By the age of 3, 80% of pets have some form of periodontal disease. When plaque begins to build up it is soft, but over time it becomes calcified and makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. The bacteria and tartar eat away at the teeth and gums, causing lesions, infections, and even bone loss. Plaque then begins to build under the gum line, eroding the tooth root and other support structures. This can lead to tooth loss and abscesses which go unseen, but cause acute pain to your pet. Bacteria is swallowed and enters the bloodstream through the damaged gums, making its way to the heart and other organs. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to kidney and liver disease, and heart problems.

Symptoms of severe dental problems in your pet can include excessive drooling or licking, red or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, trouble chewing food, loose teeth, tumors on the gums, facial swelling (especially under the eyes), and bad breath. Your veterinarian will examine your dog or cat’s mouth and look for any problems at their regular wellness exam, but if you notice any of these signs at other times, it’s best to set an appointment to have them evaluated.

When we prepare your pet for a dental cleaning, blood tests are done to evaluate all the systems that may be affected by dental disease and to assess your pet’s suitability for anesthesia. Your veterinarian will do a full physical exam. Once sedated, all teeth are scaled and polished to prevent future plaque buildup and the dental technician charts the appearance of all teeth for future reference. Pockets in the gum, where it has separated from the tooth, are measured and we examine the teeth under the gum thoroughly, where most problems are. Dental x-rays are done to check for abscesses, bone loss, and other problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If any teeth need to be extracted, the veterinarian removes them and assesses the site. The vet will communicate with you and let you know of any serious findings. We also take before and after pictures, to show the severity of the problem and the improvement from cleaning.

After a dental, your pet’s doctor will advise you what aftercare you will need to provide. This may include antibiotics, anti-plaque rinses, regular brushing, a prescription diet, special treats or chews, and regular brushing. While gingivitis and infection can be reversed, bone loss and pockets cannot. Make sure to maintain your pet’s healthy teeth once they have been cleaned to avoid pain and tooth loss. Regular exams and yearly dental cleanings will keep their mouth in its best possible shape.

Here is a great video from the AVMA with Dr. Sheldon Rubin demonstrating how to brush your pet’s teeth.

A common bit of advice is to use an over-the-counter medicine for pain in dogs and cats.  Unfortunately, aspirin, ibuprofen/advil, and acetaminophen/tylenol can cause stomach ulcers, and kidney or liver disease.  Never give any medication to your pet unless your veterinarian advises it.  Even if given in doses correct for their weight, medicine that isn’t approved for pets can make them very ill.  Their anatomy is much different than ours and doesn’t handle things like our bodies do.

Urinary problems are commonly dismissed as being due to age.  If your pet is drinking or urinating more frequently, it can be a symptom of a number of problems.  If your cat or dog is having accidents when they’ve always been great with their house-training, they may be trying to let you know there is a problem.  Diabetes, kidney issues, urinary tract infections and bladder crystals are all underlying diseases that can present with such symptoms.  The only way to tell what is really going on is to have your vet examine, test and diagnose the cause.

Weight loss or gain is another thing that shouldn’t be ignored.  It isn’t a symptom of just getting older.  My own cat who has a voracious appetite began losing weight, even though she was still eating normally.  She was also pestering us a lot, getting in our faces and mewing. I had her bloodwork checked, and she is hyperthyroid.  She is doing well on medication, but if I hadn’t had her checked we wouldn’t know what was going on.  Diabetes, dental disease, dietary problems, and thyroid issues can cause weight fluctuations and all need to be treated as early as it can be detected.

Most of all, you know your pet.  If they are acting differently or having symptoms that are out of the ordinary, speak with your vet.  It’s best to catch any problems as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment.  Many times they will try to let us know when something is going on, whether it’s by urinating in the wrong spot or by being extra needy.  Listen to them.

Other tips to keep your ferrets healthy include bringing them in for yearly physicals, feeding them a healthy ferret carnivore diet such as Wysong or Evo (kitten food is too high in fat and most ferret treats are high in carbohydrates; these are not recommended), and monitoring for signs of illness. Ferrets typically live about 7-8 years, and there is a variety of common illnesses that can affect them, such as adrenal disease, gastrointestinal disease, and cancer (lymphoma and pancreatic insulinomas). Signs that could indicate that your ferret is sick include hair loss, itchiness, diarrhea, poor appetite, drinking more water/urinating more frequently, weight loss, and decreased activity.

If you note any of these symptoms or if you want to set up a yearly physical and vaccines, please make an appointment with Dr. Peter Muller III or Dr. Shannon South today!