Determination of Dental Lesions in Dairy Cattle and Immunochemical Detection of the Biomarker Decorin in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Dairy Cattle

BACKGROUND: Dental health in cattle affects food intake and productivity. However, dental diseases are often overlooked. Tooth erosion, pigment deposition and periodontal diseases are common. Periodontal structures, especially extracellular matrix components such as proteoglycans, play an important role in tissue homeostasis and inflammatory processes. Analysis of GCF can provide important information in understanding the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. AIM: This study aimed to identify the primary dental and gingival lesions affecting dairy cattle and evaluate their impact on periodontal health parameters. In addition, it sought to determine the presence of proteoglycans, specifically decorin, in GCF samples from cattle with dental inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 100 randomly selected dairy cattle were examined and oral and periodontal lesions were recorded. Clinical evaluation data (PI, GI, PPD and BPI) were evaluated. In the second part, comparative decorin levels of GCF samples from 10 healthy and 10 diseased cattle were measured. RESULTS: GI values were 3% Grade 0, 22% Grade 1, 37% Grade 2 and 38% Grade 3. PI values were 25% Grade 1, 35% Grade 2 and 40% Grade 3. The mean approximate value of PPD was 4.96 mm (max: 8, min: 1). BPI was not seen in 79% of the cases. The mean value of the control group was calculated as 38.3 ± 2.27 ng/mL, while that of the case group was 26.59 ± 1.42 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Routine periodontal assessment in cattle can help maintain dental health and improve animal welfare. Despite their disadvantages, biomarkers offer promising potential for developing non-invasive diagnostic methods.