How much do you know about your pet's dental health? Test Yourself!

How much do you know about your pet's dental health? Test Yourself!

Take this quiz to find out.

Oral health in dogs and cats

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, which is why February is National Pet Dental Month!! At VCA Hollywood we want to take dental awareness further and offer more saving. 

Through March, your precious pup and fancy feline can enjoy our 20% discount on their professional dental cleaning. Dental health  problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

How much do you know about your pet's dental health?  Test Yourself!

What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?

Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. These procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist. Subject to state or provincial regulation, veterinary technicians are allowed to perform certain dental procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The process begins with an oral exam of your pet’s mouth by your veterinarian. Radiographs (x-rays) may be needed to evaluate the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gumline. Because most dental disease occurs below the gumline, where you can’t see it, a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation are performed under anesthesia. Dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings.

Oral health in dogs and cats

• bad breath

• broken or loose teeth

• extra teeth or retained baby teeth

• teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar

• abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth

• reduced appetite or refusal to eat

• pain in or around the mouth

• bleeding from the mouth

• swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

• broken teeth and roots

• periodontal disease

• abscesses or infected teeth

• cysts or tumors in the mouth

• malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite

• broken (fractured) jaw

• palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist will make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Why does dentistry require anesthesia?

When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.

Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If radiographs (x-rays) are needed, your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.

Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.

What about “anesthesia-free” dental cleanings?The American Veterinary Dental College does not recommend dental cleanings without anesthesia because they do not allow cleaning or inspection below the gumline, where most dental disease occurs, and can result in injury to the pet or the person performing the procedure.

What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant – patience and training are important.

There are many pet products marketed with claims that they improve dental health, but not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.

Source: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Pet-Dental-Care.aspx

February Team Member of the Month- Samantha!!

This month we recognize a team member that shows her commitment to the VCA HAH through her sincere dedication to the care of animals.

Samantha J. joined our team officially in June of last year but was a regular volunteer for many months prior. Coming to us by way of the Humane Society of Broward County-were she still volunteers- she stands out in her role as a part time HAH Vet Assistant.

Always bustling around helping clients and -frankly, anyone that asks- she is depended on greatly by each department. She is forever with a smile and always able to stay above any work place drama!

Her attention to details is appreciated here and we are confident it will help her in her academic pursuit to be a  Zoo Veterinarian. Samantha is someone we believe will continue to make a large impact on the animal world for years to come and it is our pleasure to recognize  her as our February Team Member of the Month!! 


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February Patient of the Month- Lucky!!!!

This month’s Patient of the Month shines a light on a serious diagnosis that effects both cats and dogs. This disease has a very high mortality rate yet in nearly 60% of cases the cause of the condition is largely unknown.

Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) is a condition where the body no longer recognizes its own red blood cells and therefore begins to attack them.  While studies indicate various reasons for this condition- ranging from drug reactions, blood parasites, even cancer -most cases have no known cause yet the trajectory of the diagnosis is often life threatening. 

Lucky, a 5 year old mixed breed dog has been a regular client of VCA HAH since he was first brought home.  From his adoption to neuter to wellness checkups we have seen this little guy grow up. However, earlier this year, his family noticed his energy level decreasing and when he suddenly collapsed; they immediately brought him to see Dr. Patterson. 

Upon her exam, Dr. Patterson observed the fatigue and weakness noticed by his owners in addition to the pale tone of his gums- all signs of anemia; a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to function properly. Lucky was immediately admitted to the hospital and after running the necessary blood and diagnostic testing, anemia was confirmed.   

Lucky’s bloodwork showed a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20%- a normal PCV in a dog being 37-55%.   

For eleven days Lucky was hospitalized. He was treated with immune suppressing medication to stop his body from attacking itself. He was given multiple blood transfusions to fortify his body as it shredding his RBC supply. It was a race to get ahead of this self mutilating disease.

Throughout his treatment, Lucky was a fighter.  His blood volume fluctuated. His energy and interest waned daily. Through daily blood test and regular medication updates, Dr. Patterson successfully slowed the slicing of his cells, Finally when his PCV began to hold at 25% he was on the mend.   

