tpvets_logo.jpg (2726 bytes)TOA PAYOH VETS 
toapayohvets.com

Last Updated. 08 March, 2005  
Focus:  Small animals - dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits

HOW YOUR DOG CAN LIVE LONGER?
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS

Excerpts from "How Your Dog Can Live Longer?" by Dr Kong Sing

SMELLY BREATH IN OLDER DOGS
 

Many Singapore dogs more than 5 years old have bad teeth. If you want your dog's teeth to last for a life-time, a yearly dental check up will be best To keep the teeth healthy. You can brush his teeth daily and ensure that he eats hard food like dry feed.  Avoid soft food but this is not a practical advice.

When your dog has bad breadth, you may need to seek dental scaling or treatment promptly to prevent any loss of teeth. What is dental scaling and/or extraction?

The following procedure is practised at Toa Payoh Vets.
Singapore dog - decayed teeth extracted
The dog will be given a gas anaesthetic delivered through an endotracheal tube (breathing tube)  which brings the gas into the lungs.
Singapore dog - decayed teeth extracted
The decayed teeth should be extracted. However the Owner may be distressed if he or she is not informed earlier of the loss of teeth.

 
 Singapore dog - decayed teeth extracted
Tartar is removed and the teeth are given an ultrasonic scaling.   

Singapore dog - decayed teeth extracted
All decayed teeth have been extracted.


Singapore dog - recovering from anaesthetic
Owners all over the world do not like the idea of the dog losing 14 teeth but decayed teeth cause pain and suffering to the dog as well as infections. They prefer dental scaling and let the loose teeth be retained. 

The veterinarian may need to have a frank and long talk with the owner before extraction of any tooth to prevent misunderstanding as it is not the normal practice to telephone the owner when the dog is under general anaesthesia and several decayed teeth need to be extracted.

The rotting gums and teeth cause a bacterial build up and infection goes to the throat, heart valves and other parts of the body making the dog ill. 

It suffers a big tooth ache. Bad breadth is common but surprisingly, most Singapore older owners tolerate the halithosis.

Communication before teeth extraction with the owner prevents lots of misunderstanding.  Nothing is more educational than vivid pictures (real decayed teeth) to educate the owner on maintaining  healthy teeth for his or her best friend.


Extracts from the Asiahomes.com Book: How Your Dog Can Live Longer ? 
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS.
Buyers interested in this book, email to judy@asiahomes.com


Article contributed by: Dr Sing Kong Yuen, Veterinary Surgeon, Toa Payoh Vets. 
050309Singapore dog decayed teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, health and welfare education for animal lovers, excerpts from Be Kind To Pets, sponsored by  AsiaHomes InternetMarch 08, 2005

Asiahomes Internet, Affordable Internet Ads for Singapore Owners &  Realtors,  $13.50/40 words/90days targeted at expatriates relocating to Singapore. Visit http://www.asiahomes.com to select your rental housing units or to view over 5000 photographs and layout plans.

Copyright © Asiahomes Internet. All rights reserved. Revised: March 08, 2005  

Toa Payoh Vets