Journal of Small Animal Practice最新文献

{"title":"Cannabidiol in small animal practice: current evidence, clinical applications and practical recommendations for dogs and cats.","authors":"T Sano","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70208","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cannabidiol has gained increasing attention in small animal practice as a potential adjunctive therapy for a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, epilepsy and anxiety-related disorders. This mini-review summarises current clinical evidence in dogs and cats, highlights key limitations and provides practical recommendations for clinicians. Recent studies suggest that cannabidiol may improve pain and mobility in canine osteoarthritis and reduce seizure frequency in refractory epilepsy, although results remain variable. Evidence supporting anxiolytic effects appears more consistent in chronic stress conditions than in acute fear responses. In cats, clinical data are limited, although preliminary studies have evaluated osteoarthritis-associated pain, chronic gingivostomatitis, behavioural responses, pharmacokinetics and safety. Mild adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and sedation, have been reported in both dogs and cats. Increases in serum alkaline phosphatase activity have been repeatedly reported in dogs, although their clinical significance remains uncertain and monitoring is advisable during prolonged administration. Drug interactions, particularly those involving cytochrome P450 pathways, should also be considered when cannabidiol is administered concurrently with other medications. Overall, current evidence supports cautious, selective use of cannabidiol as an adjunctive rather than primary therapy. While evidence is strongest for canine osteoarthritis and epilepsy, further standardised clinical trials are required to establish optimal dosing strategies, long-term safety and evidence-based clinical guidelines for veterinary practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis in 14 dogs.","authors":"I M T Clark, S Priestnall, R Meeson","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterise signalment, imaging features and any associated clinical findings of dogs with a radiographic diagnosis of radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective case series reviewing medical records (2010 to 2024) of dogs with imaging lesions consistent with a radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis on computed tomography or digital radiographs.</p><p><strong>Population: </strong>Fourteen dogs had a radiographic radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis on at least one limb.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All dogs identified were adult dogs (1 to 12 years), with Spaniels and their crosses most common (8/14), followed by three Terriers, one Labrador cross, one English Bulldog and one beagle cross. Two dogs had radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis identified incidentally and were not lame. Twelve dogs were lame, with the majority having another coexisting cause of lameness identified. Two dogs, however, presented for lameness without another likely cause other than the presence of radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis, and one dog suffered a radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis associated pathological fracture. Two variants of radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis were described: the classically described RUIN and an \"atypical\" monostotic lesion, with one dog having one of each. Radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis lesions were all identified in the proximal third of the antebrachium.</p><p><strong>Conclusions and clinical relevance: </strong>Radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis is seen in a variety of breeds and may be more common in Spaniels. They may be bilateral or unilateral, classic or monostotic. Radio-ulnar ischaemic necrosis lesions may be an incidental or more rarely direct cause of lameness or pathological fracture. As half the population had bilateral RUIN, a non-trauma-related inciting cause of the nutrient vascular ischaemia is possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The addition of clotrimazole reduces but does not abrogate fungal dysbiosis during effective antibacterial therapy for canine otitis externa.","authors":"G Gallow, J Juhola, E A Ferguson, A Loeffler, A Hendricks, S M Frosini, S Williams, E Brennan, R Bond","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Malassezia dysbiosis commonly occurs after successful piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy for canine bacterial otitis externa. The study objective was to compare antimicrobial outcomes in dogs with otitis treated with piperacillin-tazobactam in combination with the antifungal drug clotrimazole with a previous cohort treated with piperacillin-tazobactam alone.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-one dogs with bacterial otitis were treated topically with piperacillin-tazobactam (1 mL) every 12 hours, although the fourth dose in each 48 hours period was replaced with 1% clotrimazole solution (1 mL). At visits 1 (V1) and 2 (V2), ear swab tips were washed in PBS + Triton X-100 and serial dilutions spread-plated onto blood, MacConkey (37°C, 48 hours) and modified Dixon's agar (32°C, 14 days) to generate semiquantitative counts. Microbes were identified by phenotype and MALDI-TOF. Outcomes were compared with those of 14 dogs previously treated with piperacillin-tazobactam alone (sequential case-cohort design).