In veterinary medicine, dental disease is seen in almost every animal. But, in our busy lives it’s hard to find the time to do regular preventive care. Adding to the problem, dental cleanings under general anesthesia seems risky to many. Recently, anesthesia-free pet dentistry has become a fad. However, is this option good care and safe long term?
By: Krista Gibson, DVM
With more than 85% of pets over age three suffering from some sort of dental disease, veterinarians are constantly reminding clients to provide at home dental care for their pets. In addition, most veterinarians encourage annual dental exams and cleanings for their patients followed by care at home. Still, pet owners are reluctant to follow these recommendations.
Some people are actually leery of anesthetics used for dental procedures. In response to client concerns, some people have developed Anesthesia-Free Pet Dentistry (AFPD) protocols. Marketing brochures show calm dogs sitting on the laps of “pet dental hygienists” who gently scrape tartar off the pet’s teeth. For anyone who has a senior pet or anyone who has lost a pet under anesthetic, this idea might seem to be right on target.
In practice, however, there are several negative unintended consequences. While some dogs can be tolerant and will sit patiently, many have to be physically restrained, leading to stress and deep-seated fears.
Veterinarians use ultrasonic scalers and sharp dental instruments. This is one reason a general anesthetic is needed. Beyond keeping the patient from moving, heavy sedation or general anesthetic allows a more thorough procedure and proper visualization of the entire mouth and hard to see gingival areas.
Dr. Brett Beckman, a fellow in the American Veterinary Dental Society says “most non-professional dental cleanings are done using some sort of hand curette. These tools cause scarring and micro-pitting of the enamel surface and this can actually accelerate plaque retention and tartar build-up!” In other words, this incomplete “cleaning” actually damages the tooth causing plaque and tartar development to occur more rapidly in the future.
Dr. Beckman goes on to say that “these procedures do much more harm than good. Pets that have had this done actually need to return for more frequent cleanings as a result of this enamel damage. This might be good for the business, but it is certainly not good for the pet.”
In a proper veterinary medical setting, dental cleanings are followed by a polishing step that helps remove the microscopic divots from the tooth enamel and creates a smooth healthy surface. Many veterinarians also apply a barrier sealant that helps repel plaque-causing bacteria and has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. Once professionally applied, this sealant can be maintained at home for better prevention.
Another serious issue with AFPD cleanings is that only visible portions of the teeth can be cleaned – usually only the outside surfaces. Areas under the gumline and on the insides of teeth will still have significant tartar and harbor the harmful bacteria. In time, the underlying bony structure of the jaw can deteriorate and the pet may lose teeth.
Under safe anesthetic, veterinarians are able to probe all areas of the mouth and use tools to remove plaque and bacteria from under the gum line. This actually stops the disease process. At the same time, dental x-rays can be done to help find potential problem areas. Even though more than 28% of dogs and 42% of cats have hidden dental disease, you won’t find x-ray equipment at the anesthesia free dental facility!
Finally, safety is also an issue with these non-professional cleanings. Even though many pets are patient and tolerant, there is the very real danger that the dog or cat will lash out in frustration or pain and bite someone. Lacerations of the pets gums, hard pallet and even the lips are also possible
If you know your pet needs a proper dental cleaning, but the thought of general anesthesia frightens you, talk with your veterinarian. While no anesthetic protocol is 100% safe, anesthetic complications are extremely rare. Allow your veterinarian to show you the monitoring equipment and explain how a well trained staff makes anesthesia as safe as possible.
You can also reduce the need for dental cleanings by using dental home care products designed to remove plaque buildup in between the veterinary visits. The gold standard is to brush your pet’s teeth daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a special dentifrice product designed for pets. You should never use human toothpaste!
Certain diets, like Hill’s® t/d food or Eukanuba® Dental Defense, or dental chew products, like Greenies® can also reduce the amount of plaque for problem cases. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal when choosing chew products for your pet.
Even the barrier sealant used at your veterinarian’s office is available in a home version. Oravet® by Merial can be applied on a weekly basis to help reinforce the product used at the time of your pet’s dental cleaning.
Anesthesia free dentistry for pets might sound like a good idea, but the truth is the benefits are strictly cosmetic and there are serious medical and behavioral risks. To learn more about steps you can take to keep your pet’s smile bright, visit the Pet Library at www.PetDocsOnCall.com.