Now, after weeks of homecare and regular bloodwork rechecks, Lucky has a PCV of  35%. He is well on his way to long-term recovery and we are pleased to be able to share his success story.

February Team Member of the Month Kyle!!!

This month we recognize another night team member as our Team Member of the Month! Kyle simply hits the mark when is comes to being a team player. Starting his VCA HAH career as a Veterinary Assistant he soon moved through the ranks to become a valued night technician. In many ways we hope few people ever meet him or our ER band of technicians but if you do you can trust that you are in great hands.

Kyle cares about our patients. He is always willing to go the extra mile for both them and his teammates. He pays attention to the details and makes each pet his top priority.

"It seems I see him when I leave work and when I arrive" says Nancy French,our Hospital Manager. "I can always count on him!" 

Kyle is an example of the wonderful team we count on each and every night to care for your loved ones and we are proud to recognize him as our February Team Member of the Month!!

February Team Member of the Month- Bobbi!!!!

You many know her as Bobbi in the Lobby but we know her as a dream come true. 

This month’s Team Member of the Month hasn’t been a part of our team for very long but her contribution to the HAH has been exponential. Joining us in December as an employee, Bobbi has been a long time client and brings that unique perspective to the table. 

Her Client Care Coordinator position has been a longtime goal of the management team and we feel proud to finally say that we have someone, whose sole responsibility, is to make sure our clients are comfortable while they wait to see their Veterinarian.

Bobbi is the perfect fit for this position and for our team. Stop by and congratulate our February Team Member of the Month- Bobbi!!!!

Are Your Dog's Teeth Healthy?

So often we see patients that come in for an annual exam or even a dental and are surprised that their pet's teeth are badly effected by dental disease. Their pet is happy and eating and should animal breath really smell like roses?!?!?!?

It is hard to know all the things to look for. Like you, we rely on the expertise of our vets to help us navigate the healthcare of our four-legged friends and keep them happy and healthy.

Check out this interesting article on dental care that we think helps to demystify the mouth!

Your Dog's Teeth: Toothaches and Other Problems
 

If your dog had a toothache, would you know? If their gums were receding and painful, could you tell? Probably not.

To find out why, WebMD talked with veterinary dentists. They shared their thoughts on recognizing the early signs of oral problems in dogs and offered tips on what you can do today to help keep your four-legged friend's teeth in great shape.

1. Understand Your Pooch's Mouth
Just like people, dogs can break or fracture their teeth. And just like us, they can also get gum disease. Dogs are five times more likely to get gum disease than humans for a couple of reasons. First, dogs have a more alkaline mouth, which promotes plaque formation. Second, unlike humans, dogs usually don't have their teeth brushed daily.

"Plaque is made up of saliva, food debris, sloughed cells from the lining of the mouth, oral bacteria, and their by-products," says Colleen O'Morrow, DVM, a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and a veterinary dentist practicing in Manitoba, Canada. "As the plaque thickens from not being brushed away on a regular daily basis, the bacteria multiply."

Once the bacteria multiply, the problems do, too. As the bacteria increase, your dog’s mouth mobilizes cells to fight the invasion. Those mobilized cells and the bacteria combine to cause inflammation and tissue destruction in your dog's mouth. As the inflammation and tissue destruction progress, they destroy bone, which ultimately leads to tooth loss -- and a lot of pain for your pooch.

2. Be Aware: Dogs Rarely Show Signs of Dental Pain
Even with a cracked tooth or periodontal disease that damages gums around the teeth, your dog would probably eat normally, wiggle happily at your return home, and overall act like the same dog you know and love.

Your pet may be in chronic pain, but you wouldn't know it. Why? Dogs have evolved to hide such chronic pain. Their animal instinct is not to show signs of weakness.
"In my experience the No. 1 sign of periodontal disease is no signs at all," says Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM, a veterinary dentist who practices in Florida and Georgia.

"The number of patients I see a year that come in because there is pain is less than 5%," says Beckman, while more than 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by the time they're 3 years old. "I really want to get that point across," says Beckman, "there are almost always no signs at all" of dental pain.

