Impact of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative complications following dental extractions in dogs with severe periodontal disease: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Background Periodontal disease is the most prevalent oral disease affecting dogs and cats and often requiring surgical treatment. The use of perioperative surgical antimicrobial (SAP) prophylaxis in dental surgery remains a subject of ongoing debate. Dental extractions and severe periodontal disease are among the most common indications for antimicrobial prescription in veterinary dentistry. Based on this background, the aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of SAP on short- and mid-term complications following dental extractions in dogs with severe periodontal disease. Methods Medical records from January 2021 to December 2025 of dogs that underwent surgical dental procedures were retrospectively reviewed. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, dogs were divided into two groups according to antimicrobial administration: Group A included dogs that did not receive antibiotics, and Group B included dogs that received SAP. Outcome data was extracted for each dog. Statistical analyses were conducted for group comparisons and for the association between SAP and gingivitis persistence. Results Sixty-two procedures met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Dogs receiving SAP showed a significantly higher prevalence of gingivitis at 30 days compared with dogs that did not receive antibiotics. No statistically significant differences were observed for postoperative pain, bleeding, or other minor complications. Conclusions Within the limitations of this retrospective study, SAP was not associated with a reduction in short- or mid- term postoperative complications following dental extractions in dogs with severe periodontal disease. Conversely, SAP administration was associated with a higher prevalence of persistent gingivitis at 30 days postoperatively.