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Dr. Krista Gibson is a veterinarian at Animal Medical Services and can be reached at animalmedicalservices@yahoo.com.
Showing posts with label veterinary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label veterinary. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday, July 17, 2009
Declawing Cats: Is It Cruel or Caring?
I often get asked about declawing cats. People have heard all sorts of terrible things about declawing, but they feel frustrated, helpless and angry with their cats when their house is being destroyed. They ask me what to do because they feel guilty even considering a declaw, but what happens when you no longer like your own pet because of its destructive behavior? What kind of life can you have together? Is that good for either the owners or their cats? In my experience in practice as well as with the NUMEROUS cats I have kept over the years, I think I can give you a pretty good understanding of the reasons behind both sides of this debate.
Removing the cat's front claws, or onychectomy, is a procedure performed only by veterinarians. While there are various methods used (Resco, disarticulation, laser, etc), the goal is to remove the claw and the third digit of the toe. Many people opt for declawing their cats as a means to protect their furniture or even their skin!
Opponents of declawing state that it is unnatural, cruel, and causes medical and behavioral changes in the cat. Some strong opponents have even been able to ban declawing in certain cities across the United States. Many European countries, parts of Australia, New Zealand and Japan all ban declawing. The first thing we must understand is WHY do cats scratch? Cats will sink their claws into a variety of inanimate objects in order to stretch, to mark territory, to sharpen the claws and to remove the outer layer of the claw that may be flaking away slowly. Pet owners report that cats seem to prefer certain fabrics when scratching (such as the easy-to-destroy vertical weave of many draperies!). Cats, of course, will also use their claws as a defenses mechanism, swatting at opponents or raking with their rear claws. Because many juvenile cats haven't learned how to play "nice", their play swatting and raking can sometimes take a toll on the owner's skin, or, worse, the skin of a young child.
Many people turn to declawing simply because they are not aware of, nor are they told about other options. These other options include training, tendonectomy, Soft Paws and simply routine nail trimming. For a lot of cat owners, taking the time to train the cat seems futile.
Opinions vary as to the "trainability" of cats, but experts do agree that an appropriate training program can keep a cat from scratching on unacceptable objects. First, a suitable substitute must be provided - scratching post, cat condo, etc. Next, owners need to be able to provide some sort of punishment for scratching on unacceptable items without being associated with the punishment. Squirt bottles can sometimes work if the cat is unaware that the owner is doing it. Punishment as a deterrent is especially challenging if it can’t be used EVERY SINGLE TIME an undesired behavior happens. In order for it to be effective, it must be consistent and not associated with the owner, or else the cat will simply learn not to do the behavior when the owner is around. So, more often, booby traps need to be set up so that the cat is startled every time and even when the owner is not around. Owners should also encourage and praise the cat for using the appropriate objects, like a scratching post. Catnip is useful for this!
Tendonectomy is a surgical procedure that clips the tendon that extends the claw from the cat's foot. Now, the cat keeps the claws but can't extend them. Owners need to realize that the cat will still need nail trims routinely throughout its life, and that while the cats can’t fully extend their claws, they can’t fully retract them, either. My experience with this procedure has been mixed. People like the idea, but in reality, the cats still can cause damage, and the need for continuous nail trimming can become a burden for some.
Soft Paws are acrylic nail caps that are glued in place over the cat's nails. By creating a blunt tip, the Soft Paws keeps the cat from causing any damage, to furniture or people. In my experience, these worked ok, but needed replaced quite often. Eventually, most people give up on these because of the extensive maintenance required.
So...what about the opposite viewpoint? Do cats experience immense pain and exhibit behavioral changes after a declaw? To date, no scientific study (and there have been several) has been able to document behavior changes in cats after they have been declawed. According to one survey, almost three quarters of the people asked had a better relationship with their cats after the declaw.
Pain is a different story. Seeing a cat waking up from anesthetic and a declaw procedure can be a trying experience for a new veterinary employee. Thankfully we understand so much more about the control of pain, pre-operatively, peri-operatively and post operatively now! With appropriate pain relief on board, many cats wake up comfortably. When lasers are used for declaws and the surgeon is well experienced, many of these cats wake up ready to play!! Younger cats seem to bounce back more quickly, regardless of the method used, while older cats do seem uncomfortable for a little longer. On a personal note, I declawed one of our clinic cats several years ago when he was five because he was swatting clients and drawing blood. We kept him on pain medication for a full week, and after the first day, he jumped up and down off counters and acted normally. So, bottom line is...if declaws are done, pain relief must be used!
