Teeth, Ears, Eyes, Kidneys, Bladder

By Kent C. Roberts and Irving Cashell.

Dogs and cats depend on their teeth for survival. The teeth play a vital role in eating and protection from other animals.

Both dogs and cats have two sets of teeth over their life-time. The first or "baby teeth" are present at, or soon after, birth. These "baby teeth" are replaced at four to eight months of age by the adult or "permanent" set of teeth. Replacement is gradual and many owners don't realize that their pets are exchanging a small, sharp set of teeth for a larger, stronger set. Occasionally one or more of the "baby" or deciduous teeth most often the long, sharp canine (corner) teeth will be retained and interfere with the incoming adult teeth. These retained deciduous teeth need to be carefully removed to prevent defects in the location of the permanent teeth.

Bite Problems. Tooth and oral abnormalities are common in dogs and to a much lesser extent in cats. Some of the more common defects that cause bite problems are overcrowding of teeth, malocclusions (mismatched upper and lower teeth), shortened lower jaw (overshot), shortened upper jaw (undershot).

The most common oral infection in animals is periodontitis, which can result in damage to the gums and subsequent loss of teeth. It is a serious problem in dogs and cats and requires awareness and preventive measures by the pet owner.

Symptoms of periodontal disease, often called pyorrhea, are bad breath; tartar accumulation; inflamed, receding gums; pus discharge around the teeth; and loose teeth.

Treatment of periodontal disease by a veterinarian in the early stages before the loss of teeth is very important.

A preventive oral hygiene program can be started and managed by the pet owner at home. This program should include diet (firm, dry foods are best for the prevention of plaque and tartar formation), chewing exercise (rawhide chews), and cleaning the teeth.

Where dogs and cats have severe periodontal problems the teeth may be brushed daily with a soft infant toothbrush or a soft rag wrapped around the index finger. Baking soda is a suitable dentifrice. Detergent commercial tooth pastes are not recommended.

Root Canals. Treatment of disease of the tooth's internal (pulp) tissues is called endodontics. Discoloration of the tooth indicates damage to the pulp and devitalization. Root canal therapy and the use of drainage and antibiotics can save affected teeth.

The use of wire and appliances can reposition teeth and prevent serious dental problems if done in time.

Although relatively rare in dogs and cats, cavities do occur, usually at the exposed surface of the tooth's root rather than on the enamel covered crown. Early treatment of dental cavities can prevent the loss of important teeth.

When teeth are damaged or decayed or loosened beyond repair, removal or extraction of the affected tooth or teeth is necessary. This is best done by a veterinarian using anesthesia to control pain.

Ear Problems

The ear performs an important function in animals, and any condition that interferes with that function should be treated effectively.

Microscopic parasites called mites can live in the dog or cat's ear, causing an irritation and inflammation of the sensitive membrane lining the ear. This irritation may cause the animal to shake its head and scratch at the ear vigorously.

Treatment for these mites involves thorough cleaning of the ear using an ear syringe and warm water, followed by application of soothing ear drops or ointment containing a drug to kill mites. Gentle massage of the ear following cleaning and treatment is often helpful. Treatment should be repeated daily.

Infection. The ear may become infected with both bacterial and fungal agents, causing odor and discharge from the affected ear. Infection often goes hand in hand with ears damaged by mites, excessive wetness, foreign bodies and other chronic irritation of the ear lining.

Before effective treatment can be started, a culture of the ear may be needed to determine the cause of the ear inflammation. Bacterial and fungal infections would require different types of drugs to overcome infection. Cleaning prior to treatment helps the treatment to be more effective.

Hematoma. A soft swelling may appear on the inner surface of the ear flap, particularly in dogs with pendulous ears. This swelling is filled with blood and results when a small blood vessel ruptures between the skin and the ear cartilage. The rupture may occur when the animal shakes its head too vigorously.

This condition requires treatment by a veterinarian before the blood forms an organized clot, shrinks, and leaves a permanently disfigured ear.

Wounds of the ear flap or ear canal are common as a result of barbed wire, sharp objects or bite wounds. These wounds need careful cleaning and treatment, and surgical repair by a veterinarian when necessary. Antibiotics locally and by injection may be indicated to prevent infection.

The first step in most ear problems is inflammation of the ear membranes, called otitis. Inflammation can affect the external ear, middle ear or inner ear. Treating this inflammation usually is not simple and should involve the services of a veterinarian trained in treating animal problems.

Use of an otoscope for examining the ear canal, cultures to identify causative organisms, and the proper drugs to give effective results are all of great importance in diagnosing and successfully treating problems of the ear.

Eye Diseases

The eye is an extremely important organ to dogs and cats. Loss of vision is a serious handicap which limits their usefulness and abilities. Injuries and diseases of the eye are common, particularly in dogs.