TOOTH AND NAIL /TEETH: Specialists on canine dentistry and grooming share tips on how to care for your dog: "It's unclear how much bone loss there is, he said, but he'll try to save the canine teeth because they're essential to eating.Somehow I think this going to rank right down there with baths and having her toenails clipped.
He also told the owners that home care, including daily brushing, is vital to staving off further problems. 'The brushing is the key,' he said (see accompanying story).
snip
Even though Celine's periodontal disease was advanced, it wasn't all that unusual. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have signs of oral disease by age 3.
Just as it does in humans, most oral disease in animals begins with a buildup of saliva and bacteria in the mouth. This buildup becomes plaque, which hardens to become tartar. If the tartar isn't removed, areas along the gum line can become infected, leading to pockets between the teeth where more food and bacteria build up.
Even after treatment, daily brushing is critical. A clean tooth remains clean for only 20 minutes. Bacterial colonies will start forming within six to eight hours, and tartar will form in three to five days.
"In less than a week (after treatment), we have barnacles back on the ship," Holmstrom told Celine's owners.
Signs of oral disease include bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face or mouth and depression. The animal might be reluctant to eat, play with chew toys or drink cold water."
Like she isn't selectively deaf already. This should be almost as entertaining as giving medicine to a cat.
Tags:
No comments:
Post a Comment