A case with 30% attachment loss and stage 2 furcation corresponds to which stage?

• A. Stage 2
• B. Stage 1
• C. Stage 3
• D. Stage 4

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is how periodontal disease severity is graded in veterinary dentistry: you look at how much attachment has been lost and how far furcation involvement has progressed. An attachment loss of about 30% places the tooth into the range where disease is considered more than mild but not the most advanced—this is Stage 3. The furcation involvement being at Stage 2 shows that the disease has extended into the furcation area, which is consistent with Stage 3 progression, but the overall stage is determined primarily by the percentage of attachment loss. So even though the furcation is involved at a moderate level, the 30% attachment loss defines Stage 3. Stage 4 would require more than 50% attachment loss and additional severe signs, while earlier stages would involve less attachment loss and less furcation involvement.