Commitment to Care: Jill
Meet Jill, a 9-year-old cat, who recently came into the clinic for the first time this summer. At her appointment, Jill had all her vaccinations updated and a complete wellness exam performed by Dr. Wallen. During the exam, Dr. Wallen noted that Jill was suffering from stage 4 periodontal disease, and it was recommended that Jill have her teeth cleaned as soon as possible. In preparation for Jill’s Oral Health Procedure, she had a complete preoperative blood work panel run to ensure it is safe for her to undergo anesthesia.
Jill’s blood work came back within normal limits and she was cleared for oral surgery. As with all oral surgeries conducted here at Pinellas Animal Hospital, we take radiographs to understand better what lies under your pet’s gum lines. In Jill’s case, her x-rays showed three of her teeth needed to be extracted due to infection. One of her teeth had a resorptive lesion, which is when the dentin (the hard tissue under the tooth enamel) in a tooth breaks down, resulting in the infection spreading to nearby teeth.
Jill’s teeth and gums are much healthier now and she is feeling a lot more comfortable as a result of having her oral health procedure. As owners, we do not usually look into our pets’ mouth and are not aware of the accumulation of plaque and tartar until our beloved pet starts showing symptoms such as drooling or not eating normally. This build up then creates pressure and inflammation of the gum tissue and can cause the mouth to become a source of infection for other body organs. Therefore, to maintain good oral health, it is essential to have your veterinarian assess the condition of your pet’s teeth at least once a year and provide them with home dental healthcare.
Click here to learn more about your pet’s oral health and what you can do to keep their mouth happy and healthy between cleanings.