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

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention

Pet Periodontal Disease Prevention  

Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition affecting adult dogs and cats. It is a progressive disease that can cause bad breath, oral pain, and spread of bacteria from the mouth to the rest of the body. Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable with both home dental care and routine veterinary dental care.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is the destruction of bone, gum tissue, and structures that hold the teeth in place. Just like in humans, periodontal disease starts out as a bacterial film on the teeth called plaque. The bacteria can then spread causing gingivitis, infection and inflammation below the gumline, and eventually destruction of bone leading to tooth loss.

How do I know if my pet has periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease occurs below the gumline where it is not visible. In advanced stages of the disease, you may notice that your pet has bad breath, loose, teeth, and a painful mouth.  If your pet’s teeth appear white and clean, this does not mean that periodontal disease is not present!

The only way to identiy or prevent periodontal disease is through regular veterinary dental exams and cleanings. Anesthesia is required to assess your pet’s dental health below the gumline!

The KEY to periodontal disease is PREVENTION

The two components to preventing periodontal disease in your pet are home dental care and annual veterinary dental care.

·         Daily brushing remains the gold standard recommended by veterinary dentists to prevent plaque and slow progression of periodontal disease. Many pets can be trained to accept and even like brushing.  It is important to begin a brushing routine when your pet’s mouth is clean and healthy (a pet with oral pain may develop a negative association with brushing).  Offer a positive reinforcement, such as a treat or toy, following brushing. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and a palatable pet toothpaste.

·         Annual veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are an important part of your pet’s oral health routine. During this procedure, the veterinarian will visually examine each tooth and probe for pockets, which can result from periodontal disease. Dental radiographs (x-rays) can also be taken to look for dental disease below the gumline and to evaluate diseased teeth. An ultrasonic scaler is used to clean the visible area of the teeth and under the gums.  Finally, the teeth are polished to eliminate the rough surface created by scaling. When this procedure is performed regulary, beginnings of periodontal disease can be addressed immediately before it causes extensive and expensive damage.

     
     Lauren Vezzosi

Welcome Dr. Briana Danielson to our team!!!

This week we welcomed Briana Danielson, DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons to our practice. 

 

Dr. Danielson brings to her vast experience in both orthopedic and advanced soft tissue surgery, to our practice. We are very excited to welcome her to our family. 

 

 

Get to know Dr. Danielson!

 

Dr. Danielson was born and raised in Maryland, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. She attended veterinary school at The Ohio State University, where she received The Ohio State award for small animal surgery during her fourth year. Following graduation, she completed a private practice internship and surgical residency at MedVet in Ohio and stayed on as a staff surgeon for a year. More recently, she worked at The Hope Center, a specialty hospital in Rockville, Maryland.

 

 Dr. Danielson is very much looking forward to enjoying the water and warm sand here in the sunshine state, as well as introducing her five dogs -- a Labrador, a cattle dog, and three pugs -- to the South Florida lifestyle.

February is National Pet Dental Month!

                               Does your best friend have bad breath? 

Despite what many pet owners may believe, “dog breath” is not just a nuisance – it’s a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Over time, bacteria lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. The result is bad breath, reddened gums, and other common signs of dental disease. As dental disease progresses, other signs can include drooling, discomfort while chewing, and loose or missing teeth. Even if you’re using treats and chews to help control tartar, these are frequently not enough to keep dental disease in check. Ask us about the best ways to control plaque and help protect your pet from dental disease.

Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet's health, because dental disease can be associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney disease. But how do you know if your pet has a healthy mouth? Let us examine your pet’s teeth and gums to help determine if there are any dental issues you should know about. After a brief visual examination, we may recommend a more detailed examination (which requires sedation), a dental cleaning, or options for at-home dental care.

Even if you think your pet’s teeth and gums are fine, we can offer expert advice to help you keep them that way! Dental health shouldn't be taken for granted. Fortunately, many dental problems can be managed through at-home care and by bringing your pet to us for regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.

