Symptom6 connections · 4 sources
Halitosis
Halitosis is an offensive odor from the oral cavity. The most common cause is periodontal disease, where bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas. It is the primary sign pet owners notice for dental disease.
Key Facts
- Most common cause: periodontal disease from plaque bacteria
- Hydrogen sulfide from bone-destroying bacteria causes the odor
- Zinc citrate can neutralize hydrogen sulfide
- Non-oral causes: diabetes (uremia), respiratory disease, GI disease, kidney disease
- Dogs and cats should not have disagreeable breath odor
- Diagnosis starts with oral examination; blood tests may be needed for internal causes
- Treatment depends on underlying cause; daily brushing prevents recurrence
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (6)
Related Conditions
Chronic Kidney DiseaseCondition
Uremia causes foul breath
Diabetes MellitusCondition
Metabolic disease can cause halitosis
GingivostomatitisCondition
Severe oral inflammation causes extreme bad breath
Periodontal DiseaseCondition
The most common cause of halitosis
Tooth ResorptionCondition
Oral infections from resorption cause bad breath