October is National Pet Wellness month. As a veterinarian and animal health care advocate, my recommendation to pet owners is to view their pet’s wellness as an ongoing daily priority. I dedicate my veterinary practice, California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness, Inc., to the wellness of my clients’ pets.
Wellness can be broken down into multiple facets, each individually contributing to a complete picture of health for your pet. The third in this four part pet wellness series will focus on periodontal disease prevention.
Periodontal disease is the number one disease found during a physical examination in both dogs and cats in my clinical practice. Dr. Jan Bellows, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, defines periodontal disease as “the disease process that begins with gingivitis (inflammation of gingiva, or gum tissue) and progresses to periodontitis (erosion of the teeth’s supporting structures) when left untreated”. Periodontal disease is typically not the principal illness motivating pet owners to pursue a consultation with a veterinarian, yet varying degrees of severity are present in all adult and geriatric pets. Ultimately, significant primary pathology occurs in the oral cavity creating the potential for life threatening, secondary disease processes in other body systems.
Human studies link periodontal disease to a variety of conditions affecting multiple body systems. Oral cavity disease has been associated with abnormalities affecting the cardiovascular, metabolic (kidney, liver, pancreas other), musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. According to a recent study done by Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine professor of epidemiology, Larry Glickman, a correlation has been established between periodontal and cardiovascular disease. Glickman’s Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA) published study determined a statistically increased incidence of heart disease in dogs associated with increasing severity of periodontal disease. His study of almost sixty-thousand dogs also notes that “gum disease occurs on up to 75 percent of all dogs by middle age.”
I find it remarkable that some pet owners overlook their pet’s unhealthy mouth until the severity of the disease manifests with malodor, inappetence, lethargy, or obvious tooth root abscess (pain or swelling at or adjacent to the affected area). Oral cavity malodor motivates many pet owners to present their pet specifically to discuss a plan to improve the offending smell. Unfortunately, when a pet’s oral cavity disease manifests in malodor, their periodontal disease has progressed to a point where routine preventive measures are inadequate. At this point, a pet needs to be put under anesthesia for thorough evaluation of each tooth, radiographs (xrays), scaling/polishing, and possible dental extractions.
Periodontal disease can potentially be prevented by initiating a dental care program early in your pet’s life. Start when your pet is a puppy or kitten, so that they will be accommodating to your technique. Good options for daily teeth cleansing include the use of a pet toothbrush and paste or pet dental wipe. Canine and feline dental chews, such as Vibrac’s C.E.T line claim to “combine the mechanical abrasive action of chewing with patented antibacterial systems to help control plaque and eliminate bacteria buildup”. Choose a product that will permit your pet’s acceptance of their new habit and your ease of use in the regular administration of this product.
Scheduling a twice yearly wellness exam will allow your veterinarian to evaluate your pet for periodontal disease and to implement a plan to improve your pet’s oral cavity health.
Related articles:
Increase your pet's activity during October's National Pet Wellness Month
Improve your pet's diet during October's National Pet Wellness Month
My dog’s health is the best birthday gift
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Related Links:
Dog and Cat Dentist (Veterinary Dental Specialist in Los Angeles)
Periodontal Disease information from All Pets Dental
National Pet Wellness Month
Comments
My dogs and cats eat raw bones to clean their teeth (and boy, does that work).
I also brush their teeth by wrapping gauze around my finger, wetting it and cleaning their teeth. My (human) dentist taught me that. It's just the right amount of abrasive and I can feel the difference between gums and teeth which is almost impossible if you're using a toothbrush.
To be fair to most people, I think we've forgotten the dangers of not brushing we are so used to good oral hygiene for ourselves.
My sister is a diabetic so is very aware of the importance of good dental hygiene. It can be life or death for her. My neighbor died last year at the age of 42 when a bit of bacteria from his gum entered his blood stream.
Very sad, yet a good reminder for all of us around him to take precautions ourselves and for our pets.
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