Dental cleaning and dental prophylaxis (prophy) mean the same thing. Both terms describe the process of preventive care for the mouth, teeth and gums that includes detailed examination, scaling (removal of plaque and calculus) and polishing. In veterinary practice, the first step is preanesthesia laboratory testing. Pets must be anesthetized to have their teeth cleaned [...]
Toothbrushing for dogs and cats is definitely needed for every individual. Just as in people, it’s a process best begun early in life. We brush our pets’ teeth for the same reason we brush our own. Every moment of every day normal bacteria in our mouths combine food particles with minerals in saliva to produce [...]
When we first met Richie he had one tooth that we knew was bad and several that were covered in calculus. “Covered in calculus” turned out to be a key phrase because there was gum disease and tooth damage we couldn’t see under the calculus that covered the adjacent tooth. In the second picture you see [...]
Urinary bladder stones in dogs and cats can present substantial challenges to a veterinarian. The most common problem occurs when we see a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections that seem to clear up, then relapse. Further investigation often uncovers bladder stones, also known as calculi (the singular is calculus), we can’t palpate (feel). Then [...]
Toothbrushing for dogs. And cats! “WHAT?!” you might respond. Brushing of teeth. It’s not just for people any more. Dogs and cats get calculus buildup on their teeth for the same reason people do. Our mouths, and our pets’ mouths contain minerals from saliva, and food particles. Normal bacteria in the mouth act upon these [...]
Recent Comments