Periodontal Disease aka: Dental Disease

Posted by Stephanie on Jan 23, 2012 in Monthly Tips | 79 comments

Dental disease is the most common health issue among dogs and cats that we see on a daily basis. 85% of all dogs over 3 years of age have some degree of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease begins with plaque that causes inflammation and active or inactive destruction of dental tissues. Plaque is a biofilm that begins forming within 4-6 hours after a professional cleaning. The biofilm provides a matrix for bacteria growth and calcium deposits. The plaque, bacteria and calcium deposits lead to reversible and irreversible diseases. The reversible disease, gingivitis, is the earliest form of dental disease and can easily be reversed with regular homecare. Irreversible dental disease, peridontitis, is a more severe form of dental disease. There are various stages ranging from inflammation of oral tissues to loss of supporting bone and loosening of teeth. When the disease reaches the irreversible stage it may be necessary to have a professional cleaning by a veterinarian done to get the mouth clean. Homecare will then be critical in prolonging the return of disease.

Dangerous Foods

Posted by Stephanie on Jan 2, 2012 in Monthly Tips | 7 comments

Generally speaking people food is not the greatest for pets, but did you know that there are some foods that can cause major health problems for your pet.

Food Items that Could Cause Problems:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet or milk chocolate):  the amount of damage is determined by the size of your pet, the amount of chocolate it ate and what kind of chocolate.  The closer the chocolate is to cocoa form more harmful it is.
• Bones: chicken bones especially can shatter and splinter in your pet’s mouth and intestinal tract.
• Food Scraps: just not healthy
• Fatty Foods: just not healthy
• Onions, onion powder: not good in any amount
• Garlic, garlic powder: not good in any amount.
• Coffee (grounds, beans or chocolate covered espresso beans)
• Yeast dough
• Salt: like people, animals don’t need a lot of salt.
• Grapes/raisns: the research hasn’t discovered the exact cause, but grapes and raisins cause kidney failure.  However, they are not consistent.  Some pets eat them all their lives and others can go into kidney failure after eating just one or to.  So, better to error on the side of caution.

If you pet does happen to ingest any of these items that are really harmful, please call us or the emergency clinic immediately for treatment.