Objective: To compare periodontal disease (PD) in dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF) to dogs with normal renal function (NRF).

Design: Prospective, randomized study.

Procedure: Twelve dogs with CRF and 24 dogs with NRF all with periodontal pocket formation were studied. Serum creatinine, BUN, USG, and RBC and WBC counts were determined for all the dogs. A complete oral examination was performed, including evaluation of bacterial plaque, gingivitis, gingival recession, pocket depth, calculus, dental mobility, tooth loss, and ulcers. Data were used to calculate Plaque index, Gingival index and Periodontal destruction index. PD was grade as mild, moderate or severe based on the results. Statistical analysis was done by comparison of means using the Student´s T test.

Results: Mild, moderate or severe PD was observed in dogs with NRF, whereas dogs with CRF presented either mild or severe PD. Dogs with NRF showed higher involvement of the maxillary teeth, whereas dogs with CRF showed a higher involvement of the mandibular teeth. Plaque index was significantly higher in dogs with NRF.

Conclusions: Lesion distribution and periodontal disease progression may be altered in dogs with CRF. Gingival inflammatory response differs between dogs with NRF and CRF depending on the stage of periodontal disease.