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 pets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pets. Show all posts
Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
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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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