Dentistry and Oral Health
Dentistry
Poor dental hygiene results in a build up of plaque and tartar on your pet’s teeth. This occurs because, unlike us, your pet is not able to brush his teeth twice a day! Plaque and tartar can lead to gingivitis and if left untreated can result in your pet losing some teeth but more importantly can have an effect on kidney, liver and heart function. There are plenty of different ways to prevent or reduce the incidence of poor oral health.
Once the build up of plaque has become too great, then your pet will need to have an anaesthetic to have his teeth descaled. We would normally recommend that your pet has a blood test to check the function of the liver and kidneys, prior to the anaesthetic.
Your pet will need to spend the day here at the surgery. He or she will be given a pre-med (a combination of a tranquiliser and an opiate painkiller) about 20 minutes before the surgery. If your pet is very old or suffers with any pre-existing liver, kidney or heart problems we would also put your pet on an intravenous drip. A full general anaesthetic is then given so the procedure can be carried out.
An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove the plaque on your pet’s teeth. Once the plaque has been removed it is possible to properly examine every aspect of the tooth and check for lesions, loose or broken teeth. It is at this time that some teeth may need to be removed. Once this has been completed the teeth are polished to smooth out and protect the surface of the enamel. Antibiotics and painkillers are given routinely by injection during the operation and usually your pet will need antibiotics for a few days.
You will be able to collect your pet that evening when we will discuss the post-operative care with you and arrange an appointment for a week’s time. At your follow-up consultation we will discuss ongoing oral health care.
The cost of a dental varies enormously depending on the extent of the work to be done. If it is necessary to do a descale and polish only then this will be approximately Ј150 for a cat and between Ј160 and Ј220 for a dog depending on the size. If extractions are necessary then these will be charged in addition to the descale and polish. We will be able to give you a fairly accurate quote once we have seen your pet’s teeth.
Oral Health
It is never too early to begin an oral health regime for your pet. Even before their adult teeth have come through it is wise to get them accustomed to toothpaste and toothbrushes. You can ease them into the process by using a finger-brush which is softer than a proper toothbrush. Please make sure though that you buy a proper pet toothbrush and paste because human brushes are too hard and the toothpaste is not designed for swallowing. Toothpastes come in a variety of flavours and types. We have a selection of samples here at the surgery which you are welcome to try.
If your pet is really reluctant to have his or her teeth brushed then there are plenty of alternatives still. There are a couple of different types of chews available for dogs and two diets that are made specifically for tartar control. Again we have samples of these available for you to try at home.
If you are unsure how to approach your pet’s oral health then please make an appointment to see Ros for a free dental check up and advice on a regime.
