Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Poison Prevention Awareness Month: Toxic Foods

March represents poison prevention awareness! All this month we will provide information about different poisonous items ranging from foods to flowers that you should be aware of as a responsible pet owner. We will also discuss what to do in the case of an emergency. We hope we will be able to provide you all with some useful information!

Toxic Foods

Methylxanthines (Chocolate, soda, tea, guarana, coffee)
All of these products contain a substance call methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract found in some sodas. When ingested by your pet they stimulate the central nervous system and heart which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive panting, abnormal heart rhythms, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, seizures and even death. Among chocolate, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous while white chocolate has the lowest levels of methylxanthines.

Avocado
The fruit, seeds, leaves and bark of the avocado contain persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in our canine companions. Birds and small mammals (rodents) are especially susceptible to avocado poisoning which can result in fluid building up around the heart and difficulty breathing.

Apples/Crabapples/Plums/Peaches/Cherries
The seeds, leaves, and stems of these fruits contain cyanide. Toxic levels of cyanide can result in your pet being unable to oxygenate their blood properly. Symptoms include brick red gums, difficulty breathing, panting, and other signs of shock.

Macadamia Nuts
These nuts are commonly used in many cookies and baked goods, however they can cause numerous issues in your companion pets. Macadamia nuts have been known to cause weakness, depression, tremors, elevated temperature, and vomiting. These symptoms can occurs within 12-24 hours after ingestion and usually last 12-24 hours.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough, once eaten, can rise within your pet’s stomach and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. Trapped gas can cause significant pain and even lead to rupture of your pet’s intestines. Even though small pieces of bread contain yeast, the risk is minimal as the yeast has already been cooked and the yeast has already risen. Therefore your pet can have pieces of bread as a treat as long as they do not have specific medical or dietary restrictions.

Grapes/Raisins (raw and cooked)
Scientifically, the toxin substance within grapes and raisins has not been determined . However it is known that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, which may be more pronounced if your pet has other serious medical issues. Signs of toxicity can include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea.

Milk
Our companion pets do not have a significant amount of the enzyme lactase (lactase is needed to breakdown lactose in milk). Milk itself, and milk based products in excess or even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Onions (raw, powdered, cooked)/Garlic/Chives
All onions — whether cooked or raw — are a danger to your pet. Even a small amount of ingestion can poison your pet. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which causes the red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body to burst. Garlic and chives at high enough levels result in the same thing. Small amounts, such as those found in pet treats are usually safe. However, these items should never be fed at home to your pet in large amounts. Symptoms of this condition include breathlessness, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting and decreased appetite. It may take up to two to four days after your pet eats the onion for symptoms to appear.

Xylitol (gums, mints, sweeteners, toothpaste)
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly used in gum, candy, toothpaste, and baked goods. Ingestion of even small amounts will cause the rapid release of insulin (from your pet’s pancreas) which will subsequently result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and can cause liver failure. As little as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could be toxic to a 20-pound dogs. The toxic effects can be seen within 30 minutes and can be very severe. Symptoms associated with xylitol poisoning include: vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, depression, seizure, and coma. In some cases, xylitol poisoning can result in liver failure.

Undercook/raw meat/Bones/Eggs
Raw meat and eggs has been shown to harbor significant amounts of harmful bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella. These bacteria can cause significant gastrointestinal upset resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Raw bones can result in bacterial contamination as well as physical trauma from sharp splinters and pieces injuring your pet’s digestive track.

While we touched on the most common foods and substances there are more. If you have any questions or concerns please call the hospital anytime at 725-8117. Check out our blog to find all the information in one posting. Be sure to check in with us Monday as next week we will discuss common plants and flowers that could be toxic to your companion pet.

