Identificación de alteraciones oftalmológicas relacionadas con la enfermedad periodontal en canis lupus familiaris en la ciudad de machala.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and type of ophthalmological alterations associated with periodontal disease in dogs of different breeds, ages, and sexes in the city of Machala. A representative sample of 60 canines, randomly selected from veterinary clinics and other locations in the city, was evaluated. The methodology consisted of a thorough physical and clinical examination, including periodontal evaluation using the plaque and calculus index (IPV), along with a detailed ophthalmological examination. This latter examination covered visual acuity measurement, tear production via the Schirmer test, and staining with fluorescein and rose bengal. Statistical analyses revealed a 75% prevalence of periodontal disease in the studied sample. A tatistically significant association was identified between the presence of periodontal disease and various ophthalmological alterations, such as dry keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, corneal ulcers, and glaucoma. Additionally, the severity of periodontal disease was directly correlated with the severity of ocular alterations, suggesting that dogs with advanced forms of periodontal disease are at higher risk of developing severe ocular problems. The study also demonstrated that certain breeds and age groups exhibit a higher predisposition to both periodontal disease and ophthalmological alterations, indicating the need for specific preventive interventions for these groups.