During the entire month of February, take 10% off dental services* including bloodwork done at the time of service. Whether you have a senior cat requiring a bloodwork or you have a two year old pup that needs a simple cleaning, we will take 10 percent off  your services.

As an added bonus, simple extractions will be free. 

 We want your pet to live a long, healthy life, and we understand that maintaining a healthy mouth is part of that. Your pet’s health is important to us, so let us help you with this commitment. Call today to discuss your pet’s dental care needs and how we can help!

Source: http://www.hollywoodanimal.com/dental-care

*Canine extractions, Carnasal extractions and other complex procedures, including x-rays, are not included in the discount.

What exactly does AAHA accreditation really mean?

What exactly does AAHA accreditation really mean?  

The Hollywood Animal Hospital has been AAHA accredited for over 64 years. We have certifications in multiple categories and prepare all year long for scheduled reviews of our records, procedures and protocols. While the title sounds prestigious, what does it mean for pet owners. Ryan Mason, a pet owner and advocate explains it well in this article from the Pet Health Care Gazette.

An AAHA Accredited Veterinary Hospital Is Not Common

According to AAHA itself, only 17 percent of veterinarians are AAHA accredited. It goes without saying that any accreditation that is that difficult to earn undoubtedly has stringent requirements. This is true. The benchmarks for AAHA Accreditation are high in regards to cleanliness and sterility, and inspections are common. The standards go further than just cleanliness, though. Patient care, hospital management, pain management, and record-keeping are all subject to the high standards established by AAHA. The varied standards and high benchmarks make obtaining AAHA accreditation difficult for most veterinary offices.

AAHA Accreditation Does Translate to Healthier, Happier Pets

According to the AAHA website, “AAHA developed the accreditation program to raise the level of care being provided to companion animals.” The high standards in regard to pain management, cleanliness, and patient care clearly do result in healthier animals that are less likely to develop complications after treatment and surgery. For example, the anesthesia standards upheld by AAHA are intended to ensure that the risk of anesthesia-related complications during surgery are reduced. There are over 900 standards dictating patient care alone in the AAHA guidelines. These standards far exceed the ones required by law, meaning that the veterinarians who aren’t AAHA accredited are not required to do nearly as much in terms of patient care as accredited vets do. This isn’t to say that there aren’t good veterinarians who aren’t accredited, as there clearly are. On the whole, however, taking your pet to an AAHA accredited veterinarian gives a peace of mind that is difficult to measure.

AAHA Accreditation Actually Makes Veterinarians More Successful

Becoming AAHA accredited results in a veterinary office that is running at the cutting-edge of patient care, organization, and sanitary standards. Besides the increase in business that an AAHA accreditation can bring to an office, there are many other benefits that people may not immediately realize. Becoming accredited inspires pride in one’s office, and the process itself is a powerful team-building tool. Many offices have marveled at how their team members pull together during the accreditation process.

AAHA Accreditation Is an Extra Step That Benefits Pets

The takeaway from this is that AAHA accreditation, while not for everyone, is indeed a powerful step that benefits pets. The high standards in regard to cleanliness, patient care, hospital organization, and pain management benefit pets. It’s not surprising that AAHA accredited veterinarians are so proud of the accomplishment- and not surprising that pet owners are more apt to trust them. Finding an AAHA accredited veterinarian is not difficult. AAHA accredited veterinary hospitals like the Animal Health Hospital in Tucson, Arizona will display the AAHA logo clearly on their website. If you’re looking for an AAHA Accredited veterinarian in your area you can search AAHA’s website for pet owners.

Source: http://www.pet-health-care-gazette.com/2013/11/14/should-aaha-accreditation-be-one-of-your-criteria-for-picking-a-veterinarian/
About the author:Ryan Mason is a pet owner, feral cat advocate, and writer dedicated to pet welfare living in Tucson, Arizona.