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PETS | Health and wellbeing
August http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine
DENTAL-RELATED
DISEASES
The American Veterinary Dental College
(AVDC) says most cats or dogs have signs
of dental disease by the age of three.
Periodontal disease includes gingivitis, an
inflammation or reddening of the gums,
and periodontitis, the loss of bone and soft
tissue around the teeth. There is a wide
range in the appearance and severity of
periodontal disease and the AVDC reports
effects can range from damage to or loss
of gum tissue and bone around the teeth,
development of a hole from the oral cavity
into the nasal passages, fractures of the
jaw due to weakening of the jaw bone
and bone infection. Given dental diseases
can show little sign to owners beyond bad
breath, it’s easily overlooked; however, it is
entirely preventable and when it comes to
treatment, the sooner the better, so annual
check-ups are imperative.
“Our pets often hide dental pain and it’s
often not until eff ective treatment is given
that their happier personalities re-emerge,” Dr
Matthew says. While vets can diagnose dental
disease quite easily at a wellness check, signsto monitor for
at home between
checks include
changes in food
preferences or
avoiding harder food,
shying away from
head pats, drooling,
twitching, increased
water intake, bad
breath and changes
in digestion and/or
behaviour. “Ongoing
chronic diseases that
are not improving
may be complicated
by dental disease,
so may provide
another clue that
increased dental
attention is needed,”
Dr Matthew explains.TREATMENT
If your vet fi nds signs of dental disease, Dr
Matthew says disease “staging” provides a
helpful tool for veterinarians to decide what
treatment is required. This may range from a
home dental-care strategy being trialled to
address the disease, to deciding it’s better for
your pet to undergo professional therapy.
“Your vet will always perform a risk and
benefit assessment before recommending
professional periodontal therapy. This
assessment ensures the best therapy is
being advised for your pet,” he explains.
Unless your pet has severe heart, hormonal,
liver or kidney disease, general anaesthetics
can be performed very safely (with blood
pressure monitoring and supportive fluid
drip therapy).
“It is important to note that dental disease
progresses from reversible gingivitis to
irreversible periodontitis, and it is better
to utilise professional periodontal therapy
to reverse gingivitis,” Dr Matthew says. If
periodontitis occurs, it will require more
professional therapy and will have longer-
term difficulties in management.DENTAL-RELATED
t w b i b c b s a i aYour vet should check
your dog’s teeth at
your annual visit.PLF070_pg044-046_Dental Health Month.indd 46PLF070_pg044-046_Dental Health Month.indd 46 6/28/2017 1:59:15 PM6/28/2017 1:59:15 PM