Dr. Santspree, Abbey LVT

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal Disease in our Companion Animals

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth attach to the surface of the tooth and form a layer called plaque. Plaque will slowly move underneath the surface of the gum line into the surrounding tissues and supporting structures eventually setting into motion a viscous cycle against the root of the tooth. The bacteria that invade the tissues and tooth root secrete toxins which cause damage to the tissue and supporting structures. The bacteria present also elicit a response from your pet’s immune system. Immune cells such as white blood cells and inflammatory cells will leak out of the gum tissue into the space between the tooth or tooth root and gum tissue. Within this space the inflammatory cells and white blood cells will try and kill the bacteria by releasing enzymes, but these enzymes will also end up damaging the gum tissue, tooth root, and tooth attachments. As this cycle progresses the pocket between the gum tissue and the tooth and tooth root with slowly increase causing a loose, compromised tooth and painful gum tissue. This process can also ultimately weaken the bone beneath the tooth root such as the jaw bone leading to jaw instability as well.

The inflammation seen in your pet’s mouth is due to inflammatory cells attacking bacteria invading that area of tissue. Inflammatory cells that are responding to these bacterial invaders also allow bacteria to access your pet’s body. Bacteria from the mouth in the presence of inflammation can enter your pet’s bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. Scientific research has shown this bacteria is filtered through vital organs such as the liver and kidneys and can result in micro-abscesses in these organs. Studies have also shown the bacteria is capable of attaching to the valves of your pet’s heart causing a bacterial heart disease that can be fatal. As this bacteria is constantly present on your pet’s teeth and therefore constantly filtered through your pet’s blood, periodontal disease results in a chronic infection your pet battles on a daily basis. Periodontal disease is also incredibly painful! Any of us that have had an abscessed tooth, cavity, or cold sore in their mouth can sympathize!

Periodontal disease is characterized by disease of the gum tissue and tooth defects (such as a compromised tooth root) due to the presence of bacteria. Other things, can also lead to periodontal disease such as masses on the gum tissue that are not removed, an improper bite or extra teeth that are not removed, trauma, oral cancers, and even some viruses (especially in our feline friends).

The first step to treating periodontal disease is to visit your veterinarian. A comprehensive physical exam will include an exam of the mouth. Based on your pet’s degree of periodontal disease and other factors, a plan can be formulated to include a dental cleaning and any other needed procedures. Many times x-rays and dental surgery such as extractions are necessary when a tooth has been compromised and can not be saved.

How Do I Know If My Dog or Cat Has Periodontal Disease

If you notice that your dog or cat has any of the signs or symptoms listed below, a trip to your veterinarian for an oral exam and discussion about treatment is warranted for the health and happiness of your pet:

Bad breath (one of the first and most common signs of periodontal disease)
Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums
Yellow/brown tartar on the teeth and along the gum line
Loose, discolored, or missing teeth
Discomfort, aggression, or crying out when the mouth or gums are touched
Difficulty chewing, chewing on one side, picking through food
Avoiding hard foods, hard chew toys, or hard treats
Weight loss due to decreased food intake

Stage 1 Periodontal Disease
Stage one periodontal disease is classified by mild gingivitis. Often what is seen are teeth with a mild-moderate amount of tartar present, and a mild inflammation of the gum tissue, often right along the gum line. These signs are generally more prominent in the teeth towards the back of the mouth. If you look at your dog’s gums and notice these symptoms, even though they are mild, now is the time to take action! At this point, a simple scaling of the tartar under anesthesia might be all your pet needs! The sooner your intervene on behalf of your pet dog or cat’s dental disease the better! Even mild irritation of the gum line is painful, and represents a chronic infection that will only progress with time.

Periodontal Disease Stage Two:

Stage two periodontal disease is characterized by mild periodontitis, a progressive inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. As your pet’s immune system continues to try and respond and destroy the bacteria present (tartar) it sends immune cells and inflammatory cells into the spaces between the tooth and gum tissue. The immune cells that attack the bacteria release enzymes to try and kill the bacteria that also result in destroying gum tissue, supporting structures, and can compromise the tooth and tooth root. The inflammation from this process allows access of the bacteria to your pet’s blood stream. At home what you might notice are markedly reddened/swollen gums, brown/yellow tartar, and bad breath. At this point in time, your pet will definitely need to have a dental scaling and could possibly need further intervention. If nothing is done, these teeth will eventually loose all of their supporting structures and become loose with a progressively worsening infection. Most pets will continue to eat normally even with the pain associated with these changes.

