What is a dental all about any way?

     February is Pet Dental Health Month. ​ We are sharing information about dental surgeries and more. 
     We know you want the best for your pet and often pet owners are nervous about taking their pet for a professional dental cleaning because they are fearful about their pet being put under anesthesia for the procedure.  First, we want to assure and reassure pet owners that under the correct protocols, anesthesia is very safe and is far less dangerous then the periodontal disease that will develop without proper cleanings.
Did you know that your pet’s mouth it the gateway to the rest of its major organs? It is true that bacteria found in the mouth can settle and cause even more damage in the liver, kidneys, and heart. Think about an infected mouth trying to lick at its paws or chew at an itch. The mouth is leaving that bacteria everywhere it licks. Think about that for a moment. Prevention is key and we are here to help you and your pet.
Here are some of the things we do to ensure your pet’s safety and health:

• Bloodwork to evaluate your pet’s internal organ function.

 

• Trained veterinary technicians monitor your pet’s blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate and body temperature. Intravenous fluids are administered throughout the procedure to help maintain your pet’s blood pressure and provide intravenous access for additional drugs if they are needed. Warming blankets and pads are used to keep your pet warm as well because we know the importance of maintaining body temperature during anesthesia.

 

• Just like your dentist, we perform full mouth radiographs. This is the only way to identify other painful problems that may exist in your pet’s mouth under the gum, in the bone or involving the tooth root due to periodontal disease. We can see 40% and often less of the tooth above the gum line. That means 60% of the potential damage is BELOW the gum line. We can’t see that without the aid of digital dental x-rays or when they are awake. We need the pet to be sedated to do a proper oral exam, probe for pockets of bacteria around the gum line, and get a deeper look at their mouth. 

 

• We pride ourselves on reducing stress, anxiety and pain in your pets.  We reduce pain by using local nerve blocks, in addition, pain medication is administered prior to extractions. This helps reduce the amount of anesthetic and makes your pet’s recovery faster and less painful.

 
 
Often times, halitosis (bad breath) is the first thing pet owners notice.  Other signs can be changes in eating habits, such as crying while eating, blood tinged saliva is noticed on chew toys, and drooling.  If you are concerned about your pet’s oral health, call for an evaluation appointment. A healthy mouth will add years to your pet’s life.
 
February is National Pet Dental Health Awareness Month.  Companion Veterinary Health Center Doctors and staff are passionate about caring for your pet and an oral health assessment is provided at every visit.
 Call us today to learn about our special programs for Dental Health Month 860-779-6070.
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This guest blog has been provided by Lesley Coviello, CVT. 
 
 
 

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