To further help reduce risk, our doctors;

• Recommend pre-anesthetic blood screening to check organ health functions
• Formulate a specific anesthetic protocol based on each patient’s need
• Utilize trained technicians to carefully monitor anesthesia and cardio-respiratory rates before, during and after the procedure
• Use warming devices to protect patient core temperature

In spite all best efforts; some pets will develop dental issues. Symptoms associated with periodontal disease can include oral pain tooth loss, difficulty eating, weight loss and bad breath. Left untreated, serious complications such as inflammation and infection can occur. Bacteria from an infection can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs such as the liver, kidneys and the heart. This scenario can be especially concerning in older animals. These animals can often be immune-suppressed and therefore less capable of clearing the bacterial from their bloodstream that enter through the inflamed gum tissue. Additionally, older animals are those which suffer the highest incidence of dental problems.

Our veterinarians perform an oral examination on your pet as part of an annual physical. They assess your pet’s oral health based on the level of tarter, inflammation or disease and make recommendations regarding the oral care that you pet requires. For several reasons, dental prophylaxis procedures are done under general anesthesia. In addition to the benefit of being able to physically perform the procedures, this method of anesthesia protects your pet from inhaling aerosolized bacteria, which could cause pneumonia. While many owners have concerns of general anesthesia, the risk can be lower than that of progressive oral disease.

AFTER

Proper oral health is important to your pet’s overall wellbeing. Ask your veterinarian what you can do to help prevent dental disease in your pet.