Stage Three Periodontal Disease:
Stage three periodontal disease is characterized by moderate periodontitis, a continually worsening infection of the tissues within the mouth and compromised teeth. At this stage moderate to heavy brown yellow tartar is often present that can obscure the view of the normal tooth enamel and some of the gum tissue. The gums are often red, inflammation, swollen and painful. At this stage the gums might easily bleed and have lost a significant amount (~50%) of the supporting structures to hold the tooth in the socket. You might notice loose teeth, changes in your pet’s eating habits, bad breath, and bleeding gums. Stage three disease is unequivocally painful, and needs to be addressed for the health and happiness of your pet. A dental cleaning, dental x-rays, and probably dental oral surgery will be needed.

Many pet owners think that as long as their pet is eating there’s no problem! This is NOT TRUE. Animals are instinctual, and will continue to eat on a survival basis even if they are in pain. They have no other option, and no other process. It is YOUR job as a responsible pet owner to advocate for their oral health. Most pets, even with end stage severe dental disease, will continue to eat. DO NOT WAIT until your pet’s teeth are so bad they would rather starve than chew. Gingivitis and periodontal disease is painful by its very nature of infection and irritation

Stage Four Periodontal Disease:
Stage four periodontal disease is characterized by severe periodontitis, an extensive infection of the mouth with severe tooth compromise. At this point the infection has progressed so far as to cause the gum line to recess away from the teeth, exposing more of the teeth and roots. The gums are red, swollen, painful, and may bleed easily. The teeth are loose, with little to no structural support and the bone of the jaw might also be affected. The infection has extensively invaded the tooth root and caused necrosis (death) of the socket around the tooth root. These animals usually have horrible breath and suffer dietary habit changes such as only chewing on one side or only eating wet food due to the pain in their mouths. However, even most of these pets continue to eat! At this point, many of these teeth will probably need to be extracted, and your pet may have suffered liver, kidney, and heart compromise due to systemic absorption of the bacteria. Antibiotics are almost always needed.

Thank you for taking the time to follow us this week to educate yourself as a responsible pet owner about the oral health of your pet. If you notice any of the aforementioned signs in your pet, or are concerned about your pet’s oral health, do not hesitate to call and make an appointment at 725-8117 or stop by anytime at 35 Harrison St Gloversville!

Dr. Santspree

Routine Dental Cleaning: Step by Step

Routine Dental Cleaning for your Dog or Cat

As we continue to celebrate February as Dental Health Month, this week we will focus on what generally happens during a routine dental cleaning at Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital. We will take you step by step through the process from the initial exam to recovery after the cleaning. We know how much you love your pet, and it is often difficult to leave them here at the hospital with us for the day. Knowing exactly what happens during a routine dental cleaning may make the process easier.

An estimated 60-70% of all adult cats and dogs have some degree of dental disease. A dental cleaning is advised for any pet that has a build up of tartar with or without dental disease (infection of the gums and surrounding tissues).

When your pet has tartar on their teeth (solidified bacteria) they will eventually develop dental disease. The best time to do a dental cleaning is BEFORE your pet has dental disease due to prolonged build up of tartar. Maintaining your pet’s oral health will result in fewer cleanings needed, better overall health, less time under anesthesia, and less time/money spent at the hospital. If your pet is diagnosed with tartar AND periodontal disease, they are considered to have dental disease and will require a cleaning and possible dental surgery.