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Relative risk of a post-treatment bacterial culture count exceeding zero in dogs treated with piperacillin-tazobactam-clotrimazole (3/21), when compared to piperacillin-tazobactam treatment alone (2/14) was 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.19 to 5.24). Relative risk of an increase in yeast culture count in dogs treated with piperacillin-tazobactam alone (14/14), when compared to piperacillin-tazobactam-clotrimazole-treated dogs (7/21), was 3.00 (95% confidence interval 1.64 to 5.49). Relative risk of fungal dysbiosis (V2 yeast count > normal) in dogs treated with piperacillin-tazobactam alone (14/14), when compared to piperacillin-tazobactam-clotrimazole-treated dogs (4/21), was 5.25 (95% CI 2.17 to 12.68).</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Piperacillin-tazobactam-clotrimazole is highly efficacious in the treatment of refractory bacterial otitis; incorporation of clotrimazole markedly reduces but does not abrogate fungal dysbiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149061551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Canine pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernias: a multicentric, retrospective, observational analysis of 20 dogs (2009-2026).","authors":"F Mitchell, T Charlesworth, M Rossanese, F Cinti, J Riggs, R White, W Robinson, S Das","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical management and outcomes of dogs undergoing surgical management for pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Medical records from seven referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs diagnosed with pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia during the study period. Data collected included signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical findings, post-operative complications and outcome. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo grading system.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median age at surgery was 8.9 months (3.0 months to 10.2 years) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels represented 30% (6/20) of cases. Seventeen dogs presented with clinical signs attributable to pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia, most commonly vomiting (45%, 9/20), tachypnoea (40%, 8/20) and dyspnoea (35%. 7/20), while three hernias were diagnosed incidentally. The stomach was the most frequently herniated organ (65%, 13/20), followed by the spleen (50%, 10/20) and small intestine (45%, 9/20). Hernias were most commonly located in the dorsolateral left crus of the diaphragm (80%, 16/20). Surgical enlargement of the defect to facilitate reduction of herniated viscera was required in 35% (7/20) of cases. Nineteen dogs underwent successful herniorrhaphy; one dog was euthanased intraoperatively because of extensive jejunal necrosis associated with mesenteric volvulus. Post-operative complications occurred in 47% (9/19) dogs, and all dogs survived to discharge. One dog developed hernia recurrence.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia may present with acute respiratory and gastrointestinal signs or be identified incidentally during diagnostic imaging or surgery. Surgical correction is associated with favourable outcomes and a low recurrence rate.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149030849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists for controlling pain in dogs.","authors":"P W Kronen, B D X Lascelles, B P Monteiro, J C Murrell, S A Robertson, P V Steagall, B Wright","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70205","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This is a mini review published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's Pain Committee. This article provides an assessment of the scientific evidence of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists for controlling pain in dogs while identifying current knowledge gaps. The pathophysiology of chronic pain related to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor is reviewed, followed by the clinical application of some drugs in this class in clinical practice, with suggested dosage regimens. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists are an attractive group of drugs to manage long-standing pain because of the pivotal role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor in central sensitisation and upregulation of pain pathways. More studies are needed to support the use of these drugs perioperatively and for treatment of chronic pain. Currently, information on best dosage regimens, safety, efficacy and which painful conditions can be targeted is lacking.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Higher early radiographic bone healing scores with popliteus muscle preservation during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs.","authors":"S Sassaroli, A Salvaggio, F Roggiolani, M Fordellone, F Ciabocco, A Palumbo Piccionello","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare early radiographic bone healing 45 days after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy performed with popliteus muscle detachment versus a modified technique preserving the muscle and to determine whether muscle preservation influences post-operative osteotomy stability through measurement of rock-back.