Topic: How Simple is that Dental Procedure?
by D.E.L.T.A. Rescue Veterinarian, Dr. Gaylord Brown The largest no-kill animial sanctuary in the world[/caption]
Dentistry is a major component of health care in our pets today. These procedures are routine but that does not mean they are simple.
Most dog dental work is done under general anesthesia.
General anesthesia, though considered safe, is always a serious procedure! We should always make sure the pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. At the the very least this should include pre-aneshetic blood work and chest radiographs.
Once the patient is deemed safe for anesthesia, the owner should be aware of what the dental procedure will entail. Is this going to be a cleaning only or will there likely be extractions? Sometimes a veterinarian cannot tell before hand if an extraction will be required, so it is always best to be prepared for this possibility.
Prior to the procedure your pet should be placed on antibiotics. A mouthful of tartar is laden with bacteria. The gumline is invariably inflamed. This bacteria can easily enter the blood stream during the dental which may lead to a blood infection or an infection of the heart.Antibiotics prior to the dentistry will reduce this potential dramatically.
At the time of the dental work anti-inflammatory medication and pain medication should be administered.
Afterwards the owner should monitor the patient closely for attitude and appetite. If your pet is not eating, the attending veterinarian should know right away. Supportive care can then be implemented without delay. This is particularly important if there were extractions.
Remember These Dog Dental Care Important Points.
Though routine a dental procedure is not necessarily simple. Complications such as abscesses, septicemia, bacterial endocarditits, and anesthetic complications can all occur. Proper preparation can minimize these complications and ensure a successful outcome!
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