Effect of Metronidazole Treatment on Periodontitis Caused by Trichomonas tenax in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the presence of oral Trichomonas in the dental plaque of dogs and cats using phase contrast microscopy, and examined the effect of metronidazole treatment in the positive cases. Dental plaque obtained from 65 dogs (average age 7.8 years) and 38 cats (average age 7 years) was examined. T. tenax infection was confirmed in 27.7% of the dogs and 10.5% of the cats. This study is the first to report on oral Trichomonas infection in Japanese dogs and cats. Treatment with metronidazole, an antiprotozoal agent, eliminated oral Trichomonas in these dogs and cats and resulted in a marked improvement in gingivitis and halitosis. These results suggest that periodontitis caused by Trichomonas can be effectively treated with metronidazole.