Dental care for pets
Dental disease in pets is an extremely important part of their health and one that is often neglected. Did you know that 70-80% of pets over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease. Plaque adheres to the tooth surface and if not removed, very quickly forms tartar (a hard, rock-like brown coloured material that is strongly adhered to the tooth surface). Where this tartar or calculus meets the gum, bacteria congregate and gingivitis develops. The progression of gingivitis leads to periodontal disease. The gum eventually erodes and the root of the tooth becomes affected. Once this occurs, the tooth inevitably needs to be extracted. In the above picture, fortunately, periodontal disease had not developed. One can see the beneficial effects of an anaesthetised ultrasonic scale and polish on this pets’ teeth.
Why does my pet need an anaesthetic?
Although an examination of your pet’s mouth and teeth can be done whilst conscious, a full and proper exam can only be done under anaesthetic. The back molars and each tooth pocket can then be explored and measured with a special instrument called a periodontal probe. In cats, FORLs (Feline Oral Resorbtive Lesions) commonly develop and are exceptionally painful. A special FORL probe is used to look at these or even better, if available, dental radiographs. A general anaesthetic is the only way to achieve a complete dental exam as well as a complete tartar cleaning. Without anaesthesia, we would be unable to clean below the gum line (50% of dental disease occurs here), complete calculus removal from the tooth surface is impossible, cleaning the surface of the tooth that faces the inside of the mouth (tongue or lingual surface) is impossible and extractions are also impossible. We also use dental nerve blocks with any extractions to help alleviate pain and hasten recovery after the procedure.
What can I do to help my pet?
Preventative measures pet owners can use to promote oral health are brushing, dental chews (Greenies, OraVet) and dental diets (Royal Canin Dental biscuits). Performing regular oral checks is also vital. Please do not give chicken necks or wings as these do not promote dental health and can cause other more serious problems!
Our Dental Focus
From July until September we are repeating our very popular Dental Focus where you can book your pet in for a FREE dental check with one of our vets. We are passionate about dental health and would like your pet to live a healthy life with all of his/ her teeth intact. Book now at reception for your pets FREE dental check.
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Although chocolate may be one of your favourite treats, never feed chocolate to your pet. It is poisonous for them! It contains substances called theobromine and caffeine (methylxanthine alkaloids) which are also contained in coffee, tea and some over-the-counter stimulants.
Chocolate poisoning is most commonly seen in dogs because of their habit to ingest food rapidly and they often have a “sweet tooth”. We see a higher incidence in puppies and young dogs, probably because they tend to ingest large amounts of unusual foods.
Chocolate poisoning can also affect cats, birds, rodents and reptiles however we see these cases much less frequently.
Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
The toxins in chocolate can affect you pet’s digestive system, nervous system and cardiovascular system.
Digestive system
- Vomiting & diarrhoea (2-4 hours after ingestion)
Nervous System
- Excitation/restlessness (increased body temperature, alertness)
- Muscle rigidity & tremors
- Seizures
Cardiovascular
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced blood pressure (hypotension)
- Progresses to cardiac failure leading to weakness, coma and death can occur within 12-36 hours after ingestion.
The toxins are found in the highest concentration in cooking chocolate and dark chocolate, and there are lesser amounts in milk chocolate. There is almost no toxins are found in white chocolate.
Diagnosis
Chocolate poisoning can look similar to many poisonings or other conditions. Serious poisonings such as that caused by strychnine, amphetamines, pesticides, and some rodenticides can cause similar signs.
If you know your pet has eaten chocolate, contact us immediately, especially if your pet is showing any of the symptoms above. If possible, bring any vomit to the clinic as well, since this may aid in rapid identification of the toxic substance. Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog's nervous system and cardiac function carefully. He/she may want to run some blood tests to check for blood sugar levels and rule out other diseases. Since this poisoning progresses rapidly, signs may need to be treated symptomatically until a laboratory diagnosis is confirmed.
Treatment
There is no antidote for chocolate poisoning. Your veterinarian may use drugs to induce vomiting if the chocolate was consumed within the previous 2 - 4 hours or they may even need to administer a general anaesthetic in order to pass a tube into the stomach to wash
Once the chocolate is out activated charcoal treatment may be given to prevent any toxins remaining from being absorbed.
Pets that show more severe symptoms may need more specific medications in order to control the seizures and to prevent heart failure.
The expected course of chocolate poisoning is 12 to 36 hours depending on the dosage and effectiveness of treatment. Prognosis is good if the chocolate is removed within 2 to 4 hours of ingestion. Prognosis is guarded in animals with advanced signs such as seizures and serious heart dysfunction. So, please remember to keep your chocolates, cakes and chocolate-coated goodies safely away from your pets. Stick to healthy treats if you want to reward your special furry or feathered friend.
Have more questions?
Our state-of-the-art facility offers separate consultation rooms for dogs and cats, a fully equipped in-house laboratory, and specialised suites for surgery and dental care. For those tender moments, our uniquely designed Grief.
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