AUGUST 2007: SASHA

Sasha is a 72-pound, 5-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever who presented with a fractured upper right canine (#104) with pulp exposure. No other dental problems were noted upon oral examination. Sasha’s owner opted to have the tooth endodontically treated.

A preanesthetic blood panel was performed, which was within normal limits. Sasha was placed on intravenous Lactated Ringer’s Solution. He was premedicated with an IM injection of acepromazine, hydromorphone, and glycopyrrolate. Anesthetic induction consisted of an IV injection of propofol, and general anesthesia was maintained on isoflurane inhalation.

A local anesthetic block of carbocaine 3% was placed in the right infraorbital canal. Intraoral radiographs showed that the root of #104 was healthy. The canal was cleaned and shaped with Hedstroem files and filled with an epoxy sealer and gutta percha. The tooth was then shaped with a diamond bur in preparation for a metal crown. Impressions were made and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the crown. The tooth was restored with a thin layer of composite, and sealed with an unfilled resin. Recovery was uneventful. Sasha's owners were instructed not to let him have access to hard toys, rocks, or bones until after the crown was placed, as crown preparation involves removing some enamel from the tooth, thus weakening it.

One week later, Sasha returned for crown placement. He was sedated with IM administration of Domitor and butorphanol, and the crown was cemented into place. He was reversed with Antisedan and had a smooth recovery.

Sasha will return in 6 months for sedation and a recheck x-ray of tooth # 104 to ensure that the endodontic treatment has been completely successful.