Veterinarians Address Dental Care for Older Pets at Fetch Nashville Conference

Lobprise began by identifying a major issue: many pet owners fail to schedule regular dental check-ups for their pets, which can lead to the progression of dental disease and chronic inflammation as the animals age. She noted that without ongoing care, pets face increased risks of complications in their senior years. “If you have cumulative changes, particularly if there hasn’t been ongoing care, that’s when you start having issues,” she explained.

The challenges in providing dental care for senior animals are compounded by their multiple health issues, including gum disease and other comorbidities that reduce their healing capabilities. This complexity affects anesthesia risks and treatment plans. Lobprise pointed out that anxiety surrounding anesthesia not only relates to its associated risks but also to the costs involved, which she acknowledged are frequently a concern for owners.

A key focus of Lobprise's talk was the concept of “inflam-aging,” referring to chronic, low-grade inflammation linked to various age-related diseases. She noted that managing this condition is not straightforward and requires thorough preoperative evaluations to assess an animal's capacity to handle anesthesia safely. The ASA Physical Status Scale is typically used to evaluate these risks, with most of Lobprise’s patients categorized as class II or III.

Lobprise also outlined best practices for preoperative care, particularly for pets with specific health issues. For example, she advised against using ACE inhibitors in patients with cardiac conditions and recommended preemptive antiacid medication for those with a history of regurgitation. She stressed the importance of stress reduction to improve anesthesia outcomes, suggesting that preanesthetic anxiolytics may be beneficial.

During the operation, she highlighted that having a skilled technician is crucial for monitoring the patient, as they can focus on vital signs while veterinarians perform necessary procedures. Following surgery, meticulous patient management during recovery is vital to prevent complications.

Lobprise's insights aim to enhance veterinarians' understanding of the systemic impacts of dental disease and the importance of individualized care for older animals.