Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, emphasizes the critical role of dental care in senior pets, particularly in managing periodontal disease, stomatitis, and tooth resorption. A key decision in clinical practice is whether to extract a diseased tooth or attempt to preserve it, which is particularly significant for older animals. In a recent interview, Lobprise highlighted various factors to consider when making this choice, including the tooth's strategic value, the stage of attachment loss, any existing health issues, anesthetic risks, and the owner's preferences.
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Lobprise, a seasoned veterinarian and specialist in dental care, noted that decisions often arise with mid-stage periodontal disease—defined as 25% to 50% attachment loss, primarily bone loss. The importance of the tooth also plays a role; for instance, saving more critical teeth like canines is prioritized over less strategic ones, such as small incisors. The overall health of the pet is a crucial factor as well, especially in cases of systemic diseases like heart or kidney issues, where the risk of anesthesia may outweigh the benefits of tooth preservation.
Client perspectives can influence decisions, as some are determined to save teeth. However, such efforts usually require more time and financial resources, and many owners ultimately opt for extractions despite their initial concerns.
Concerns about anesthesia, costs, and the effectiveness of alternative dental care products are common among pet owners. Lobprise stresses the need for education on the chronic nature of dental disease, which often lies beneath the gumline and cannot be effectively addressed without professional intervention. Regular dental care is portrayed as a necessity rather than a luxury, vital for preventing systemic health issues caused by dental disease.
Chronic inflammation from untreated dental issues can exacerbate overall health decline in pets, a phenomenon termed "inflammaging." This inflammation can impact multiple organ systems, increasing both morbidity and mortality in aging pets.
For cats, conditions like stomatitis and tooth resorption pose unique challenges. Stomatitis can lead to severe inflammation and ulceration affecting quality of life, often necessitating full mouth extractions. Tooth resorptions are less severe but can also cause discomfort, with estimates indicating that up to 60% of cats may experience this condition at some point.
When addressing dental issues in senior pets, veterinarians must carefully assess any underlying health problems before proceeding with anesthesia for oral procedures. The goal is to relieve dental inflammation, potentially improving the animal's overall health. By managing dental health, veterinarians aim to enhance the quality of life for senior pets.