Читать книгу Feline Dentistry - Jan Bellows - Страница 13

Throughout veterinary school the professors drilled in the mantra “do no harm”. I was not sure what that really meant – was I not to treat if harm could occur? I figured that if there was a good chance my patient would be harmed by my hands, I’d better not venture forward. But what if the patient was harmed by my inaction? And there lies the conundrum and the ultimate reason for writing the second edition of Feline Dentistry: Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Preventative Care. I wanted to share with as many veterinarians as possible how to do no harm, and instead do good for their feline patients.

Cats are not dogs. Small dogs are plagued primarily with various degrees of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Large dogs more commonly present with gingivitis, fractured teeth, and oral masses.

Cats also are affected by periodontal disease and fractured teeth, but their main oral pathologies include tooth resorption, oropharyngeal inflammation, and maxillofacial cancer. Plaque prevention products and techniques covered in this text also differ from those used in dogs. Cats deserve their fair due, a book on dentistry dedicated solely to their species.

A global goal in writing this text is to introduce to some and reinforce to others a paradigm shift eliminating the terminology “doing a dentistry,” “performing a prophy,” or “Max is in for a dental.” Replacing the old terminology with “Max is in for a professional oral prevention, assessment and treatment visit,” which better represents what we do as veterinary dentists.

Prevention of periodontal disease is aimed at controlling plaque. Prevention is as important as the assessment and treatment steps. Without prevention, there is little doubt that periodontal disease will either continue or worsen. Plaque control methods must be specifically tailored to the patient and client in order to be effective.

Assessment involves evaluation of the patient before the anesthetic procedure and includes medical and dental history, feeding management, home oral hygiene, and physical and laboratory testing. Once the patient is anesthetized, a tooth-by-tooth examination is conducted to create a treatment plan.

Treatment with the goal of eliminating non-functional abnormalities uncovered during assessment is next. The treatment plan often can be accomplished within one anesthetic visit. In some instances, multiple visits or lifelong therapy are indicated.

Through daily use of the oral prevention, assessment and treatment process, patients can get the best in veterinary dentistry, which is our ultimate goal.

A genuine effort has been made to assure that the dosages and information included in this text are correct, but errors may occur, and it is recommended that the reader refer to the original reference or the approved labeling information of the product for additional information. Dosages should be confirmed prior to use or dispensing of medications.

Jan Bellows, D.V.M.

Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College

Fellow, Academy Veterinary Dentistry

Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners

(canine and feline specialties)

Our daughter Lauren and our grandson Elliot’s cat Jasper.