(For the sake of keeping these posting relatively short, these steps will cover a general ROUTINE dental cleaning without extractions. Extractions due to periodontal disease will be discussed next week)

The First Step: A Comprehensive Physical Exam
The first step is a visit to your veterinarian. A full physical exam will include an exam of your pet’s mouth. If your pet is particularly difficult to examine, sedation might be necessary. At that time, your veterinarian will be able to show you areas of tartar, and other signs of dental disease. Oral health is only one part of your pet’s overall health. All aspects of your pet’s health need to be considered to make a good recommendation on what is needed. Based on your pet’s overall health and dental needs, your veterinarian will make a recommendation on how to proceed. Part of this conversation will include your needs, your pet’s needs, cost, after care etc. After this discussion, a date can be scheduled for the dentistry. At that time pre-operative blood work can be drawn and sent out to the lab if appropriate.

The Second Step: Pre-operative Blood Work
All dental cleanings at Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital are performed under general anesthesia. In order for us to properly treat your pet’s mouth they need to be completely asleep during the process. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we take anesthesia of any pet extremely seriously. All patients to go under anesthesia will have pre-operative blood work (recommended blood work may vary depending on the age and other concurrent illnesses of your pet). If any abnormality of concern is found on your pet’s blood work we will discuss those abnormalities with you and make a decision together as how to proceed. If the blood work is normal, your pet’s dental procedure can move forward!


Third Step: Drop Off The Day of Surgery
The day your pet is scheduled to have their dental cleaning we will ask you to drop off your pet early in the morning. At that time, we will go over the plan for the procedures and the estimate provided for the cost of care. An estimate is given with a low and high range of cost. This is necessary as the true extent of the dental care needed cannot be fully assessed until after the tartar is scaled off the teeth. Many times tartar can mask more extensive lesions, and an oral exam on an awake patient does not allow for as extensive of an exam as does a patient under anesthesia. A licensed veterinary technician will go over some simple paperwork and check in your pet for their surgery. Your doctor will stop in and make sure you understand what will happen and make sure you have no other questions. We will make sure we have the proper phone numbers to call you as soon as your pet is awake from anesthesia, and set up a time for your pet to go home.

After you leave your pet with us, they are brought into the treatment area. If we had not already sent out pre-operative blood work, blood will be drawn at that time and run in the hospital. Your pet will be provided with a kennel to themselves with a blanket, litter box for kitties, and identification card. Your veterinarian will construct a written plan for your pet in their chart, review all blood-work and work with the licensed veterinary technicians to get started on your pet’s procedure. A licensed veterinary technician will set up the dental surgery area making sure all necessary equipment is set, all anesthetic agents prepared, and that we are completely ready for your pet to go under anesthesia.

Fourth Step: Pre-medications and Catheter Placement
Once the dental area is set up and your pet’s blood-work has been reviewed your pet will be ready for their scheduled dental time. Depending on the pet and the procedure, your veterinarian may decide to provide pre-medications before surgery. Pre-medications can include sedatives, anti-biotics, and pain medications. Once everyone is ready for the procedure, two licensed technicians will work together to place an intravenous catheter in a vein in your pet’s arm. Placement of a catheter allows for direct access to the bloodstream for any needed medication and administration of fluids throughout surgery.

Fifth Step: Induction and Intubation
Once the intravenous (I.V.) catheter has been placed your pet is now ready to go under anesthesia. Most pet’s will be induced (go to sleep for a short period of time) with an injectable anesthesia through the I.V. catheter. This short acting anesthetic agent will last just long enough for a licensed technician to place a breathing tube down your pet’s trachea (wind pipe). Placement of a breathing tube will allow us to provide an inhalant anesthesia (gas) directly to your pet and keep them asleep during the procedure. It will also allow us to make sure only the anesthetic gas and nothing else (saliva, water etc) goes down your pet’s wind pipe during the cleaning.

Sixth Step: Gas Anesthesia and Monitoring
Once the breathing tube has been placed, your pet will immediately be placed on an inhalant gas anesthetic. Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital takes anesthesia of your pet very seriously. We use only Sevoflurane, which is an incredibly fast acting and safe gas. This means if we encounter a problem, or your pet does not handle anesthesia well, we can turn off the gas anesthesia and have your pet awake in minutes. During this entire process another licensed veterinary technician will be placing monitoring equipment on your pet to check heart rate, respiration, and other vital parameters. Your pet will have fluids running through their I.V. catheter the entire surgery to maintain hydration and blood pressure. Once your pet is stable and asleep on the gas anesthetic, all monitoring equipment has been placed, and your pet has been positioned correctly they are ready for their cleaning. A team of licensed veterinary technicians will be there with your pet the entire time, one performing the cleaning and the other monitoring anesthesia constantly. A veterinarian will help during the entire procedure as well.

Seventh Step: Dental Scaling
Once your pet is asleep under anesthesia and stable, a licensed veterinary technician will use an ultrasonic scaler to scale the tartar off all surfaces of your pet’s teeth. They will also scale up under the gum line to remove all tartar that may be hiding.

Eighth Step: Exam of the mouth by a Veterinarian
Once your pet’s mouth has been scaled and cleaned completely, the veterinarian will then check your pet’s teeth. A probe will be used to check for deep pockets under the gum line. The entire mouth will be examined, and all surfaces of the teeth checked for areas that might indicate a compromised tooth. All findings will be recorded. If your veterinarian notices any teeth that may need to be extracted or addressed they will ask the licensed veterinary technicians to take dental radiographs (xrays). Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital has DIGITAL dental x-rays. This results in almost instantaneous x-rays (no chemical processing), allowing the veterinarian to make a decision quickly to avoid your pet being under anesthesia any longer than necessary. Dental x-rays will allow the veterinary to examine the tooth root and surrounding structures to make an educated decision on the best course of treatment for a compromised tooth. If dental x-rays indicate the need for dental surgery your veterinarian will proceed (to be covered next week). If your pet’s teeth appear healthy after the tartar has been scaled and all teeth have been checked by a veterinarian they will proceed to the next step!

Ninth Step: Polishing and Rinse
Once your pet’s teeth have been checked by the veterinarian and been determined healthy, a licensed technician will then polish all surfaces of the teeth. During the scaling process microscopic grooves were created by the scaler as it removed the tartar. These grooves can act as perfect little areas for bacteria to grow if they are not polished off. A licensed technician will use a paste with small amounts of gritty material to polish all surfaces of the teeth to result in clean and smooth teeth. A fluoride foam will then be applied at the very end.

Tenth Step: Recovery from Anesthesia
Once your pet’s teeth has been polished and treated, they will begin to wake up from anesthesia. The licensed technicians will turn off the gas anesthesia but continue to provide oxygen through the breathing tube. Nail trims and other procedures can be done at this time. Your pet will continue to have their vital signs monitored, and will eventually be transported to a recovery kennel. A licensed technician will stay with them the entire time, and will not remove the breathing tube until they are awake enough to swallow and breathe on their own. We will leave their I.V. catheter in place until they are fully awake and ready to go home. Once your pet is awake, we will make sure they are comfortable, warm, and pain free as the anesthesia continues to wear off.

Eleventh Step: Going Home!
After your pet has been placed within a kennel to continue to wake up, a licensed technician or the veterinarian will call you and let you know how everything went. They might discuss any findings or procedures needed such as extractions. We will set up a discharge time for you to pick up your pet. When you come to pick your pet up, the technician and doctor if needed will go over the dentistry. At this time, it would be excellent to begin an at home care regimen to keep your pet’s teeth as clean and healthy from this point forward to avoid or prolong the next cleaning! All medications to go home or take home instructions will be thoroughly explained.

