IN Chartiers Valley Spring 2018 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT VETERINARY SERVICES SPONSORED CONTENT PERIODONTAL DISEASE in Dogs and Cats KRISTA MENDOZA, DVM, DAVDC, ANIMAL DENTAL CLINIC OF PITTSBURGH, LLC B y 3 years of age, over 75% of dogs and cats have disease of the teeth and gums called periodontal disease. The process starts when bacteria in the mouth combine with food and saliva to form plaque. When plaque is not removed from the tooth surface, it mixes with minerals in saliva, which creates a hard substance called tartar or calculus. Once this hard layer is formed, it is no longer easily removed with dental home care. Tartar in pets is often visible by owners as brown, gray or yellow discoloration on the teeth. Although tartar is unsightly on the tooth surface, it is what happens beneath the gums that is the most important part of periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria move deeper under the gums and release toxins, which destroy tissue and activate the body’s immune system. As the disease progresses, teeth become loose and dental abscesses form. With advanced infection, bacteria in the mouth gain access to the bloodstream and travel through the body. Signs of dental disease in dogs and cats are bad breath, difficulty eating, sensitivity when chewing, reluctance to eat hard food, avoiding toys, anorexia, weight loss, behavior changes, drooling, bleeding from the mouth, pawing at the face, and swelling along the muzzle or jaw. Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the extent and severity of infection. A professional veterinary dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar should always be performed under general anesthesia to thoroughly clean and polish the teeth and treat below the gum line in a pain-free manner while protecting the animal’s airway. Dental radiographs taken under general anesthesia are an essential tool when determining the degree of infection hidden along the roots and bone, and if treatment options other than extraction of teeth are possible. The animal’s overall health and owner’s willingness to provide home dental care are important factors to consider. Any teeth that are loose or have significant infection should be removed. The goal with Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center any dental treatment should be a healthy, functional, pain-free mouth. The key to preventing periodontal disease is plaque removal. The gold standard in home dental care for animals is daily tooth brushing, but less than 2% of pet owners brush their pets’ teeth. Toothpaste specially formulated for dogs and cats should always be used because it is fluoride free. Brushless gels and oral sprays with enzymes are useful in cases where the owner can only get into the pet’s mouth for a short period of time. Healthy chewing with dental-formulated diets and treats can help mechanically cleanse the teeth like a brush. Avoid offering very hard objects (antlers, pig hooves, “indestructible” hard plastic chews, etc.) to your pet to chew on as these may fracture teeth. Water additives are another option to introduce enzymes that control plaque in your pet’s mouth while drinking. It is very important to avoid products with a high alcohol content, which can burn sensitive gum tissue, or xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to animals. Even with very good home care for your pet, periodic professional dental cleanings under anesthesia may still be needed. An oral exam and dental care discussion should be part of your pet’s regular checkups with the family veterinarian. For complicated cases involving high anesthesia risk or advanced periodontal disease, your veterinarian may discuss referring your pet to a veterinary dental specialist. This Industry Insight was written by Dr. Mendoza. Dr. Mendoza graduated from the U of IL College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and completed a Small Animal Dental Residency Program there, becoming a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 2002. After practicing in North Carolina, Dr. Mendoza founded the Animal Dental Clinic of Pittsburgh in 2008. South Hills location: 1535 Washington Road, Washington, PA 15301, 724.809.2000 North Hills location: 807 Camp Horne Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237, 412.536.5248 Web site: PVS-EC.com CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘ SPRING 2018 9