Confessions of a veterinary dentistJanuary 15, 2019When it comes to preventing progression of periodontal disease, tooth brushing is the least expensive and most effective home-care method to help avoid the need for future extractions.
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Idiopathic osteomyelitis/osteonecrosis of the jaw in dogsDecember 13, 2018Osteomyelitis of the maxilla, mandible, or incisive bone, can occur due to severely diseased teeth in an area, but some cases don’t seem to be simply the result of an extension of periodontal or endodontic disease. These cases are often more than just osteomyelitis. Instead, they show evidence of dead bone, often in the form of a sequestrum, a necrotic piece of bone that may want to come out in one large piece during surgical exploration. In the absence of any history of radiation therapy or bisphosphonate administration, these cases are best described as idiopathic osteomyelitis/osteonecrosis. When they enter your exam room, you will smell what’s going on before you are able to see it.
How EOTRH screening boosts bottom linesNovember 19, 2018Equine practitioners are faced with limited options for the economic growth of their practice. Increasing service to the clients you already have is one of the best ways to boost revenue; one way, specifically, is through dental screening and care.
Rare salivary gland conditionsNovember 13, 2018Last month, I discussed surgical approaches to sialoceles. In this month’s column, I’ll tackle rare salivary gland conditions that are treated medically rather than surgically. Let’s start with some definitions. Sialadenosis refers to noninflammatory, nonneoplastic enlargement of the salivary glands, which tends to not be painful. Sialadenitis is inflammation of a salivary gland (synonym: sialoadenitis). Necrotizing sialometaplasia is squamous metaplasia of salivary gland lobules and ducts with ischemic necrosis of the salivary gland lobules (a histopathological distinction).
Want greater compliance? Tell, don't askNovember 6, 2018Sometimes, wishy-washy conversations may cause clients to dismiss necessary follow-up care and medication refills, putting patient care and practice revenue at risk. Pet owners expect clear, specific guidance from your veterinary team. Here are common compliance blunders and how to correct them.
When salivary gland removal is necessaryOctober 18, 2018Last month, I wrote about salivary gland anatomy. This time, we will look at conditions that may require salivary gland surgery and approaches to surgery of various salivary glands.
Doing veterinary dentistry rightAugust 17, 2018According to many veterinary professionals, the single greatest piece of advice for purchasing dental equipment is: don’t skimp.
Diabetes and dental diseaseAugust 16, 2018As veterinary practitioners, we see our fair share of diabetic patients who require extensive dental work. The goal with these patients is to improve their quality of life and, in some cases, improve glycemic control by removing a source of chronic infection in the form of periodontal disease. The challenge is to “do no harm” in the process. Invariably, oral surgery will set back the appetite of any patient. Lack of appetite becomes a bigger issue when a patient has diabetes and is supplemented with injectable insulin.
Giving oral health a stronger biteJuly 13, 2018Over the past few decades, growing awareness among both veterinarians and pet owners alike about the importance of good oral health for companion animals—combined with clinical advances, better dental instruments, and more home dental care options—is brightening the dental health outlook for companion animals.
Colin Harvey honored with 2018 WSAVA Scientific Achievement AwardJuly 12, 2018Colin Harvey, BVSc, FRCVS, DACVS, DAVDC, has received the 2018 World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Award for Scientific Achievement in recognition of his work to highlight the importance of veterinary oral and dental health in companion animals as well as in developing tools to support the incorporation of dental procedures and dental preventive strategy into daily veterinary practice. The award will be presented during this year's WSAVA World Congress, Sept. 25-28 Singapore. Dr. Harvey graduated from the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Sciences before completing an internship and surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He was trained in dental procedures by faculty of the School of Dental Medicine at the UPenn. Until his retirement in 2013, he was professor of surgery and dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, a position he held for 33 years. As a boarded specialist in both surgery and dentistry (charter diplomate of American Veterinary Dental College), he introduced a range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures into clinical, teaching, and research activities. This led to improvements in the major oral surgery reconstructive techniques necessary for cancer patients, as well as in the management of oral trauma …
