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APRIL/MAY 2010: SNOWBALL — Another Good Reason to Brush 
Brushing daily is the “gold standard” in animal dentistry as it is in human dentistry. It not only cleans the surfaces of the teeth but also stimulates the gingival tissues. It will help decrease the bacterial load in the oral cavity and slow the progression of disease. It gives an owner a specific time during their day to spend with their pet while providing a healthy option for the fight against periodontal disease. Making it part of a “routine”, will assure that not only will the owner do it, but that the animal will come to expect it. The flavored toothpaste choices entice the animal to allow the brushing and therefore will encourage them to accept brushing as a pleasant part of their day. Another added bonus to this process is that the owner may actually become aware of the status of their pet’s oral condition and will be able to recognize signs of discomfort due to abnormal behavior. A turn of the head, a cry, and bleeding are some of the signs that will alert an owner that something is wrong.  
Case in point: Snowball is a female, spayed, 8 year old, 15 pound dog that was presented for showing signs of pain and reluctance to having her teeth brushed. The owner of this dog brushes Snowball’s teeth daily and has never had any problem doing so. In fact, according to her owner, Snowball loves to have her teeth brushed. On this day, there was blood on the toothbrush and the owner became quite alarmed. Upon the initial oral exam, it appeared that tooth 309 (left mandibular 1st molar) had a crown tip fracture. Apical to the tooth was an obvious draining fistula. The owner was informed, an estimate of cost was given for extraction of the molar and Snowball was scheduled to have her dental procedure done. The radiograph of tooth 309 showed a periapical abscess with vital pulp exposure. The tooth was surgically extracted, a synthetic bone grafting material was applied and the mucoperiosteal flap was closed with 4.0 dissolving suture. During the anesthetized oral exam, a non-vital incisor was also found and extracted during the same procedure. Snowball would be on soft food for 2 weeks, and would be sent home with antibiotics and pain medications. 
Although tooth trauma and pathology can go undetected for some time due to the stoic nature of dogs and cats, the chances of finding them sooner is greater when an owner is handling the mouth on a daily basis. Snowball’s owner knew something was wrong and that Snowball was feeling some discomfort during the brushing process. That, along with a professional oral examination helped to identify the problem, address it and alleviate Snowball’s pain. So, not only is brushing one of the best things we can do for our pet’s oral health and general well-being but it is also one of the kindest. Picture Legends:
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