Archive for the ‘Dental’ Category

Pet Dentistry Without Sedation: Worthwhile or Just Surface Changes?

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

This week marks the final week of Dental Month.  In veterinary medicine, dental disease is seen in almost every animal.  But, in our busy lives it’s hard to find the time to do regular preventive care.   Adding to the problem, dental cleanings under general anesthesia seems risky to many.  Recently, anesthesia-free pet dentistry has become a fad.  However, is this option good care and safe long term?

With more than 85% of pets over age three suffering from some sort of dental disease, veterinarians are constantly reminding clients to provide at home dental care for their pets.  In addition, most veterinarians encourage annual dental exams and cleanings for their patients followed by care at home.  Still, pet owners are reluctant to follow these recommendations.

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Dental Care for Pets

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Of all dogs 2 years old or more, 80% have some form of dental disease, and veterinarians say that periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed condition in pets today.

 When Marlene King’s two dogs fought over a bone one night, she had to rush her eldest pet, 14-year-old cocker spaniel “Toby” to the veterinary emergency hospital.  She knew that Toby would have to have a few stitches for the bite wounds on his face, but she was shocked when the emergency veterinarian was more concerned about the severity of Toby’s dental disease.

 “The veterinarian was much more worried about the infection in Toby’s mouth.  One of his big canine teeth had been knocked out in the fight and if we didn’t do gum surgery to repair the hole, he would always have severe sinus infections. Because Toby’s gum disease was so advanced, the doctor was worried about the chances of the surgery healing. I never knew that dental care was that important.”

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February Is Pet Dental Month

Monday, January 25th, 2010

For many people, dealing with their pet’s bad breath is just part of pet ownership.   But, unfortunately, dogs and cats with dental disease are at a higher risk for heart disease.   How can you help to make sure your pet is not one of those destined to be on heart medication?

Most of us understand the importance of good oral health for ourselves and visit our dentist at least twice a year.   But only a small percentage of people would do the same thing for their pets.  Studies in human dentistry and medicine have shown that there appears to be an association between heart disease and dental disease.   Is this true for our pets as well?

In a recent nationwide veterinary study, more than 45,000 cases of dogs with serious dental disease were reviewed.  These dogs were compared with another 45,000 dogs of similar gender, age, and breed that did not have any dental disease. Their report shows that there appears to be a strong association between the health of your pet’s mouth and the incidence of other health issues, such as heart murmurs or even infection of the lining of the heart.

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