Declawed cats do lose a signficant portion of their defenses when you remove the claws...but don't consider them completely defenseless. I have seen many declawed cats climb trees and telephone poles without a second thought, and the raking motion of the rear legs will still cause some deep scratches to anyone trying to pin down a cat! That said, I have always recommended that owners of declawed cats keep them inside for their own safety!
Choosing to declaw your cat should be a decision made between you and your veterinarian. I don't believe that the government should step in (as they did in West Hollywood), and, certainly, other options should be considered, if feasible to the owner. An elderly owner with fragile skin may not have the time to go through training, SoftPaws or other options. Similarly, a family with toddlers might also have a more difficult time waiting for other options to work. I also think that you shouldn't decide to declaw a geriatric adult cat unless there are no other options. At the same time, if it’s declaw the cat or it goes to the pound, I’ll declaw it with the understanding of the owner that pain management, both in hospital and at home, is going to be an essential part of the process.
Bottom line...if declawing keeps the cat in a good loving home versus the cat having to live outside with less attention and affection, then I believe that declawing is appropriate if done by a veterinarian and the cat is given appropriate pain relief. If you are able to use other options, then you should find that you, your cat, and his claws can all live in harmony!
Removing the cat's front claws, or onychectomy, is a procedure performed only by veterinarians. While there are various methods used (Resco, disarticulation, laser, etc), the goal is to remove the claw and the third digit of the toe. Many people opt for declawing their cats as a means to protect their furniture or even their skin!
Opponents of declawing state that it is unnatural, cruel, and causes medical and behavioral changes in the cat. Some strong opponents have even been able to ban declawing in certain cities across the United States. Many European countries, parts of Australia, New Zealand and Japan all ban declawing. The first thing we must understand is WHY do cats scratch? Cats will sink their claws into a variety of inanimate objects in order to stretch, to mark territory, to sharpen the claws and to remove the outer layer of the claw that may be flaking away slowly. Pet owners report that cats seem to prefer certain fabrics when scratching (such as the easy-to-destroy vertical weave of many draperies!). Cats, of course, will also use their claws as a defenses mechanism, swatting at opponents or raking with their rear claws. Because many juvenile cats haven't learned how to play "nice", their play swatting and raking can sometimes take a toll on the owner's skin, or, worse, the skin of a young child.
Many people turn to declawing simply because they are not aware of, nor are they told about other options. These other options include training, tendonectomy, Soft Paws and simply routine nail trimming. For a lot of cat owners, taking the time to train the cat seems futile.
Opinions vary as to the "trainability" of cats, but experts do agree that an appropriate training program can keep a cat from scratching on unacceptable objects. First, a suitable substitute must be provided - scratching post, cat condo, etc. Next, owners need to be able to provide some sort of punishment for scratching on unacceptable items without being associated with the punishment. Squirt bottles can sometimes work if the cat is unaware that the owner is doing it. Punishment as a deterrent is especially challenging if it can’t be used EVERY SINGLE TIME an undesired behavior happens. In order for it to be effective, it must be consistent and not associated with the owner, or else the cat will simply learn not to do the behavior when the owner is around. So, more often, booby traps need to be set up so that the cat is startled every time and even when the owner is not around. Owners should also encourage and praise the cat for using the appropriate objects, like a scratching post. Catnip is useful for this!
Tendonectomy is a surgical procedure that clips the tendon that extends the claw from the cat's foot. Now, the cat keeps the claws but can't extend them. Owners need to realize that the cat will still need nail trims routinely throughout its life, and that while the cats can’t fully extend their claws, they can’t fully retract them, either. My experience with this procedure has been mixed. People like the idea, but in reality, the cats still can cause damage, and the need for continuous nail trimming can become a burden for some.
Soft Paws are acrylic nail caps that are glued in place over the cat's nails. By creating a blunt tip, the Soft Paws keeps the cat from causing any damage, to furniture or people. In my experience, these worked ok, but needed replaced quite often. Eventually, most people give up on these because of the extensive maintenance required.