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this prospective, blinded, randomised clinical study (2022 to 2025), 100 client-owned dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were allocated to traditional surgery (n = 50) or popliteus-sparing surgery (n = 50). Radiographic assessment was performed preoperatively, immediately post-operatively and 45 days after surgery. Bone healing was evaluated using two validated radiographic scoring systems. Osteotomy stability was assessed by measuring the change in tibial plateau angle between the immediate post-operative and 45-day radiographs. Multivariable linear regression models were used to adjust for baseline clinical variables. A P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Dogs undergoing popliteus-sparing surgery demonstrated higher bone healing scores at 45 days, with an adjusted mean difference of 1.95 (95% confidence interval 0.91 to 2.99) on the 10-point bone healing scale and 1.87 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 2.86) on the modified radiographic union scale. There was no clinically relevant difference in post-operative tibial plateau angle change between groups, with an adjusted mean difference of 0.26 degrees (95% confidence interval -0.10 to 0.63). No major intraoperative vascular complications were recorded.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy performed without detachment of the popliteus muscle represents a safe and effective alternative to the traditional technique. Popliteus muscle preservation during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy was associated with higher radiographic bone healing scores at 45 days, without evidence of increased osteotomy instability. Whether this radiographic difference translates into improved clinical recovery or limb function remains unknown.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149002016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the long-term outcomes of compartmental excision for treatment of infiltrative lipomas.","authors":"C Tindale, A C Major, M A Pilot, S J Langley-Hobbs, T Hernon, E J Friend, L B Meakin","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the post-operative long-term outcomes including recurrence rate of infiltrative lipoma in dogs following compartmental resection compared to debulking.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-nine client-owned dogs were surgically treated for infiltrative lipoma diagnosed on histopathology or diagnostic imaging with consistent appearance at surgery. Clinical records were evaluated for signalment, history, physical examination, results of diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology, time to recurrence and post-operative outcome.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Infiltrative lipomas were most commonly located in the pelvic limb (41%), predominantly within the thigh (10/29). Recurrence was reported in 9/13 (69.2%) debulking, 1/9 (11%) compartmental and 0/1 radical excision; recurrence was significantly less likely with pre-planned compartmental excision compared to debulking (OR 18.0; 95% CI 1.65 to 196.31). Performing a debulking surgery prior to compartmental excision did not affect the likelihood of recurrence. Median time to representation for recurrence following debulk was 342 days (range 187 to 995). Subjectively, no effect on limb function was reported secondary to compartmental excision. One dog had sinking of the skin overlying middle gluteal compartmental excision. Overall complications were seen in 12 of 25 dogs, predominantly seroma (n = 9).</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>Compartmental excision of infiltrative lipomas resulted in a lower rate of recurrence compared to debulking and compared with previous reports. No dysfunction associated with myectomy was reported. Compartmental excision should be considered for the treatment of infiltrative lipomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148990499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age-dependent expression and heritability of owner-reported dermatological symptoms in Labrador retrievers: Implications for breeding strategies.","authors":"B Deboutte, L Lambrecht, B J G Broeckx","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In decentralised breeding programmes, consistent health monitoring can be challenging, yet accurate phenotyping is essential for informed selection. This study evaluated whether a concise owner-based online survey could capture clinically relevant dermatologic signs in a Belgian assistance-dog breeding population, and whether the resulting phenotypes could support breeding decisions.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Survey data were collected between June 2024 and October 2025 from 223 Labrador retrievers (median age 2.1 years, range 11 months to 8 years). Owners reported the frequency of otitis externa, general itch, paw biting, skin redness and bald spots, recoded into ordinal symptom scores and summed into a total symptom score. Analyses were performed for the full population and by age group (younger vs. older than 3 years).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 38% of dogs had a non-zero total symptom score. Confirmed canine atopic dermatitis was associated with markedly higher scores (rate ratio = 9.3, 95% CI = 7.2 to 11.9). Each one-point increase in combined parental score corresponded to approximately 9% higher expected offspring score (rate ratio = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.12). Overall heritability was 0.52 (95% highest posterior density 0.24 to 0.75), with substantial age-related variation: h² = 0.05 in dogs under 3 years and h² = 0.81 in dogs aged 3 years or older.