Exceptional and experienced care of the dental concerns of your dog or cat.
Oral Medicine
Cats and small dogs are susceptible to developing dental diseases from the time they are about nine months old. By their third birthday, many cats and dogs succumb to some form of dental disease in no small measure, thanks to virtually non-existent or irregular oral healthcare habits. Dental ailments take many forms, from bad breath to the buildup of tartar and yellow teeth to inflamed gums. When we don’t treat the symptoms and the cause of the condition, our poor pets suffer worse consequences such as consistent pain, loss of appetite, and an overall deterioration in the quality of their lives.
Antibiotic Recommendations
For several years, The American Dental Association has had recommendations for antibiotic usage. The American Heart Association strictly recommends that antibiotic prophylaxis should be used for oral procedures where the patients have prosthetic cardiac valves, prior infectious endocarditis, and other specific congenital heart diseases:
- Antibiotics are only used in treating clinical conditions and are used for existing medical conditions (EMC). They do not work like vaccines to prevent the infection. In addition, those patients who have poor immunodeficiency systems such as diabetes, undergoing chemotherapy or other debilitating illnesses, are at a higher risk of the infection spreading faster. So these patients are usually prescribed antibiotics because they help control the infection.
- Antimicrobial drug (AMD) therapy is a common post-procedural solution for dental treatments and has been used widely by veterinary dentists. Usually, they are employed when the dog or cat exhibits specific symptoms of infection such as pain, pus formation, swelling, increased white blood cell (WBC) count, and lymphadenopathy.
- Typically, small wounds, cuts or gashes do not require AMDs. Pets with major lacerations and more serious physical injuries though may be prescribed AMDs.
- Oral antibiotics are not usually recommended for patients who are undergoing extractions. However, if a patient is undergoing multiple surgical extractions, they may be prescribed a perioperative dose of oral antibiotics. For example, pets whose clinical condition may adversely affect their ability to fight anticipated bacteremia.
- If the dog or cat is suffering from acute periodontitis, your veterinary dentist might recommend antibiotics for a longer period of time in the run-up to the procedure. The only reason this oral medication is usually prescribed for a few days prior to the treatment is that it substantially reduces periodontal inflammation.
Treatment Designed With The Highest Level of Comfort
Depending on your pet’s clinical condition, your veterinary dentist may prescribe oral medication to run in parallel with the treatment plan so that while your pet’s condition is being addressed, your pet is as comfortable as possible.
Schedule an Appointment ≫
New patient consultations are available in the mornings, Tuesday through Friday at Culver City, and on Mondays at Woodland Hills.
CALL US NOW: CULVER CITY | WOODLAND HILLS
Responsible & Safe Veterinary Care
Dr. Anson Tsugawa is our founder and lead veterinary dentist, who heads a team of board-certified veterinarians. They are the only veterinary dental specialists in Los Angeles. Because they are highly qualified and skilled veterinarians, they strongly believe in responsibly providing the best treatment plans.
The veterinary professionals at Dog & Cat Dentist do not believe in overmedicating patients, so when you bring your pet to us he or she will not only be in extremely capable hands, but also very safe hands.
Enhance the Overall Health of Your Pet
Often, dental and oral health is a major contributor to an animal’s overall fitness. As pet owners, one of the best ways to ensure your dog or cat stays in the best of shape is to include regular dental checks as part of his or her routine.
