OraStripdx is a simple yet innovative diagnostic strip that can detect periodontal disease even before it shows any visible or notable signs. A test like no other — this diagnostic test certainly sets the standard for veterinary dental care!
Proven, effective, and successful: it will make you wonder how this revolutionary and state-of-the-art technology came to be. Fortunately, Dr. Wendy Hauser, Veterinary Consultant to PDX Biotech, didn’t hold back!
Read on to learn more about the background and concept of the strip test!
The Horrors Of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the kind of disease that prefers to show visible signs when it reaches its advanced stages. Mostly when the dog is under anesthesia and about to undergo cleaning.
According to Dr. Hauser,
“Periodontal disease begins long before it’s visible.”
Periodontal disease is a relatively common illness in the field of veterinary medicine. It usually can lead to bone loss, gum infections, and, if left untreated, loss of teeth and other severe health-related problems.
The disease usually begins when a black biofilm attaches itself to the surface of the gums and teeth. As the process continues, the biofilm will eventually invade the tiny crevices between the teeth and gums called the gingival sulcus. This environment tends to favor the growth of anaerobic bacteria that powers their metabolism by producing a chemical called thiol.
What OraStripdx does is detect the levels of thiols in the mouth. Upon detection, the test will display results indicating the detection of periodontal disease.
OraStripdx is one of the only effective ways to detect periodontal disease early without sedation or anesthesia.
“It’s also nice that dogs and cats tolerate this product well.”
Early Detection For Better Treatment Options Using OraStripdx
OraStripdx can detect periodontal disease in about 10 seconds, offering visual evidence and results. It is also easy to use and is relatively pain-free for the pet!
Swipe it on the upper-outer gums of the pet where the teeth and gums meet. Avoid rubbing it too hard or applying pressure. The results are instantaneous! If the test pad changes colors, from white to yellow, the test detects thiol. The stronger or more profound the color is, the more severe the infection is.
“One of a kind rapid screening test that detects early periodontal disease in both dogs and cats before its clinically evident.”
The company’s founders, Dr. David McClure and Dr. Tony Burgress-Cassler, came up with the concept about ten years ago, but it didn’t push through due to market adoption failure.
In 2021, they tried again. This time, with a newly assembled team and a reliable board of clinical advisors, they were able to create a better and more effective diagnostic test!
The product first launched internationally, in Europe and sold about 250,000 last year. It only launched in the US in January and breached the veterinary channel as a B2B product. Currently, the product has yet to be commercially available to individual owners.
“We want to educate the veterinary teams first. So, when someone calls, there is already a partnership that was built.”
For veterinarians out there interested in the test strip, you can find it on their official website!