Most of us would cringe at the thought of not brushing our teeth for a decade or more, but this is a reality for many of our pets. As animals of the two-legged variety, we are advised to schedule our own dental cleanings every six months. So why do so many of us wait years to make appointments for our four-legged friends?
Dental disease is the leading disease among adult dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Dental College. Our doctors want pet guardians to know that dental health is incredibly important for their canine and feline companions.
“A dental evaluation should be part of your pets’ annual wellness visit,” said Courtney Bowers, DVM, associate veterinarian at the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. “When we examine your pet’s mouth, we aren’t just looking for clean teeth for aesthetic reasons, or to prevent bad breath. Our goal is to spot and stop things like gingivitis, tooth decay and even cardiovascular disease before they start.”
Cardiovascular issues spurred by periodontal disease are only one of many risks associated with poor oral health in pets. Others include chronic pain, inappetence, abscessed tooth roots and even bone loss.
“I’ve seen mandibles – lower jaws – weaken and even fracture as a result of advanced tooth decay and infection,” Dr. Bowers said. “Getting ahead of these problems is crucial.”
Licensed Veterinary Technicians are part of the team that helps combat those problems.
“We’re trained to perform anesthesia for dental treatments,” said Heather Johnson, LVT. “With pets safely sedated, we are able to remove plaque, perform dental x-rays, assist with extractions and polish teeth – all in one sitting. The majority of pets are alert and able to walk out of the hospital with mom or dad hours after their procedure, and you can tell how much better so many of them feel. The fresh breath is just an extra perk.”
To schedule an exam to discuss your pet’s dental health, or to find out if you qualify as a client of the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital at the Richmond SPCA, call 804-521-1330.
Lindsay Brockman, LVT, is the senior manager of the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital at the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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