So...what about the opposite viewpoint? Do cats experience immense pain and exhibit behavioral changes after a declaw? To date, no scientific study (and there have been several) has been able to document behavior changes in cats after they have been declawed. According to one survey, almost three quarters of the people asked had a better relationship with their cats after the declaw.
Pain is a different story. Seeing a cat waking up from anesthetic and a declaw procedure can be a trying experience for a new veterinary employee. Thankfully we understand so much more about the control of pain, pre-operatively, peri-operatively and post operatively now! With appropriate pain relief on board, many cats wake up comfortably. When lasers are used for declaws and the surgeon is well experienced, many of these cats wake up ready to play!! Younger cats seem to bounce back more quickly, regardless of the method used, while older cats do seem uncomfortable for a little longer. On a personal note, I declawed one of our clinic cats several years ago when he was five because he was swatting clients and drawing blood. We kept him on pain medication for a full week, and after the first day, he jumped up and down off counters and acted normally. So, bottom line is...if declaws are done, pain relief must be used!
Declawed cats do lose a signficant portion of their defenses when you remove the claws...but don't consider them completely defenseless. I have seen many declawed cats climb trees and telephone poles without a second thought, and the raking motion of the rear legs will still cause some deep scratches to anyone trying to pin down a cat! That said, I have always recommended that owners of declawed cats keep them inside for their own safety!
Choosing to declaw your cat should be a decision made between you and your veterinarian. I don't believe that the government should step in (as they did in West Hollywood), and, certainly, other options should be considered, if feasible to the owner. An elderly owner with fragile skin may not have the time to go through training, SoftPaws or other options. Similarly, a family with toddlers might also have a more difficult time waiting for other options to work. I also think that you shouldn't decide to declaw a geriatric adult cat unless there are no other options. At the same time, if it’s declaw the cat or it goes to the pound, I’ll declaw it with the understanding of the owner that pain management, both in hospital and at home, is going to be an essential part of the process.
Bottom line...if declawing keeps the cat in a good loving home versus the cat having to live outside with less attention and affection, then I believe that declawing is appropriate if done by a veterinarian and the cat is given appropriate pain relief. If you are able to use other options, then you should find that you, your cat, and his claws can all live in harmony!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Saying Goodbye With Dignity
It’s never easy to let go of a loved one, whether they have two legs or four. Pet owners often console themselves by saying they are “easing their pet’s misery” when they ask for euthanasia after diagnosis of a terminal illness. But, are these “premature euthanasias” good for the whole pet family?
By: Krista Gibson, DVM
Ending a human life is not legal, so people with terminal illnesses and less than 6 months to live often enter hospice care. This relatively recent development in medicine focuses on the comfort of the patient and less on heroic medical or surgical measures. In other words, caregivers put the patient’s comfort first, not an attempt at any type of cure. Another important aspect of hospice care is that the whole family is included. Relatives and friends can say good-bye in peace rather than sitting in hospital lobbies or crowded waiting rooms.
Now, thanks to caring veterinarians, technicians and other support personnel, hospice care for pets is becoming a reality across the continent. Websites like www.pethospice.org and www.angelsgate.org introduce concerned pet owners to the concept of caring for a terminally ill or disabled pet.
With a shorter lifespan, our pets seem to leave us all too quickly. And, the availability of an “easy death” through euthanasia has potentially robbed some owners of quality time with their beloved dogs or cats. Veterinary hospice care aims to provide a higher quality of life for those pets, even if the time frame is only a few days to a few weeks.
Just like in human hospice, veterinarians feel that the final days for the pet should be spent in comfort among familiar surroundings and loving family. According to Dr. Alice Villalobos, director of Pawspice in California, the goal of pet hospice is help pet owners determine the quality of life for their pets. “If the pet owners and veterinary staff can meet the basic desires at a satisfactory level,” says Villalobos, “there is justification for preserving the lives of the pets.” At Pawspice, the five “H’s” of hunger, hurt, happiness, hydration and hygiene, along with the pet’s mobility are rated each day. Of course, the goal is that the pet is having more good days than bad ones.
Through judicious use of pain-relieving medications and comfort techniques, veterinarians help pet owners bring ease to pets struggling at the end of their lives. Many veterinarians will teach owners how to administer a variety of medications as well as how to clean wounds or control minor bleeding. For their part, the veterinary staff often holds themselves ready at all hours to help when the pet tells his owners “it’s time”.
