MAY 2007: OWEN

Owen, a 5-year-old English Sheepdog, was seen for a routine yearly visit. On physical examination, a fractured 208 was noticed with a fistula above the apex of the tooth root. Preanesthetic blood work was normal except for an increased WBC.

An IV catheter was placed and a bolus of Normosol R was given at 10 ml/kg. Sedation included Glycopyrrolate, Hydromorphone, and Acepromazine. A cuffed size 12 ET tube was placed. The teeth were cleaned and radiographed. Radiographs showed that 208 had been dead for a long time. This was determined by the size of the canal of the tooth. As a tooth matures the canal will get smaller. By evaluating this radiograph, it was determined that this tooth died around age 1. The apex of the tooth shows resorption and there is a large apical abscess.

The tooth was extracted surgically and bone implant material was used to help form a matrix for bone re-growth. The fistula was curetted and flushed. A local block was administered prior to extraction.

The patient was sent home with Rimadyl for pain and Clavamox for infection. All other teeth appeared within normal limits on this patient. Yearly dental care was advised and daily homecare was also advised.