Ally

Patient Information

Name: Ally Smith
Age: 12 years old
Breed: Greyhound
Gender: Female, Spayed

Presenting Problem

Ally initially presented to Advanced Animal Dentistry in 2022 for the management of suspected malignant hypothermia during anaesthesia. During this procedure, she experienced a hyperkalemic episode under general anaesthetic, which was detected and controlled by the attending anaesthetist. Without this intervention, she was at risk of fatal arrhythmias.

In 2024, Ally required further dental treatment, now with the added complexity of Stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. Given her previous hyperkalemic episode and cardiac disease, specialist anaesthetic management was essential.

“With expert anaesthetic care and diligent monitoring, Ally’s dental health was restored safely—allowing her to enjoy a much better quality of life.”

Diagnostics and Treatment

A full diagnostic assessment, including dental radiographs, confirmed the need for extractions and a comprehensive scale and polish. Due to Ally’s medical history, all procedures were performed under the close supervision of an anaesthetist to ensure her safety.

Outcome

Ally recovered well from anaesthesia and extractions with no long-term complications. However, she did experience post-recovery anxiety and hyperthermia, requiring re-sedation.

Additional precautions have consequently been implemented for any future procedures. With expert anaesthetic care, Ally’s dental health was restored safely, and now she is enjoying a much better quality of life.

Greyhounds can be challenging to have in the hospital and anaesthetise due to their significant physiological and pharmacological differences to other dogs and the myriad of possible complications that can occur before, during and after their anaesthesia and procedure. It is with a thorough knowledge and understanding of these complexities associated with this beautiful breed combined with intense monitoring and observation that we can often prevent or mitigate complications in the first place but also promptly recognise and treat issues as they arise before they become life-threatening.

Ally’s case report is a good example of the possible serious issues ( i.e. her increasing potassium levels and her stress response and hyperthermia in recovery) that can occur and highlights the importance of diligent monitoring, allowing for the prompt recognition and treatment as complications arose leading to a successful outcome for her.

Dr Brenda Dixon

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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Specialist Veterinary Dental Services

A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Preserving teeth by cleaning and sterilising infected pulp chambers

Precise management for intricate anaesthetics, enhancing safety

Preserving teeth that have damaged pulp through trauma

Detailed imaging with Dental X-rays and CT scans for accurate diagnosis

Cleaning pockets of plaque and tartar, promoting oral health

Performing expert, precise surgical procedures for oral issues

Restoring function and alignment with expert diagnosis and repair.

Key Takeaways

Managing Higher Risk Patients

Ally’s treatment shows that pets with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, can still safely undergo dental procedures with careful planning and monitoring.

Tailored Anaesthesia Plans

By adapting anaesthetic protocols and closely monitoring throughout surgery, the team ensured Ally’s comfort and safety during her dental treatment.

Positive Recovery Outcomes

Despite initial anxiety after waking, Ally responded well to supportive care and recovered fully, returning home with improved health and quality of life.

Dental Health Transforms Quality of Life

Ally’s story highlights how addressing dental disease—even in complex cases—can restore comfort, improve appetite, and help pets enjoy their everyday lives again.

Jessica Ramsay

2 months ago

The care and compassion both Bec and Aaron show towards their patients and clients is above and beyond. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with the whole AAD team including the wonderful admin team Bryl and Hayley. They make the whole experience from booking the appointment to discharge a pleasant experience and the follow up phone calls the day after procedure shows how much they really care about your pet and any concerns you may have. Would highly recommend these guys for any animal dental treatment.

Steph A

Tessa Orr

So grateful to Dr Aaron for taking the absolute BEST care of our 13 year old boy Chopper! We honestly wouldn’t go anywhere else for his teeth. Dr Aaron is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, so kind and caring! I am quite the worrier as my boy is my baby and his little teeth are super worn from years of chewing/playing with tennis balls. Dr Aaron really gave us the time to listen to all of our concerns and go over everything so thoroughly. My partner and I came into the consult anxious and stressed and left feeling completely at ease knowing Chopper was in the absolute best hands! We are forever grateful for the high quality care and compassion Dr Aaron provided…..

