Meadows Vet News
In August, at Meadows Vet Centre we participated in National Pet Dental Month in a number of ways to promote better dental care. This initiative is part of a worldwide effort to reduce the incidence of the most common ailment in adult pets: oral disease.
According to veterinary research, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they are 3 years of age! Signs of disease include:
persistent bad breath,
a yellow-brown tartar crust at the gum line,
red and swollen gums,
pawing at the mouth and face,
bleeding, sensitivity to touch,
changes in eating & chewing habits (often a reluctance to eat)
depression (recognisable as listlessness).
Left untreated, pet oral disease causes significant pain through tooth decay and gum infection, and can pass damaging and even life-threatening bacteria through the bloodstream to the heart, liver and kidneys. Such scenarios are easily preventable with proper dental care.
We continually find issues below the gum line that only show on an X-ray often well before any outward signs of disease appear! By picking up these problems early we can save our clients money by initiating early treatment!
Some products that will keep your pets teeth healthy include: foods such as Hills t/d & Advance, toys such as Dental Kongs, treats such as dental chews and raw bones as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste formulated for pets (please note human toothpaste can be toxic and should not be used!). Please ask us for the best and most appropriate products for your pets!
Horses should not be forgotten either!
Dr Greg Rodda has had a special interest in Equine Dentistry for many years. He has attended a number of Post Graduate courses and workshops including ones held at The Colorado State University focusing on the latest Equine Dentistry techniques. Whilst in the USA he also purchased the latest equipment and has a “Power Float” designed for use solely by veterinarians to provide the best preventative care and treatment in Equine Dentistry for your horses. He has spent time in NSW helping other veterinarians improve their skills in this very important area and spent time on the standing committee advising the Australia Equine Veterinary Association on areas of concern in all aspects of equine dentistry.
Good dentistry is not just rasping any more. To thoroughly examine a horse’s mouth and provide thorough treatment a full mouth speculum (gag) is necessary. It is also much easier, quicker and kinder if dental work is performed using mild sedation. Please remember that only an Equine Veterinary Dentist can legally use sedation, take x-rays, extract teeth and provide medications if oral infections are present! If you have not established a Dental Routine for your horse/s please make an appointment today.
Check out our website or give us a ring on 08 8388 3455 if you would like to know more!