Canine Disintegrated Jaw Disease

Advanced periodontal disease can cause the dog to suffer from disintegrated jaw disease, where over 30 percent or more of the dog's jawbone is lost. The disease occurs when the dog suffers deep inflammation of the supporting structures around the teeth. The inflammation leads to abscesses, which can form pockets within the bone, slowly eroding and destroying it. Once the disease reaches the stage of jawbone loss, it is irreversible, according to Pet MD.

  1. The Beginning

    • Inflammation around only one tooth will result in periodontal disease forming. The tooth will begin to suffer attachment loss from the gum, tissue and bone. The gum will gradually recede from the tooth. The recession of the gum allows bacteria to infiltrate beneath the root and reach into the bone, forming large pockets that disintegrate the bone as the disease advances.The tooth will loosen, abscesses will form, and the dog will be in considerable pain. Dogs as young as 6 months old can suffer from periodontal disease, according to All Pets Dental.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis of the dog's condition is made by an examination by a veterinarian. X-rays may be performed to better see the jawbone and teeth. The veterinarian will be able to determine what stage the periodontal disease is in and exactly how much bone loss has occurred within the dog's jaw. Advanced periodontal disease that causes the jawbone to suffer substantial bone loss will often result in a fracture easily occurring, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.

    Treatment

    • The best way to treat advanced periodontal disease in a dog is to remove the infected tooth to help eliminate the chronic infection and pain, according to the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference. To retain the tooth, the veterinarian will need to perform a surgical procedure. The tooth must be scaled to remove all calculus. Once scaled, the tooth is polished, using a rubber, rotating instrument. The area of the root and the bone loss cavity is thoroughly irrigated, using chlorhexidine to remove bacteria. A flap of tissue must be attached to the tooth in advanced periodontal disease to make up for the gum that has been lost during the disease's onslaught.

    Oronasal Fistula Repair

    • An oronasal fistula is a hole into the dog's nasal cavity. It occurs from excessive bone loss suffered during advanced periodontal disease of the upper tooth, jaw and gums. The hole causes the dog to sneeze and often have a nasal discharge. Once the infected tooth is removed, the hole must be repaired surgically, using oral tissue as a flap.

    After Care

    • After the dog's mouth has been surgically treated, the dog will be allowed to return home within one to two days after surgery. The dog will be placed on an antibiotic to help prevent any remaining bacteria from forming a new pocket of bacteria within the jawbone. The dog will also need pain medication to help make it comfortable. It may be placed on a diet of soft food until fully recovered.

    Prevention

    • The best way to care for a dog's mouth is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring. Regular brushing of the dog's teeth will help maintain its gum health and remove bacteria. Numerous chew treats and toy brands also help limit plaque and tartar buildup in a dog's mouth. Regularly visits to the veterinarian for scheduled teeth cleaning will also help to maintain the dog's oral health.