FASAVA Congress 2017

Senior pets often have extensive dental problems, and with appropriate anesthetic protocols and patient management, you can provide excellent dental care.
While many of the problems encountered may be found throughout a pet's life (periodontal disease, broken teeth, tooth resorptions), some conditions are found more frequently in older pets (neoplasia).  The need for care is sometimes overlooked until it is quite severe, and potentially having an influence on systemic health.  Sometimes the delay in getting appropriate care may stem from concerns of placing a mature, senior or geriatric pet under general anaesthesia for complete therapy.
This lecture will cover some of the basic tenets of ageing and dental care in dogs and cats, discussing specific areas of oral and dental disease that are seen more commonly in older pets.  Specific concerns of anaesthetic risks due to health concerns will also be addressed, as well as standards of care for monitoring and patient care.  With good planning and risk management, many senior patients can greatly benefit from optimal oral care to improve their quality of life.