Investigation of the Relationship Between Periodontitis and Azotemic Kidney Disease in Cats

Authors : Mustafa Arıcan, İremsu Satıcı, Zeynep Çimen, Sıla Malkoç, Tuana Sena Kahraman, Büşra Burcu Erol, Furkan Çağrı Beşoluk
Pages : 198-205
Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1790428
View : 93 | Download : 242
Publication Date : 2025-12-24
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :The aim of this study was to determine the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats with periodontal disease (PD) and to evaluate the possible relationship between PD severity and CKD risk. The study included 76 cats of various breeds and sexes presented to the Small Animal Hospital between 2023 and 2024 for anorexia, hypersalivation, and/or halitosis. Periodontal disease was diagnosed via clinical examination, periodontal probing, and intraoral radiography, then classified into four stages. Clinical findings showed mild gingivitis (PD1) in 2.63% of cases, moderate to severe gingivitis (PD2–PD3) in 76.3%, and gingivostomatitis (PD4) in 21.05%; halitosis was recorded in 15.7%. Domestic Shorthair cats (Tekir) constituted 59.2% of the sample; 35.5% were female and 64.5% male. Mean biochemical values were blood urea nitrogen 56.9 mg/dl, creatinine 4.17 mg/dl, phosphorus 10.8 mg/dl, total bilirubin 8.8 g/dl, and albumin 3.45 g/dl. Of the 76 cats, 7 (9.2%) were diagnosed with CKD; five of these had initially presented for dental complaints. The results suggest that breed, age, and periodontal status may be potential risk factors for CKD development in cats. Moreover, CKD prevalence increased with advanced PD stages, indicating that maintaining oral and dental health may play an important role in preventing renal disease in feline patients. These findings support routine dental assessment and timely management of periodontal disease as part of comprehensive feline preventive care. Further longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse populations are recommended to clarify causal relationships, quantify risk, and guide effective evidence-based preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Keywords : Azotemia, Cat, Chronic kidney disease, Cystitis, Diabetes Mellitus, Periodontal disease

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