Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-127

Show Description: "Pet Dentistry"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-127.mp3, ATVR-06-127.wma

This week on Ask The Vet Radio Veterinarian Dr. Sharon Startup from the Beaverbrook Animal Hospital joined us to talk about your pet’s teeth!  Dr. Startup discussed necessary pet dental care, the types of dental problems pets can develop, symptoms to look for, and tips for cleaning your pet’s teeth!  Dr. Bret Beckman from the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) called in to inform listeners about the AVDS and the ages pets need to start regular dental cleaning.  Dr. Heidi Lobprise, Senior Veterinary Specialist from the Pfizer Veterinary Specialty Team, also joined us via telephone to talk about a brand new product designed to drastically improve the world of pet dentistry!

Show Notes and Resources:

In-Studio Guest: Dr. Sharon Startup, Veterinarian from the Beaverbrook Animal Hospital

  • Every animal with teeth can develop dental problems, however, dogs, cats, and horses are particularly prone to dental problems.  Begin looking into your dog or cat’s mouth and brushing their teeth at 10 weeks of age or earlier.  The sooner an animal gets accustomed to dental care, the more adaptable they will become to daily maintenance.  Get pet-specific flavored toothpaste (such as poultry) and begin by putting it on your fingers.  Allow your dog or cat to taste it for the first week off of your fingers before attempting to brush their teeth.  Once they have become accustomed to its scent and taste, they will be less inclined to fight the process.  Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for pets.  Fluoride used in human toothpaste is very hazardous to animals.  Pet toothbrushes are shorter and less rough than human brushes.  One alternative to a pet toothbrush is a dental cleaning pad that can slip on your fingers.  The pads allow you to feel their teeth as you brush and are often less evasive than the regular toothbrushes.  While optimal brushing should occur every other day, brushing twice a week will suffice to keep your animal’s mouth healthy.  Oral rinses can also be used for weekly dental maintenance.  Limiting treats and using dental chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal can be used in addition to weekly maintenance to help reduce plaque.
  • Do a routine dental cleaning as early as age 2.  Most dental problems are undetectable to pet owners.  Some symptoms you can look for include redness, tartar, swelling (which can be cancerous), and changes in eating habits.  Black dots on the tips of the teeth also indicate a problem.  Evidence of tiny black dots indicates an exposure to air that is very painful to the animals and can form an abscess.  Also, check for abnormalities in the animal’s gums (such as sandpaper texture) that may indicate oral cancer. The only time the back part of the teeth can truly be checked for underlying problems is while the animal is under anesthesia in veterinary care.  Do not wait until you see symptoms to take your pet to the veterinarian for dental work.  Pets usually never reveal dental pain until expensive surgery is the only option for treatment.  Remember that annual dental exams are extremely important because the mouth of a dog acts as an additional hand that they used for play, defense, and nourishment. 
  • If you have an older animal, do not begin brushing your pet’s teeth if they are not accustomed to the process.  Animals need to get cleaned by a professional before beginning a regimented brushing plan at home.  The visit will clean up build-up with specialized tools that brushing could not repair.  The visit will also treat any underlying problems that may cause pain.  Once the pain is removed and the pet’s mouth has been properly cleaned, then weekly maintenance and annual visits can begin. 
  • FORL and Gingivitis are the most common dental diseases found in cats.  FORL is very painful for cats and usually develops by age 6-7.  Cats should be retested for Feline Leukemia and FIV if gingivitis or periodontal disease surfaces.  Periodontal disease is the most common dental problem found in dogs.  Periodontal disease has been connected to heart disease and liver disease.  Dental diseases are systemic and often transfer infection to other parts of the body. 
  • Horses can also have extensive teeth problems because their teeth grow continually throughout their entire life.  They chew in a circular motion that causes different teeth at alternate angles to develop into points and rub the gums.  This is very painful for the horse and can cause them to drop their food and lose weight.  Because of their irregular eating habits, horses need regular floating.  Floating is a process where veterinarians file the teeth flat again.  

Call-In Guest: Dr. Bret Beckman from the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)

  • The American Veterinary Dental Society originated from the demand for a forum for those interested in veterinary dentistry.  The AVDS is now a worldwide organization with 1200 members that provides an annual 3 day event for people all over the world to come and speak/learn about pet dentistry.  Veterinary dentistry has not been mandated in most curriculums in the past, however that may change due to the recent increased interest in the field.
  • Dr. Beckman stresses the importance of beginning oral examinations at an early age.  80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop periodontal disease by age 2.  By age 2, be sure to have pets complete a dental probing session, an extensive oral examination, and a professional cleaning. To learn more about the AVDS, visit http://www.avds-online.org/.

Call-In Guest: Dr. Heidi Lobprise, Senior Veterinary Specialist from the Pfizer Veterinary Specialty Team

  • Pfizer is now offering a brand new Periodontitis Vaccine that can be used as a preventative regimen in dogs as early as 7 weeks of age.  Once an adult dog has undergone a professional cleaning, the vaccine can be used to prevent further periodontal disease and bone/tooth loss.  The product is considered part of a complete dental program but will not cure the disease alone.  If pet owners do not regularly brush their dog’s teeth, plaque can end up developing anaerobic bacteria that can destroy bone and gum tissue. There will soon be an on-going outreach to the public about the importance of pet dentistry and how this product will help keep your dog’s mouth healthy!  The product is currently being distributed to veterinarians.  More information about this product and its upcoming website will be posted soon!

Rescue of the Week:

  • The Smoky Mountain Bulldog Rescue is comprised of individuals who love the breed and are dedicated to its continued well being.  This rescue is committed to finding good homes in the East Tennessee area for loving and loyal bulldogs.  To learn more information about this rescue, visit http://www.discoveret.org/smbc/rescue.htm or our rescue page!