Educational Articles
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Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. The most common types of dental disease in cats are periodontal disease and tooth resorption. This article discusses the most common dental diseases in cats, signs, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and preventive steps to keep a cat’s teeth healthy.
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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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Rabbits have incisors plus molars in the back of the mouth for grinding and chewing. Rabbits also have two small, tube-shaped incisors (peg teeth) behind the large upper incisors. Since the teeth continuously grow, the upper teeth must meet the lower teeth to allow for proper wearing of tooth surfaces, preventing overgrowth. All teeth must meet and wear at the same rate as they are growing, or improper tooth wear and overgrowth of the incisors and/or molars can occur. Overgrown teeth can cause many problems and lead to pain and infection. Rabbits with chronic dental problems need regular veterinary care. Feeding rabbits a diet of mainly high-fiber hay to promote chewing and teeth wear may help reduce the development of dental problems.
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According to the Cornell University Feline Health Center, between 50% and 90% of cats have signs of dental disease by the time they reach 4 years of age. Dental pain in cats may take on a variety of appearances, but in many cases a cat may not show any outward signs of pain. Sometimes cats 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 cat's underlying dental disease. The best way to prevent dental pain is to ensure that your cat receives regular dental care through a home dental care plan and regular veterinary dental care.
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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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Deslorelin is injected under the skin or into the muscle and is used on and off-label in horses, ferrets, and dogs to treat reproductive and adrenal conditions (off-label use in the U.S. is prohibited). Give as directed. Common side effects include swelling, sensitivity, redness, and warmth at the injection site. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.