This concludes our basic step by step explanation of a routine dental cleaning! As previously mentioned, next week we will discuss what happens if your pet’s teeth are known to have or found to have disease that requires dental surgery. However, we hope this explanation of a routine cleaning has been helpful. We are more than happy to answer any questions anytime. Also please feel free to stop in and get a tour of our dentistry suite! We are more than happy to discuss the procedures, equipment, and make sure you understand exactly what we are providing for your pet! We appreciate your trust with their care and try and go above and beyond to make sure they are happy, safe, and healthy!

Dr. Santspree

At Home Dental Care

This post we will discuss at home dental care as we continue to raise awareness about oral health during dental health month! There are a number of techniques you as an owner can try out to keep your pet from having to undergo a dental cleaning under anesthesia, or prolong the time in between cleanings. More often than not finding a good system for at home dental care is trial and error. Not all pets will be receptive to the different options. Always feel free to call or schedule an appointment with us to discuss different options and learn what we can do for you to help you provide better at home dental health care.

Brushing you Dog and Cat’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth daily (or however often you can) is the best way to keep your pet’s teeth healthy, and reduce the need for a dental cleaning and expensive dental surgery. The best time to implement brushing is when your pet is a puppy or kitten. With this said, you can start brushing teeth later in their life as well as long as you go slowly when introducing this concept to your pet. Many times when brushing your pet’s teeth is not possible it is because your animal has not been introduced properly. See our posting today on how to slowly incorporate brushing your pet’s teeth slowly into their normal routine.

A few different items can be used to get the same effect. You can use a finger brush (soft, rubber brush that slips over your finger such as you would use on an infants gums), a regular pet toothbrush, or even washcloth wrapped around your finger. Always keep in mind the size of your pet’s mouth, the small the mouth the smaller the brush you’ll need. Always use a toothpaste specific for pets. Human toothpaste is not safe for our pets. There are a variety of flavors available at our hospital. If your pet does not like any of the flavors, brushing with a wet brush/wash cloth and no toothpaste is better than not brushing at all! You can find toothpastes and a variety of tooth brushes at our office. To learn more or have any questions answered, please feel free to call our office or stop in anytime.

Keep in mind most pets will only TOLERATE brushing. Only the rare well behaved dog or cat will sit completely still and let you brush their teeth. Some wiggling and trying to escape is normal. However, safety first! If your pet does not take well to brushing, even with a slow steady introduction and positive reinforcement, do not force your pet. There are other options to try and keep your pet’s teeth as clean as possible at home. Do not subject your pet to a highly stressful situation or subject yourself to a dangerous situation if your dog or cat becomes aggressive.

Oral Hygiene Rinses and Water Additives

-C.E.T. AquaDent
AquaDent is a supplement that you add to your pets drinking water to help maintain oral health. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other dental home care. It was developed by Veterinary Dental Specialists to help freshen your pet’s breath and maintain oral hygiene. It has been clinically proven to kill bacteria that can cause plaque and subsequent dental disease. A very small amount is used with a pre-measured amount of water. Because AquaDent is presented to your pet cat or dog in a very diluted form, most animals notice no difference in taste or smell and will readily drink the water. One bottle tends to last for a long time making it an affordable and stress free at home dental care product. freshens breath and kills bacteria that causes plaque. Samples are available to try before committing to buying an entire bottle.

-C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse
C.E.T Oral Hygiene Rinse for dogs and cats contains ZincChlorhexidate which is a combination of two effective oral hygiene compounds that can help guard against plaque with or without brushing. This rinse combines chlorhexidine, a highly effective anti-plaque compound, and zinc gluconate, which inhibits plaque and calculus formation, which together provide superior antiplaque activity. The C.E.T. rinse also contains a product to result in fresher, cleaner smelling breath. C.E.T. rinse is used on a daily basis, or on days when you have not brushed your pets teeth, ideally used after meals. C.E.T. oral rinse also contains Spherulite technology which allows for extended release of the active ingredients at the site of application for prolonged efficacy. This rinse is ideal for pet owners who are unable or unwilling to brush their pets teeth, or want to provide dental care in-between brushings.

