Many people do not realize that dogs and cats can have trouble with their teeth and suffer from gum disease just like humans - but with potentially more serious consequences.
Dr. Bryan McGoldrick says from 75 to 85 percent of dogs and cats can eventually suffer from some form of periodontal disease. "Veterinarians have found periodontal disease is the number one diagnosed disease in our pets, yet many animals suffer needlessly," he said.
McGoldrick and Dr. Amber Parks operate the Vet Clinic of Palm Harbor.
The difference between humans and pets is dogs and cats do not realize an ache in their teeth and gums signals a problem.
"They won't tell you their tooth hurts or even cry out," McGoldrick said. "They will try to eat on sore, aching gums."
An untreated bad tooth can lead to gum infection and even more serious health issues, including heart murmurs or other organ problems. While humans suffer most from dental cavities, pets are more prone to gum infections.
Without a regular checkup that includes a dental examination, a dog or cat is unlikely too see a veterinarian until it is really sick, McGoldrick said.
Pet owners should be aware of changes in their pet's eating, sleeping and other habits. When it comes to identifying dental problems they should watch for:
•Yellow or brown crusts on teeth.
•Bleeding gums.
•Bad breath.
•Abnormal drooling.
•A change in chewing or eating habits.
These could be a sign that a pet's teeth need to be checked before the problem becomes worse, McGoldrick said.
Small dogs suffer from periodontal disease at a younger age more often than larger breeds, noted Parks.
The good news is that veterinary medicine has greatly advanced in the last few years. Years ago veterinarians did not have the tools to focus on a cat or dog's dental health. Today, pet owners can take steps to prevent and treat tooth decay in their pets, McGoldrick noted.
The procedures to clean dental plaque and extract bad teeth are different than those used in humans because the pets must be totally sedated. As can be the case with humans, the animals sometimes receive antibiotics before a dental procedure to reduce the risk that dislodged bacteria will travel through the blood stream and damage the heart or other vital organs.
Pets are carefully monitored by veterinary technicians during the procedure just like a human under anesthesia, using an electrocardiogram and other monitors, McGoldrick said. Pets usually do well under this anesthesia, he said.
Canine and feline teeth are cleaned with the same type of dental instruments used for humans and bad teeth are removed.
The blood tests and electrocardiographic exams associated with pet the dental procedures can reveal previously undiagnosed health problems, such as heart or kidney disease or diabetes. A veterinarian can treat these conditions before symptoms become evident and the pet's health worsens, McGoldrick said.
A few pet's lives have been saved because an undiagnosed illness was caught early. The blood tests and heart monitoring also create a baseline that enables the veterinarian to quickly and more accurately detect problems that might arise later, he noted.
McGoldrick is eager to teach pet owners the proper way to care for their dogs or cats dental health at home. A dog will be more likely than a cat to submit to a tooth brushing, he said.
So he teaches clients how to slowly incorporate a toothbrush into the feeding regimen, so that in a short amount of time the pooch may let you brush its teeth. Human toothpaste should not be used to brush a dog's teeth since it foams and is not meant to be ingested in large quantities. There are also treats and toys that can be purchased to help produce tartar buildup.