Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the model is a "hybrid causal Bayesian network" designed to enhance existing tools by analysing complex relationships between risk factors1.
It combines data from electronic health records, owner questionnaires, previous studies and veterinarian expertise.
Waltham says the model confirms the importance of risk factors including breed and size, age, head shape and quality of home dental care, and quantifies the probability of a dog having periodontal disease based on the presence of these factors.
Dr Stephen Makin, Vice President Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said: "This breakthrough is more than just a scientific achievement; it's a potential game-changer for canine oral health.
"Supported by AI, we are moving from detection to prediction, empowering veterinarians and owners with the ability to provide proactive and personalised oral care.
"This could fundamentally change the health and wellbeing of our canine companions."
The new model is now being used within the Linnaeus group to flag risk for newly-registered clients.
It has also been deployed on a risk checker at: https://www.uk.pedigree.com/gum-disease-risk-checker.
In both cases, Linnaeus says the objective is to get information to pet owners earlier, particularly for breeds where risk is substantially higher, to help drive early preventive care.
However, the company says this is only a fraction of what this kind of foundational model can do, and that it is exploring a range of further applications — including how it might work in combination with other clinical tools and diagnostics to support decision-making more directly at the point of care.
Reference
In the study: "Effects of human-animal interaction on salivary and urinary oxytocin in children and dogs1", oxytocin levels were recorded in 55 children and their pet dogs.
Oxytocin is associated with positive emotions, the reduction of stress and the formation of social bonds.
Oxytocin levels were tracked in both the children’s and dogs’ urine and saliva before and after they interacted.
Researchers say this is one of the first studies to examine the benefits of human animal interactions for both humans and dogs.
For the study, the children's oxytocin levels were measured when they interacted with their own pet dog, with an unfamiliar dog (a trained therapy dog), and when they engaged in solitary play.
The study found that:
The researchers concluded that the results support the hypothesis that oxytocin pathways may shape and respond to social interactions between children and dogs, highlighting an important role for companion animals in child development.
https://www.waltham.com/oxytocin-children-and-dogs
The 8-week study1, which was part-funded by the ISAZ/Waltham Petcare Science Institute Collaborative Research Award and Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.), compared the effects of walking with a shelter dog vs. walking with a human and the impact they had on psychological stress indicators, PTSD symptoms and the stress in reintegrating military veterans.
The veterans in the study who walked with shelter dogs experienced improved rate variability and decreased levels of salivary cortisol – both signs of relaxation and improved stress response.
Waltham points to a Journal of Psychiatric Research estimate that up to 25% of military veterans who have transitioned out of active duty would meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD2. This, says the Institute, could mean that up to 625,000 of the 2.4 million3 military veterans currently living in the UK could potentially be living with this mental health issue.
Dr Kay O’Donnell, Ph.D., Vice President of the Waltham Petcare science institute, said: “This study further highlights the potential of dog walking to improve the lives of both veterans and shelter dogs by offering veterans a way to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals – while dogs are simultaneously helping veterans with symptoms of PTSD.
"At the Waltham Petcare Science Institute we believe we have a responsibility to take scientific exploration further when evidence to date shows us that pets can be part of addressing conditions like PTSD. It’s important we undertake rigorous studies to understand how companion animals may provide a benefit and we’re proud to be part of this study, which takes us another step forward in understanding the human-animal bond."
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