Oral Hygiene Dental Chews

C.E.T Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs:
These enzymatic chews for dogs come in a number of different sizes from petite pets such as Chihuahuas to large breeds such as St. Bernard’s. These great tasting chews feature a dual enzyme system with a natural antiseptic and an abrasive texture work in conjunction to reduce plaque and decrease the build up of tartar. These chews can be used daily as a first step for at home oral health care or on days when brushing is not possible. These chews are NOT hypoallergenic and are not suitable for dogs with food allergies.

C.E.T. VeggieDent
These larger Z-shaped chews work with your dog’s chewing action to reduce plaque and inhibit the build up of tartar. The benefit of these chews can only be attained with proper chewing action. If your pet tends to gulp or bite off whole pieces, this chew is not designed for your dog. They are a great tasting treat that can be given once a day as a preventative oral health product.

Therapeutic Dental Diets

Food plays an important part of your pet’s life and dental health. There are literally hundreds of types and brands of food available that all claim to provide your pet with excellent nutrition. Not all foods are created equal, and your veterinarian is your best source of information to provide a recommendation on the type, amount, and brand to feed.

Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital carries a therapeutic dental diet that has been shown to be effective at decreasing the amount of plaque build up and therefore tartar. Therapeutic diets should only be started after discussing them with your veterinarian. They are best suited for patients that either have no dental disease or have recently had their teeth cleaned. If your pet already has signs of dental disease such as gingivitis, these diets may cause pain and irritation to the diseased areas of the mouth. These are all decisions that can be made in conjunction with an oral exam of your pet at least once a year, or more often if needed.

Purina Veterinary Diets: Dental Health Bites for Cats and Dogs
Purina’s Dental Health therapeutic diet is formulated to have an ideally sized kibble with a enhanced texture. The diet is centered around feeding a kibble that is both large enough to promote increased chewing time and that has a special texture to allow the tooth to penetrate deep into the center of the kibble before it breaks. These two features increase the amount of time the teeth are in contact with the roughened kibble texture which equates to increased plaque removal time and therefore decreased tartar build up. This diet is also a nutritionally balanced, suitable for an adult or senior dog or cat, and contains anti-oxidants, glucosamine (supportive of joint health), and has moderate caloric content. This diet has been accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.

There are many foods available that can be bought at local pet stores that are labeled for oral care. The main difference in most of these foods in comparison with therapeutic diets is their labeled and proven efficacy. Most dental diets available to consumers over the counter are labeled to help decrease plaque formation. Therapeutic dental diets are labeled to decrease plaque and TARTAR formation. As tartar is ultimately what leads to dental disease, therapeutic diets are ultimately more effective than over the counter dental diets.

Stay tuned for next week's blog as we discuss what a dental cleaning for your pet within the veterinary hospital entails from the examination to the cleaning and recovery.

Dr. Santspree, Jen LVT

Dental Health Month

February is DENTAL HEALTH MONTH!

Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital is very excited to focus on the topic of oral care for your cat, dog, and small mammals. Dental preventative care and treatment of dental disease is the foundation of good overall health. Dental disease is one of the most commonly seen diseases among companion animals and small mammal pocket pets. It can also be one of the most painful diseases.

Remember that your pet’s mouth is not only for eating! Our canine, feline, and small mammal friends use their mouth for a variety of tasks: moving things around, playing, foraging for food, hunting, defense, caring for their young, vocalization, eating, drinking, self grooming etc. Any area of pain in the mouth of your companion will be a constant source of discomfort as they utilize their mouth for a large number of purposes outside of just eating. Most animals will eat despite pain on a purely survival instinct. However this month we will discuss why dental care is important, the basics, at home care and preventative measures, and prevention and treatment in the hospital setting.

Dental Basics

The dental basics for your dog and cat are very similar to that of people. When young, puppies and kittens have a set of deciduous (puppy/kitten) teeth that will fall out as they are replaced by permanent adult teeth.

