This question arises frequently nowadays. Over the past 5 to 10 years, certain pet food companies have effectively bombarded us with the idea that dogs are essentially wolves and should therefore eat as wolves do. However, it is important to acknowledge that dogs have been...
Has your veterinarian ever urged you to brush your dog's teeth? While it may seem like a daunting and potentially risky task, with the right tools, technique, training, and a positive mindset, it can be accomplished, ideally on a daily basis. When undertaking this important...
Step 1 Dental Radiograph (X-rays) Intra-oral dental x-rays before, during, and after the procedure are essential. Step 2 Pain Control Regional Nerve Blocks, just like the novocaine blocks you would receive at the dentist, are one of the tools used to...
Sialoceles , or accumulation of saliva in subcutaneous tissues, are often traumatic in origin, and can be seen in cases of iatrogenic injury. Saliva accumulates when the salivary duct is obstructed or ruptured. Although the swelling itself is usually painless, the clinical signs can...
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...