Holly is a 9 year old mixed breed dog who came to the clinic for her annual exam. The veterinarian noted that Holly had significant tartar buildup on her teeth, and she also had some growths along the gum line. It was recommended that Holly’s owner schedule a dental cleaning, at which time the growths on the gum line would also be removed.
Tartar buildup, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), gingival growths (3)
Holly’s treatment consisted of a Scale and Polish, Stage 2; a gingivectomy (removal of growths along the gum line); and application of OraVet Gel.
“Scale and Polish Stage 2” means there are signs of early periodontitis, which is inflammation of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause loosening of teeth. Periodontitis is caused by certain bacteria (known as periodontal bacteria) and by the local inflammation triggered by those bacteria. Although these periodontal bacteria are naturally present in the mouth, they are only harmful when the conditions are right for them to increase dramatically in numbers. This happens when a layer of bacteria and food debris, known as plaque, builds up and is left undisturbed on the teeth, commonly in hard-to-reach areas such as between the teeth.
For more information about dental disease in pets, visit the American Veterinary Dental College web site topic “For Pet Owners” at http://avdc.org/AFD/category/for-pet-owners/
OraVet Gel helps prevent plaque accumulation in both cats and dogs. The OraVet gel provides a protective coating on the pet’s teeth that decreases plaque accumulation at the gingival margin and doesn’t disappear after tooth brushing or eating hard food. The gel is odorless, tasteless, and invisible once applied. The veterinarian or technician applies the gel along the marginal gingiva of clean, dry teeth while the animal is anesthetized during a dental cleaning.
Itemized procedures:
Anesthesia $125
IV catheter placement $40
Intravenous fluids $50
Fluid pump $25
Scale and polish, stage 2 $95
Gingivectomy (removal of gum tissue) $60
Biopsy gingival tissue 1 section $180
Ampicillin (antibiotic) injection, qty 1.2, $17.20
OraVet gel application $35
Amoxicillin caps 250mg (take-home, antibiotic) $12.80
TOTAL COST: $640.00
Holly’s story is shared with permission from her owner.
This story was posted by Suzanne Cannon on behalf of Jarrettsville Veterinary Center.
Holly did well, and her growths along the gum line were benign inflammatory polyps.
