Arthritis
Atopy (Inhalant Allergy)
Bufo Toad Poisoning
Cat Home Safety Tips
Collar Hazards
Common Things to Watch for
Dental Disease in Pets
Diabetes
Dog Safety Tips
Feline Heartworm Disease
Mallassezia (yeast) Dermatitis
Reasons to Neuter
Noise Phobia in Dogs
Weight Problems in Pets
Otitis (Ear Infections)
Parvo Virus
Pruritis (Itchiness)
Rabies
Seizures and Epilepsy
Senior Pets
Reasons to Spay
Toxoplasmosis, Cats and Women
hints. It is so pervasive that 80-90% of animals over age 4 suffer from some
degree of it. It can vary in severity from mild to a more serious condition
causing pain, discomfort and possibly involving other organ systems.
It is also one of the most overlooked conditions by pet owners and until
recently many veterinarians. Know what it is yet? Answer: dental disease.
How does it start? Peridontal disease starts with oral bacteria adhering to the
surface of a tooth and forming plaque, a slimy film which builds up and
eventually mineralizes to form tartar.
Plaque starts on the surface of the tooth but eventually works its way between
the tooth and the gum leading to inflammation of the gums called gingivitis.
Mild gingivitis appears as a thin red line in the gum just above the tooth.
Severe gingivitis is characterized by very red, swollen, thickened and painful
gums. Gingivitis is reversible if treated early enough.
Left untreated, gingivitis will progress to peridontitis, which is the
inflammation and destruction of the ligamentous and bony support tissues of
the teeth. Peridontitis results in severe mouth pain, loose teeth and bacterial
infection of the tooth socket. And once infection sets in, the animal’s breath will
have a terrible odor to it.
The mouth is loaded with bacteria and as the gums become inflamed, the
bacteria around the teeth are free to enter the blood stream and travel to other
organs in the body. The heart is a frequent target of oral bacteria. The bacteria
can colonize the valves in the heart making them leaky (which is heard as a
heart murmur).
Small breed dogs seem to be more susceptible to developing more severe
dental disease at an earlier age, while most larger breed dogs are more
resistant. Cats infected with FIV may have severe gingivitis.
So what is an owner to do? First of all, if your pet will allow it, take a look at
its teeth. "Flip the Lip" and look for tartar build up, a thin red line just above
the tooth, or red and puffy gums. Look for gum recession, bleeding, broken or
chipped teeth and oral masses. Make sure you check the back teeth too. If you
see any of the above your pet needs to be seen by your veterinarian for
treatment.
Many owners are reluctant to have a dental cleaning in their pet because it
requires the use of general anesthesia. Unlike us, dogs and cats won’t lay still
to have their teeth cleaned, and if they bit down they could hurt someone or
break a tooth on metal instruments.
The newer anesthetics that we have today are very safe even for older animals.
When I have a client that is afraid to have their animal put under because of
their fear of the risks of anesthesia I ask them to "shine their mental flashlight"
on the dental disease and what IT is actually doing to their pet and what it will
continue to do if left untreated. Almost always, the risk of dental disease far
outweighs the risk of anesthesia.
Of course, certain precautions can minimize the risks of anesthesia before a
dental cleaning. Pre-anesthesia lab work can identify liver or kidney
problems. And using an IV catheter and fluids during the procedure helps to
prevent hypotension (low blood pressure) from developing.
How often does an animal need to have its teeth cleaned? Ideally, animals
should have their teeth cleaned yearly after they are 3 or 4 years old. Smaller
breed dogs may need more frequent cleanings to keep their mouth healthy.
Owners can help maintain good oral hygiene brushing their pets teeth
regularly with special toothpaste formulated for animals. Oral rinses, CET
chews, Greenies and specialized tartar control foods can also help minimize
plaque and tartar buildup.
February is national Pet Dental Month so now is the time to have your pets
teeth examined. For more information on oral health in dogs and cats visit
www.petdental.com.