Pet's with clean teeth and fresh breath aren't just pleasant to be around; they are healthy! Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen in pets. In fact, over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease. If left untreated, dental disease can lead to loss of teeth and even health problems in other parts of the body.
Loftin Veterinary Hospital understands the importance of pets with healthy teeth. We believe that routine dental cleanings are an essential part of wellness care for your pet. That's why we include dental checks during wellness exams. Don't be surprised if Dr. Loftin or Dr. Venable suggests that it's time for a dental cleaning. Keep in mind that dental cleanings require anesthesia, so they must be scheduled in advance to allow for overnight fasting. If you schedule your pet's dental procedure on the day that the doctor recommends it and keep the scheduled appointment, you will receive 10% off the procedure.
It's a great idea to make sure your pet is in tip-top shape before any surgical procedure. That's why we offer elective pre-surgical blood screening. This gives our doctors a chance to detect any liver or kidney insufficiencies that may not be apparent during a general examination. The liver and kidneys are essential organs that process anesthesia.
General anesthesia for your pet can seem scary, but rest assured that Loftin Veterinary Hospital makes surgical safety a priority. Your pet's anesthesia is custom-tailored to fit their needs. Know that your pet's heart rate, blood oxygen levels, breathing rate, body temperature, and blood pressure are monitored throughout the entire procedure. We offer the option of intravenous catheter placement as an additional precaution as well.
Most patients are hospitalized overnight and discharged the next day. While hospitalized, your pet will receive appropriate pain management. We strongly encourage for you to keep your pet on prescription pain management at home. Pets that have pain management have fewer post-op complications. Your pet needs to be kept quiet in the post-operative period to encourage healing and help prevent complications. Most pets can resume regular activity 5-10 days after surgery. Until then, leash walks, lots of rest, and no swimming, bathing, or running are advised. E-collars are also available if your pet chews or licks at the incision. If suture removal is required, we will schedule the appointment.
Other Services
Dental AfterCare
Dental Cleaning Discharge Instructions
Today, your pet had an anesthetic procedure. Below are detailed instructions for post-operative care and monitoring. If at any time you have questions about the procedure your pet had done today, eating or drinking behaviors, or post-operative care, please contact us at 337-839-9838.
Food and Water
A decreased appetite is normal the evening after any procedure that includes anesthesia. If your pet does not eat after 24 hours of returning home, please contact our office.
Start by giving a small amount of water. If the patient holds water down, then offer a small amount of food (approximately 1/3 of the normal amount). If the patient holds food down well, then you can give the remainder of the meal and water.
It is normal for your pet to not have a bowel movement for 1-2 days after any anesthetic procedure. This is due to withholding food before surgery.
Some patients will have a small amount of diarrhea post-operative; if diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, please contact our office.
Activity
With dental cleaning procedures, there are no restrictions with activity. Your pet can return to normal activity tomorrow morning.
Attitude
Your pet was given sedative medications before the procedure. With any anesthetic procedure, your pet will be groggy or tired when he/she returns home.
Let them rest off the medications by placing them in a quiet room with bedding and blankets.
Your pet may be more vocal through the night (whining, crying, moaning). This is normal behavior from the sedative medications wearing off.
Your pet should return to normal behavior by the next morning.
Extractions
If your pet had any extractions today, we will discuss which specific teeth were removed.
In most cases, if a tooth is extracted, the closure of the gum tissue in that area will start to heal immediately, and no stitches are needed.
In other cases that a large molar is removed, stitches will be used to close the gum tissue. In these cases, the stitches will dissolve over time.
Pain Medication
Please DO NOT administer any over-the-counter medications (such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aspirin) to your pet, as these medications can be harmful.
The most common side effects of anti-inflammatory medications are diarrhea and/or vomiting; if these symptoms occur, please contact our office.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your pet or the anesthetic procedure that was performed today, please contact our office at 337-839-9838. If you have any concerns after hours, please contact Lafayette Animal Emergency Clinic at 337-989-0992