Veterinary Wellness Blog
Category: Canine Health
My what GREAT teeth you have!
February 4, 2013February is national pet dental health month. 85% of pets over the age of 2 years have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums and structures that support the teeth. It begins with the plaque that builds up on teeth after each meal, which mixes with the bacteria in the mouth, and hardens to form tartar. Over time, the tartar, plaque, and bacteria irritate the gums and cause painful inflammation. This inflammation causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where additional bacteria and tartar can hide. This leads to gum recession, which then leads to bone loss. Bone loss can lead to tooth loss or abscesses (infection). Gum recession and bone loss are irreversible once they occur. Cats have a couple of special dental diseases in addition to tartar accumulation. One of these is called resorptive lesions. It is estimated that in addition to periodontal disease, more than 50% of cats over the age of 3 have tooth resorption. These are similar to cavities, but are not caused by bacteria. The enamel of the tooth is eaten away and the nerve becomes exposed and painful. Often if we see one of these during an exam it is not uncommon to find more when we have the pet under anesthesia […]
Learn MoreAnother New Year, Another Year Older
January 2, 2013As January rolls in, we find ourselves and our pets becoming another year older. Did you know that your pet ages more rapidly than we do, and can be affected by some of the same age related diseases? Dogs over 50 pounds are considered seniors after the age of 5, and dogs under 50 pounds and cats are considered seniors after the age of 7. Since they age quicker, we recommend yearly to twice a year blood work and examinations to help us detect health issues early. There are a number of tests we may recommend based on your pet’s age, symptoms, and health status. These include a variety of blood tests such as a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and thyroid tests, a urine test, or other tests as necessary. A complete blood count, or CBC, is a blood test that looks at the number, size, shape, and color of the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets or clotting cells, and the amount of protein in the blood. This test can help alert us to problems such as anemia, infections, clotting disorders, dehydration, blood parasites, or even cancer. A chemistry profile is another blood test. It looks at liver and kidney values to help alert us to problems such as liver disease, kidney disease, […]
Learn MoreProviding the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
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