Veterinary care for animals in the Tanilba Bay and Port Stephens areas.

Tanilba Bay Veterinary Hospital "A Tradition of Caring" Proudly supporting & sponsoring the Hunter Koala Presevation Society for 21 years
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KOALASDental Disease in Dogs and Cats IncidenceDental disease is very common in dogs and cats. Over 85% of dogs and 75% over 3 years of age have periodontal disease.Unlike people, dogs and cats rarely get cavities in their teeth. Instead, plaque and calculus (scale) builds up on their teeth, causing gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, inflammation spreads to the tooth socket (periodontitis).Signs of Dental Disease.Often the first sign of dental disease in dogs and cats is bad breath.Plaque and scale are seen as a discolouration of the teeth.Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums. The first sign is a red line on the gums next to the teeth.Dogs and cats with periodontitis usually have bad breath and loosenning of teeth.Consequences of Dental DiseaseDental disease causes mouth pain in dogs and cats. This may cause difficulty eating or reluctance to eat. Remember that some dogs and cats will suffer in silence, and hide any pain they are feeling.In animals with periodontal disease the infection in the tooth sockets periodically gets into their blood stream.The infection can then become established in other organs, particularly the liver, kidneys and heart valves. This can cause long term serious illness and shorten a pet's lifespan.PreventionDental disease is a classic case of "prevention is better than cure".This can involve: Regular brushing of teethFeeding special Dental DietsUsing additives in drinnking waterFeeding Dental Treats which help to clean teethFeeding bones*Annual professional cleaning, scaling & polishing of teeth*Ask us about the type of bones which are suitable for your petsTreatmentThe basis of treating dental disease in dogs and cats is cleaning, scaling & polishing of the teeth.Mild periodontal disease is treated by scaling and curetting below the gum line, but more advanced disease can only be treated by extracting the affected teeth.Remember, it is much better to use preventive measures to keep your dog or cat's teeth and gums healthy.This will prevent the loss of teeth due to periodontal disease.We are always ready to discuss with you the best methods to use to keep your pets' teeth and gums healthy.Periodontitis: Infection has extended into the root of this canine toothCalculus: The yellow scale on this tooth is calculus (scale)Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, seen here as a red line on the gums next to several teethPeriodontitis affecting many teethSevere periodontal disease in a catSevere periodontitis in a dogBusiness HoursLifelearnSurgery BenefitsEmergenciesXmas Photos 10V2 Home pageOur TeamHealthcare ManagerDog GroomingK9 KinderHealthcare InformationContact UsDog VaccinationsToxic Foods DogsInsuranceCat vaccinationsPennHIPComfortisTick ParalysisMarmadukeOt Ex DogServices EquipmentDiseases Common in older petsKoalasLinksSpecial OffersTestMerchandising