HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF PERIODONTITIS
IN SHEEP
Key-words: Periodontitis, Swollen face, sheep diseases.
Summary
Periodontitis is an infectious and purulent process associated with the presence of a complex microbiota in the subgingival biofilm, which results in resorption of the alveolus, membranous degeneration, tooth migration, formation of peridentary pockets, and subsequent tooth loss. This disease is directly associated with soil management and diet, with variations in its clinical presentation, ranging from aggressive to chronic manifestations. The economic losses are enormous due to the difficulty in feeding the affected animals and consequent decrease in productivity. The present study aimed to histologically characterize the periodontitis lesions in ruminants. Tissues from the periodontal pocket and gingival sulcus of 9 sheep were evaluated by Hematoxylin and Eosin, Gram and Warthin-Starry (silver impregnation) stains. Alterations such as degeneration and acanthosis of the epithelium, formation of granulation tissue, disorganization of collagen fibers due to the presence of edema in the submucosa, dilation of endothelial cells, predominantly histocytic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate and bacteria present mainly in the submucosa (perivascular region). In the alveolar bone resorption and apposition of the bone matrix was observed. It is concluded that periodontitis in sheep is caused by the action of plaque-forming bacteria that advance to the surface between the tooth root and periodontal tissues.