Tessa Orr

A month ago

cont… Also a massive thank you to Bryliiana for dealing with us over the phone these past few years, answering my many questions and never making me feel rushed or of an annoyance. There were quite the few worried phone calls. I HIGHLY recommend Advanced Animal Dentistry to anyone and everyone! It really is such a professional and quality practice! Thank you so much Dr Aaron and Bryliiana for the amazing work you guys do! Thank you for taking such great care of our boy!

dazz boyd

A month ago

Dr Aaron and Brylliana give our boy Chopper exceptional care every visit.

They both give us a lot of extra time and relive all our concerns over the phone and in person and never make us feel like we are a bother. They go out of their way to put us at ease with any questions we have and always make us feel like they have the time to reassure us in every way possible.

I would recommend them to anyone considering using them, 11 out of 10.

Thank you both of you for your amazing care!

Ka Lei Lau

A month ago

Dr Aaron cared for our GSD who had fractured her teeth. The team were able to fit us in within a day for surgery and Dr Aaron’s calm bedside manner was (amazingly) able to calm our very anxious, highly strung dog who typically hates a vet surgery environment. Excellent follow up care and communication, it’s clear the team genuinely cares for animals. Surgery was very professionally done and the price was fair and reasonable for specialised expertise. We are very pleased, thank you for such compassionate care for our pup. If only Dr Aaron could be our regular vet!

Amber Owen

A month ago

Dr Bec is amazing! I really feel like my dog is safe with her and I am a very protective and nervous dog mum. My dog also had a really nice recovery and was very comfortable after his tooth removal (due to a nasty abscess). I would definitely recommend Dr Bec and the team to anyone who wants high end care for their pets.

Gregory Cuff

A month ago

Staff were absolutely wonderful, the help and advice we received was fantastic

Zoe Hyde

A month ago

Bec has done surgery on both my beloved cat and dog and she is such a kind, thorough and talented Dentist! The communication is superb, level of care, and pain relief is brilliant. I completely trust my animals in her hands and am very grateful for her and all of the team’s care 🙂

Whitney Hansen

A month ago

Advanced Animal Dentistry took amazing care of my girl, Polly, and made sure she got lots of cuddles. Will definitely be going back.

Matt & Rochelle Lloyd

A month ago

Absolutely amazing the price for surgery is reasonable.
I drive all the way from Glasshouse Mountains just to there..

FAQs

Why was Ally’s dental treatment more complex than usual?

Ally’s case was complex due to her age, breed (a Greyhound), and pre-existing heart condition. These factors meant she was higher risk under general anaesthesia, so extra care and monitoring were essential throughout her dental treatment.

What made Ally a higher anaesthetic risk?

Ally had previously experienced a high potassium episode under anaesthesia and had heart disease. These conditions increased the risk of life-threatening complications during surgery, requiring careful planning and monitoring to keep her safe.

How was it possible to safely conduct dental surgery despite these risks?

The veterinary team used continuous anaesthetic monitoring and adapted protocols to account for her cardiac risk. With close attention before, during, and after the procedure, Ally’s dental treatment—including extractions and a scale-and-polish—was completed successfully in Brisbane.

Did Ally recover well after her dental procedure?

Yes. Although Ally experienced anxiety and increased body temperature after waking, the team managed this quickly with re-sedation and supportive care. She recovered fully, had no long-term complications, and returned home to enjoy a better quality of life.

What can Ally’s case teach local pet owners in Brisbane and the Gold Coast?

Ally’s story shows how even pets at higher medical risk can receive safe, effective dental care with proper risk management. It highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment and tailored care plans—especially for older or medically complex pets.

What should I do if I have concerns about my pet’s dental health and medical conditions?

If your cat or dog has health issues like heart problems, or if you’re concerned about anaesthesia, give us a call on 1300 866 848 or complete the contact form. We’ll work with your primary vet to ensure any procedure is approached with safety, compassion, and careful planning tailored to your pet.