Source; WebMD Pet Health Feature
By Wendy C. Fries
Reviewed By Amy Flowers, DVM

February Team Member of the Month- Sandy

We would like to recognize a team member that have been at the HAH since July 1986.  Most of our clients know her by name.  The HAH staff  knows her as the one who will bend over backwards to help clients-even if it means breaking protocol!!!   She always puts the clients and their pets needs first (which we greatly appreciate!)  

One thing we can always count on is that Sandi Raymond will be answering the phones and making sure that the rest of us are on our toes doing what’s best  for our clients!  Thank You Sandi!!

February Patient of the Month- "Friskie"

“Friskie” Johnson, a 7 year old indoor cat was brought to see Dr.Heim for a possible UTI. “Friskie” had been urinating more frequently over the past month and began to take it outside of the litter box. Her owners knew there was a problem but when “Friskie” arrived at the HAH she was very dehydrated. Dr. Heim examined her and recommended bloodwork, a urinalysis and x-rays to get a more complete picture of her condition. The x-rays revealed a large stone in her bladder requiring surgery. However her bloodwork showed such significantly abnormal kidney and electrolyte values that she did not make a good surgical candidate.

For the next three days “Friskie” was given IV fluid therapy and medical care to address her hydration and to stabilize her electrolytes. Once she was stable, her owners took her home to continue this care until she was healthy enough for surgery.

Nearly a week after she was brought in, “Friskie” returned for a schedule cystotomy with Dr. Heim. Because her bloodwork was now within the normal limits, the surgery went smoothly and the stone was removed.

During surgery, a culture of the bladder was obtained to determine what kind of infection may be present. In “Friskie’s” case it was severe. “Friskie” had a ‘bug’ that was extremely resistant to most antibiotics and that had likely infiltrated her kidneys. The only medicine that would fight this was a very expensive human medicine that needed to be administered under the skin twice a day along with subcutaneous fluids.

Now as you may imagine, a cat named “Friskie” was name for one of two reasons. “Friskie’s” was not for being playful. She did not welcome daily injections. But her parents were loving and persistent and they worked out a system that made it work.

For 6 weeks, “Friskie” received all the TLC she could handle as her parents administered her fluids and injections. Now “Friskie’s” bloodwork is normal and her only medicine is a Hill’s Prescription diet.  According to the owner she has gained weight and is doing great!

Her parents were so pleased with the results that they paid it forward by donating the remainder of her medication to another pet in need.

This month we honor as patient of the month “Friskie” Johnson but also her parents. This is a true story of how the commitment and dedication of her parents made all the difference. There dedication to her and her daily treatments is the reason “Friskie” is back to herself again.

Does your pet watch TV?

Does your pet watch TV? Do you leave their favorite show on when you leave the house? Well, many people do! That's why last week Cox and Time Warner digital cable systems premiered DOGTV.

DOGTV will appear in the Health and Wellness category of Cox's Freezone, or by using the "guide'' function to go to Channel 2635. On Time Warner, it's on Channel 148, where viewers need to choose Find It On Demand and select My Pet.

"Loving our dogs so much, we feel guilty when we leave them home alone,'' said Gilad Neumann, CEO of DOGTV. "DOGTV provides customized television entertainment, while the rest of the family is away at work or too busy to play. Studies show it relaxes and stimulates our dogs keeping them healthier and more content.''

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/news/kswb-new-tv-channel-entertains-dogs-20120213,0,771571.story

February Pet of the Month: Chopper Cascove

We are proud to honor Chopper Bascove as our February Pet of the Month! Chopper is a 7 year old Yorkie, who has frequented our hospital several times since August of last year. His first stay resulted in gallbladder surgery. He then returned in the beginning of the year where he waged a successful battle with pancreatitis. Most recently he has been seen to treat a tick borne disease called Babesia. Dr. Sessa has been Choppers primary doctor and has been vigilant in his care. Chopper has spent more then his share of time with us, but has always been a model patient. His parents, Stephen and Tracey have been the epitome of caring and compliant owners. This last ailment is responding well and while we will miss him, we hope he stays home with his parents for awhile! We are proud to honor Chopper as our February Pet of the Month!