Dental disease in relation to heart -- Pekingese Breed Questions and Answers

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Subject: Dental disease in relation to heart

Author:
Glen

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Date Posted: 08:39:46 06/03/05 Fri

I just lost one of my 3 Pekes at age 11 from congestive heart failure. He had a diagnosed level 4 murmur June 2004.At the time, the vet stated that it was the result of gum disease. When I pressed him about this he now says it didn't have to be caused by gum disease, just that most dogs with murmurs have bad teeth. BUT, not every dog with bad teeth has a murmur. I have been reading a lot about this and writing to canine cardiologists. My question is whether anyone else had this happen, and also whether it is known whether dental situations can cause degenerative heart disease, specifically in the heart valves. While it is true that I did not have his teeth cleaned in years (fear of losing my baby under anesthesia), he never had bad breath, which is often a sign of disease. Aside from even this, I have read, though I have not seen an in-depth discussion about it, that Pekingese are among the small-breed dogs predisposed to heart troubles. As it is, one third of every dog over 10 has a valve problem, and most small-breed dogs have a murmur by age 10. My feelings are that this is more of a hereditary situation. It is suspected that teeth can cause valve problems but there is no proof! Anyone have thoughts on this one? Thanks!

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
Re: Dental disease in relation to heart	Diane Stepple	16:13:02 06/25/05 Sat