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Plaque and tartar forms on teeth daily and, if allowed to accumulate, will cause progressive periodontal disease. Cleaning your dog's teeth every day at home helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up. For proper dental evaluation and care, your dog must be safely placed under general anesthesia. The examination usually includes dental X-rays and probing to evaluate gum bleeding and periodontal pockets. Tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove tartar above and below the gum line. Removing plaque and tartar before disease occurs is the foundation of preventative dentistry.
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Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas such as the liver and kidneys, causing distant or systemic effects.
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Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. The most common dental problems seen in dogs are periodontal disease and fractured teeth. This article discusses the most common dental diseases in cats, signs, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and preventive steps to keep a dog's teeth healthy.
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According to numerous studies, between 80% and 89% of dogs have signs of dental disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. Dental pain in dogs may take on a variety of appearances, but in many cases a dog may not show any outward signs of pain. Sometimes dogs may exhibit signs such as decreased interest in eating dry food or hard treats, chewing more slowly than usual, dropping food while chewing, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, new or worsening resistance to having the face or mouth touched. The only effective treatment for dental pain is to address the dog's underlying dental disease. The best way to prevent dental pain is to ensure that your dog receives regular dental care through a home dental care plan and regular veterinary dental care.
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If a tooth is unerupted, it is at risk of forming a destructive dentigerous (odontogenic) cyst in the bone. Although unerupted or broken teeth can be painful, dogs rarely show obvious signs of pain. Dentigerous cysts, including and the original tooth must be removed carefully as to avoid compromising the bone, which can easily fracture during the extraction. Dentigerous cysts are preventable if unerupted teeth are addressed early in life.
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Deracoxib (brand name Deramaxx) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs after surgery to reduce the pain associated with surgery (e.g., orthopedic and dental surgeries), as well as for the treatment of osteoarthritis. This article discusses possible side effects, risk factors, drug interactions, monitoring, and proper storage.
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Dermatomyositis is hereditary, immune-mediated disease of the skin muscles and blood vessels affecting primarily collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and mixes of these breeds. Other breeds can experience similar disease. Signs are usually first recognized in puppies but can present in young adulthood. Signs include: skin lesions (crusty erosions, patchy alopecia or ulcers) around the eyes, lips, face, ear flaps or tail tip, foot pad lesions; atrophy of chewing muscles or difficulty chewing; stiff gait and megaesophagus in severely affected dogs. Skin biopsies are diagnostic. Treatment involves treating secondary bacterial infections, reducing sun exposure, EFAs, and immunomodulatory medications including tetracycline, niacinamide, pentoxifylline, cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Prognosis varies depending on severity.
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This handout discusses the growing trend for designer dog breeds – the crossing of pure dog breeds to create dogs that combine “the best of both worlds.” The pros and cons of this practice are highlighted, along with some of the more common designer breeds currently available.
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Desmopressin is administered into the eye or is given as an injection and is used off label to treat diabetes insipidus and von Willebrand disease. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation upon application to the eye. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or pets that are prone to blood clots, such as those with heart disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) (brand name Percorten-V®, Zycortal®) is a steroid hormone replacement therapy used to treat primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) in dogs. Extra-label (off-label) lower dosages of DOCP (i.e., lower dose, longer dosing interval, or both) can be used to control the balance of blood electrolyte levels. DOCP has also been used extra-label to treat hypoadrenocorticism in cats.
