An evaluation of the correlation between haematological biomarkers in cats affected with periodontal disease stages 3 and 4

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is the most common disease of the tooth-supporting apparatus in dogs and cats. Identifying factors associated with periodontal disease early through minimally invasive, fast and cost-effective methods, such as a simple blood test, may improve treatment outcomes. The current study investigated the association between haematological biomarkers and periodontal disease in cats. Methods: Sixty cats were divided into healthy cats (n = 30) and cats with periodontal disease (n = 30) groups. Age, neutering status and breed were recorded. All cats had no history of infection and other inflammatory or neoplastic diseases. No medication had been administered within the previous 3 months and no cats had undergone recent surgery. According to the American Veterinary Dental College pet periodontal disease staging, all cats in the diseased group were diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 periodontal disease and were candidates for extraction of at least one canine or premolar tooth, given that no incisors were noted for extraction. Blood samples were taken from both groups to obtain a complete blood count. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, platelet-to-lymphocyte and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratios were calculated. The results were statistically analysed between the two groups with an independent sample T-test. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups with regard to the various haematological parameters. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, no significant differences were observed between haematological biomarkers and periodontal disease stage 3 or 4.