As the understanding of aging canine oral microbiota deepens, it opens new avenues for diagnosing and addressing age-related health concerns.
As canines age, they, like humans, face an increased risk of various health issues. Two prevalent concerns for senior dogs are periodontal disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS). These two conditions seem to be correlated, mirroring a similar connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. To explore the dynamics of aging canine health, a recent study investigated the longitudinal changes in the oral microbiota of senior dogs.
Study Details
The study, conducted with ten senior client-owned dogs over 24 months, aimed to characterize shifts in the oral microbiota and understand potential correlations with cognitive status. The findings revealed a significant increase in alpha diversity for both bacterial and fungal species between the initial and final study visits. Among the dominant bacterial phyla were Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, with Porphyromonas gulae emerging as the most abundant bacterial species, constituting 11.6% of total reads.
Notably, the study identified an intriguing association between specific microbial species and aging or cognitive decline. Lactobacillus gasseri demonstrated a statistically significant increase in relative abundance with age, suggesting a potential role in the aging process. Conversely, Leptotrichia sp. oral taxon 212 exhibited a positive longitudinal association with cognition score, hinting at its potential involvement in cognitive health.
Prevalence of Dysbiosis
What’s particularly striking is the prevalence of dysbiosis in the oral microbiota of aging dogs, even in the presence of dental prophylaxis. The study emphasizes that nearly all senior dogs experience some degree of oral dysbiosis, raising questions about its impact on their overall health. The spotlight falls on specific bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gulae and Porphyromonas gingivalis, known for their association with the red complex in periodontal disease.
The study’s unique features, such as its longitudinal design, inclusion of companion dogs, and a focus on senior canine health, provide valuable insights. The potential link between oral dysbiosis and cognitive decline highlights the need for further research and therapeutic interventions.
