "Waiting until the disease has progressed to the point of pain and discomfort is not only harmful for pets, but can be averted by being aware and seeking regular veterinary care," he added.

Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists (FAVS), New York City's newest specialty-only and 24-hour emergency care facility, is a unique referral animal facility. Located in the heart of lower Manhattan, FAVS offers a full spectrum of specialty services, including emergency and critical care, internal medicine, oncology, ophthalmology and orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. In partnership with referring veterinarians, FAVS is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards with a team of specialists, nurses and support staff to ensure pets receive the very best specialty and emergency care.

For more information about Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists, please visit the Web site at www.fifthavevetspecialists.com.