Tuesday, February 22, 2011


Don’t forget that February is Dental Care Month and that dental care is one of the most neglected of pet health needs. Our pets need care for their teeth just as we do. Bad breath, drooling and pain while eating are some of the signs of periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and proper home care are important for good pet dental health.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011


Could you imagine how your mouth would feel if you never brushed your teeth? Dental care for pets is the most neglected of all pet health care. Periodontal disease is the most common disease among cats and dogs. You can help your dog by brushing their teeth daily. Don’t let bad breath stand in the way of you and your pet, give them fr...esh breath and pearly whites. To help promote this important month Sylvan Veterinary Hospital is offering $30.00 off dental exam, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment. In addition, all patients will save 30% off all C.E.T. Chews, toothpaste, mouth rinse, and scientifically proven tartar reducing pet food. Additionally, a $50 rebate from Purina is available when you purchase a bag of Purina Dental pet food at the time of the dental procedure. These specials are available during the month of February. Appointment space is limited, so make your pet’s appointment today!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL DENTAL CARE MONTH FOR PETS


February has been established as National Pet Dental Health month to help raise public awareness of the importance of dental care in dogs and cats.  More than 85 percent of dogs and cats over four years old have some form of periodontal disease (bacterial infection of the gums), and senior pets, those seven years and older are especially susceptible to periodontal disease. 

If left unchecked, bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, causing infection there and seriously compromising the health of your pet.  These infections can permanently damage organs and shorten a dog’s or cat’s life.  That’s why it’s important to have your pet’s teeth examined on an annual basis.  Like people, animals need professional teeth cleaning throughout their life.

Warning signs to look for in your pet include:

·   Bad breathe – one of the first signs of dental disease.
·   Yellowish-brown crust of plaque on teeth at the gums.
·   Red and swollen gums.
·   Difficulty eating or chewing hard food.

If your pet displays any of these signs please see us for a complete dental exam.  Prevention can start at home by giving your pet chew toys and feeding them hard or coarse textured food to help remove accumulation of plaque.  Routine prevention and professional dental care keeps your pet’s teeth and body healthy!                

To help promote this important month Sylvan Veterinary Hospital is offering $30.00 off dental exam, ultrasonic scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment.  In addition, all patients will save 30% off all C.E.T.  Chews, toothpaste, mouth rinse, and scientifically proven tartar reducing pet food.  Additionally, a $50 rebate from Purina is available when you purchase a bag of Purina Dental pet food at the time of the dental procedure.  These specials are available during the month of February.  Appointment space is limited, so make your pet’s appointment today!


 

 

*A doctor may perform or recommend additional procedures such as, tooth extractions, pain medication, and antibiotics based on your pets dental needs.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Broken (Fractured) Teeth


Broken teeth are a very common occurrence in dogs and cats. They can break due to trauma (hit by a car, ball, or rock) or due to chewing on hard objects. Any tooth can break, however some teeth are fractured more than others. The most common teeth that are broken are the canine (fang) teeth in the dog and the cat, and the upper fourth premolar (large tooth on the top in the back) in dogs. 

After the tooth is fractured, bacteria from the mouth will gain access to the pulp (root canal) and infect the tooth. Eventually, the tooth will die and become a bacterial haven. The bacteria will then leak out through the apex (or bottom) of the tooth, and infect the bone in that area. Eventually, the bacterial byproducts and white blood cell enzymes will cause bone destruction around the root tip. Next, the blood vessels in the area will pick up the bacteria and spread it to other areas of the body. Most specifically, to the liver and kidneys which filter the blood, and possibly to the heart valves. They will form micro-abscesses on the organs, and over time will decrease the efficiency of these vital organs. 

These infected teeth are painful, as anyone who has needed a root canal can testify to. Unfortunately, only very rarely will our animal patients show discomfort, as they prefer to suffer in silence. This allows owners and veterinarians alike to ignore the problem, as “it doesn’t seem to bother him”. But we now know that these animals are being affected locally as well as systemically, and ignoring the problem is not a viable option. I have had numerous clients who have told me that the pet is not bothered by the broken tooth when it is discovered tell me that the pet acts “5 years younger” just two weeks after the problem is fixed. In addition, I have had innumerous patients that have had elevated liver enzymes at the time of dental work go back to normal within two weeks of surgery. 

There are three options for dealing with a fractured tooth, and ignoring it is NOT one of them. The first and best option for a fractured tooth that is otherwise healthy (no periodontal disease or root fracture, etc.) is standard root canal therapy. This is where the infected pulp is removed and the canals filled with mendicants to discourage future bacterial contamination. This is most commonly done in canines in dogs and cats, and the upper fourth premolars and lower first molars in dogs. However, any tooth can be done in a dog.

A vital pulpotomy can be performed if the fracture is fresh and not yet severely infected; this procedure is especially useful in fractures of immature teeth (dogs and cats less than 18 months of age). 

A final option, depending on the tooth involved, degree of fracture, and any other disease present, is extraction of the offending tooth. For the canine tooth in dogs and cats, and the upper fourth premolar and lower first molar in dogs this is the last option. There are several reasons we prefer to avoid this procedure when possible. First, as it is painful due to the size of the roots in our animal patients. The root of the canine is twice as long and wider than the crown (the part you can see). It is oral surgery and not a simple extraction in canines especially. Secondly, the patient looses the function of the tooth, which can be very important for chewing in some cases. In addition, you can see orthodontic problems secondary to the loss of the tooth. We try to avoid this in cases of otherwise healthy teeth.

Valentine's Day Tip




Everyone loves chocolate and our four-legged friends are no exception.  Chocolate in all forms is dangerous to cats and dogs as are the plastic or foil wrappers when they are ingested.  We recommend that you keep plenty of pet treats on hand so that your pets can join the fun.  Also be sure to keep your pets away from any flowers you receive. They may also be dangerous to your pet if ingested.