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>A brief owner-based survey can generate semi-quantitative dermatological phenotypes associated with confirmed disease and familial risk. Symptom expression in younger dogs showed low heritability, which may reflect incomplete phenotype expression at this age but could also result from environmental influences, whereas phenotypes in older dogs seem to more strongly reflect genetic predisposition, suggesting later-life records may better support selection decisions in decentralised breeding programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148990464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A dose-escalated radiation protocol of 10 × 4.0 Gy provides long-term local control in canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma.","authors":"M Terauchi, Y Fujii, R Iwasaki, T Mori","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70203","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To obtain insights for establishing radiation therapy strategies that provide long-term locoregional benefits in canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma, we evaluated whether a dose-escalated protocol (10 × 4.0 Gy) could improve clinical outcomes, particularly long-term locoregional control, while maintaining acceptable toxicity.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy between September 2016 and September 2025. Dogs administered chemotherapy agents other than toceranib phosphate were excluded. Dogs were classified according to the radiation therapy protocol received as the dose-escalated protocol group (10 × 4.0 Gy; Group A, n = 15) or the comparison group (8 × 3.8 Gy; Group B, n = 11). Outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival, local progression-free survival and radiation-related adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median overall survival, progression-free survival and local progression-free survival of Group A (1534, 926 and 1554 days, respectively) were significantly longer than those of Group B (821, 258 and 351 days, respectively). The treatment response rate based on the 3-month follow-up CT examination was higher in Group A (90.9%) than in Group B (10.0%). The 1-year local progression-free survival rate was also higher in Group A (93.3%) than in Group B (45.5%). Additionally, all observed radiation-related adverse effects were clinically manageable.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>This retrospective cohort study demonstrated that the dose-escalated 10 × 4.0 Gy protocol was associated with improved locoregional control and clinically manageable toxicity. Our findings suggest that dose escalation in apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma therapy can be an effective strategy when sustained locoregional control is a clinical priority.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148990461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical evaluation of a luteolin-based dental gel on dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in dogs.","authors":"C Papadaki, O Lorida, G Paschalidis, S Papageorgiou, D Christofilos, K Theodoridis, A Ν Assimopoulou, C Cholevas, L Tsalikis, G Koutouzidou, S Papadimitriou","doi":"10.1111/jsap.70201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.70201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a luteolin-based dental gel in reducing microbial dental plaque accumulation and gingival bleeding in dogs, leveraging luteolin's known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Six healthy beagle dogs underwent professional dental scaling and polishing under general anaesthesia on day 0. For the following 30 days, a dental gel containing luteolin was applied topically once daily to all dogs' teeth while they were maintained on a commercial dry diet. At the end of this treatment phase, professional scaling was repeated, plaque was stained using FD&C blue #1 and D&C red #28 (Young 2Tone), and the teeth were photographed under general anaesthesia. A subsequent 30-day placebo phase followed using a gel containing only excipients, produced with the identical method to that of the luteolin dental gel and using the same application protocol. Plaque coverage on selected teeth was quantified using the QuPath software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quantitative analysis showed a significant reduction in plaque accumulation during the luteolin treatment phase compared to the placebo, and statistical analysis using both parametric and non-parametric methods confirmed these differences were significant.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>The findings suggest that daily application of a luteolin-based dental gel effectively reduces microbial plaque formation and gingival bleeding in dogs, indicating its potential as a natural preventive and therapeutic agent for periodontal disease. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term efficacy in larger populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17062,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Small Animal Practice","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148977074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}