According to www.specialneedspet.org, owners should try to plan ahead, especially if they care for a disabled pet or a pet recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. Most importantly, the involvement of the family veterinarian is crucial in providing the appropriate palliative care.
Some owners find comfort in providing various amenities to their pets. Heated pet beds, mobility aids and even special harnesses designed to aid the pet in getting up from lying down are all available to aid the pet owner during this stressful time.
Finally, pet owners should consider developing a support system to help them when the task of caring for the pet becomes an emotional or physical challenge. Grief counselors, relatives, and even good friends can help provide strength at critical times.
No one wants to see their pets suffer, but the diagnosis of cancer or the onset of a debilitating injury does not automatically mean instant euthanasia. As Dr. Villalobos says, “palliation means to make things better and I like this word because it has pal in front of it. We are making things better for our pal!” Ask your veterinarian about hospice care options in your area or visit www.pethospice.org for additional information.
To learn more about advances in veterinary medicine, visit www.MyVNN.com and www.PetDocsOnCall.com.
-------------------------------------------
Dr. Krista Gibson is a veterinarian at Animal Medical Services veterinary hospital in Scottsdale, AZ, and can be reached at AnimalMedicalServices@yahoo.com
By: Krista Gibson, DVM
Ending a human life is not legal, so people with terminal illnesses and less than 6 months to live often enter hospice care. This relatively recent development in medicine focuses on the comfort of the patient and less on heroic medical or surgical measures. In other words, caregivers put the patient’s comfort first, not an attempt at any type of cure. Another important aspect of hospice care is that the whole family is included. Relatives and friends can say good-bye in peace rather than sitting in hospital lobbies or crowded waiting rooms.
Now, thanks to caring veterinarians, technicians and other support personnel, hospice care for pets is becoming a reality across the continent. Websites like www.pethospice.org and www.angelsgate.org introduce concerned pet owners to the concept of caring for a terminally ill or disabled pet.
With a shorter lifespan, our pets seem to leave us all too quickly. And, the availability of an “easy death” through euthanasia has potentially robbed some owners of quality time with their beloved dogs or cats. Veterinary hospice care aims to provide a higher quality of life for those pets, even if the time frame is only a few days to a few weeks.
Just like in human hospice, veterinarians feel that the final days for the pet should be spent in comfort among familiar surroundings and loving family. According to Dr. Alice Villalobos, director of Pawspice in California, the goal of pet hospice is help pet owners determine the quality of life for their pets. “If the pet owners and veterinary staff can meet the basic desires at a satisfactory level,” says Villalobos, “there is justification for preserving the lives of the pets.” At Pawspice, the five “H’s” of hunger, hurt, happiness, hydration and hygiene, along with the pet’s mobility are rated each day. Of course, the goal is that the pet is having more good days than bad ones.
Through judicious use of pain-relieving medications and comfort techniques, veterinarians help pet owners bring ease to pets struggling at the end of their lives. Many veterinarians will teach owners how to administer a variety of medications as well as how to clean wounds or control minor bleeding. For their part, the veterinary staff often holds themselves ready at all hours to help when the pet tells his owners “it’s time”.
According to www.specialneedspet.org, owners should try to plan ahead, especially if they care for a disabled pet or a pet recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. Most importantly, the involvement of the family veterinarian is crucial in providing the appropriate palliative care.
Some owners find comfort in providing various amenities to their pets. Heated pet beds, mobility aids and even special harnesses designed to aid the pet in getting up from lying down are all available to aid the pet owner during this stressful time.
Finally, pet owners should consider developing a support system to help them when the task of caring for the pet becomes an emotional or physical challenge. Grief counselors, relatives, and even good friends can help provide strength at critical times.
No one wants to see their pets suffer, but the diagnosis of cancer or the onset of a debilitating injury does not automatically mean instant euthanasia. As Dr. Villalobos says, “palliation means to make things better and I like this word because it has pal in front of it. We are making things better for our pal!” Ask your veterinarian about hospice care options in your area or visit www.pethospice.org for additional information.
To learn more about advances in veterinary medicine, visit www.MyVNN.com and www.PetDocsOnCall.com.
-------------------------------------------
Dr. Krista Gibson is a veterinarian at Animal Medical Services veterinary hospital in Scottsdale, AZ, and can be reached at AnimalMedicalServices@yahoo.com
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