Masticatory myositis is a neuromuscular disorder that affects dogs and literally means inflammation of the muscles involved in chewing (mastication). With this autoimmune disease, the body starts attacking its own cells for unknown reasons. In the early stages, the muscles involved in chewing can become...
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body starts attacking its own cells. Pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid are two immune mediated diseases that are seen within the mouth. The exact appearance of the disease varies but the inflammation is usually characterized by redness and changes in...
An oronasal fistula is a connection between the mouth and the nose secondary to severe periodontal bone loss and periodontal disease. Nasal discharge, sneezing, and bad breath are often the result of oronasal fistulae. Fistulae are often noted with close examination under general anesthesia. If the...
Mandibular and maxillary fractures in pets can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is trauma. Fractures secondary to periodontal disease, oral cancer, and endocrine disorders are also possible. Finally, iatrogenic fractures which occur during tooth extraction or cancer surgery can occasionally...
Like most veterinary dental specialists, Dr. Beebe believes all pets are entitled to a comfortable, functional bite, but not necessarily a normal bite. It is important to recognize that the correction of orthodontic abnormalities in animals has moral, ethical, and legal implications. Because many malocclusions...
Crossbite is a condition in which teeth are in a reversed alignment. There are two forms of crossbite, rostral and caudal. Rostral crossbite In the “normal” carnivore mouth the incisors (front teeth) are arranged in a scissors bite: the upper incisors are just in front...
Lance canines (aka mesioversion) is an orthodontic abnormality in which the upper canine teeth are pointed more forward than normal. It occurs on one or both upper canine teeth. Lance canines are most commonly seen in Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) but can occur in other dog...
Underbite dentition is an abnormal relationship between the dental arches in which the upper jaw is shorter than normal relative to the lower jaw. Veterinary dentists classify this dentition as a Type 3 malocclusion; it is also called mandibular mesiocclusion or maxillary brachygnathism. This dentition...
Overbite dentition is an abnormal relationship between the dental arches in which the lower jaw is shorter than normal relative to the upper jaw. Veterinary dentists classify this dentition as a Type 2 malocclusion; it is also called mandibular distocclusion or brachygnathism. Dog breeds commonly...
The most common orthodontic abnormality seen in dogs is base narrow canines. In this condition the lower canine teeth are angled straight upward, instead of tipping outward. Some patients may display only mild contact of the affected canines with the upper gums, requiring minimal intervention....