The cat has 26 temporary (baby) teeth that erupt at 3-4 weeks of age and 30 permanent teeth that erupt around 3-4 months of age.

The dog has 28 temporary (baby) teeth that erupt at 3-4 weeks of age and 42 permanent teeth that erupt around 4 months of age.

Practicing good dental care from the beginning of your puppy/kitten’s life means regular wellness care visits to your veterinarian in the early months. Your veterinarian will check for proper alignment of teeth, bite, and tooth development. Any retained baby teeth may need to be extracted if they do not naturally fall out. Leaving baby teeth in place with adult teeth causes as area of improper bite which can set your pet up for dental disease later in life.

The Mouth

Your pet’s mouth is specifically designed for the tasks they need to perform. For our pet’s this includes more than simply eating; It includes an entire array of tasks from playing to fighting to eating. Everyday when we brush our teeth we remove a biofilm. A biofilm is a film of bacteria mixed with food debris and saliva that arises naturally within our mouth. For dogs and cats that do not have their teeth brushed daily biofilm layers over time. Eventually the bacteria hardens and transforms from plaque to tartar which is NOT something that can be brushed/scraped off. Once tartar has solidified on the teeth, it can only be completely removed by a dental scaling under anesthesia. Most all dogs and cats that do not have at home care or in hospital dental cleanings have some amount of tartar. Tartar eventually over time is what will ultimately lead to periodontal disease in most cases.

Periodontal disease is an INFECTION!

Animals without at home care and prophylactic dental cleanings will ultimately develop plaque and subsequently tartar on their teeth from the layering of the biofilm (bacteria, food, saliva). Plaque and tartar are the most important reasons why a dog or cat develops painful periodontal disease. Inflammation and destruction of the gums and supporting structures of the tooth (periodontal ligament) is caused directly by the bacteria present (tartar) on those teeth.

Without proper preventative care or dental disease treatment plaque and tartar will lead to periodontal disease which can result in loose teeth, abscesses, infections, gingivitis, gum/enamel erosion, pain, weight loss, difficulty eating, and other systemic disease. Tartar left un-scaled can cause the surface of the tooth to become roughened and therefore a better area for bacteria to attach, speeding up the process of periodontal disease.

The good news is that you can reduce the risk of your pet having dental disease with preventative care which we will discuss in detail over the next month. If your pet already has dental disease there are options! Seek out the advice of your veterinarian to learn what procedures and medications are indicated to help your pet’s mouth be functional and pain free!

The first step to dental health is routine veterinary care! At home however, there are a few things you can watch for in-between visits to try and detect evidence of dental disease.

Cats:
Many cats have painful lesions, gingivitis, and tartar formation over the course of their life without routine care.
Look for:
Bad or rotten smelling breath
Drooling
Reluctance to eat dry food (or wet)
Weight loss
Reluctance to drink cold water
Painful when you try and touch their mouth
Bad tempered or a change in their behavior
HIDING! - Many cats when they are in pain HIDE as their only symptom
Depression
Pawing at their mouth

Dogs:
Bad or rotten smelling breath
Broken teeth (common in dogs that play aggressively or chew on hard bones)
Reluctance of eat dry food
Weight loss
Depression
Painful or aggression when touching their mouth
Pawing at the mouth

If any of the above symptoms are noticed, a trip to your veterinarian is warranted. Many times we do not know how ill our dog or cat feels until we resolve their dental issues! Many owners have noticed that their dog or cat is a completely different (HAPPIER) animal after those painful teeth are removed.

Left untreated periodontal disease leads to pain and often loss of the tooth and infected teeth. The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease can lead to dysfunction of other major internal organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Stay tuned with us as next week as we continue to promote February’s Dental Health Month! We will continue to cover important topics such as at home dental care, in hospital dental care, and care for dental disease that is already present.

Dr. Santspree, Abbey LVT