Lotte Severe Periodontal Disease

Patient Information

Name: Lotte
Age: 7 years old
Breed: Cavalier X
Gender: Female, Spayed

“It is unusual to see such advanced periodontal disease in a dog Lotte’s age.”

Presenting Problem

Lotte presented with severe periodontal disease and significant halitosis (bad breath), leading to concerns about her overall oral health and comfort. Due to the severity of the condition, prompt intervention was required.

Diagnostics and Treatment

A full diagnostic work-up, including dental radiographs, revealed the extent of Lotte’s periodontal disease. After careful consideration, the decision was made to perform full mouth extractions to resolve the problem and restore her quality of life.

Outcome

Lotte recovered well from the procedure with no complications. Her owners noticed a significant boost in her happiness and behaviour, and her appetite returned to normal. The severe halitosis also cleared up completely, making her much more enjoyable to be around.

“Lotte recovered well from the procedure with no complications.”

Client Comments

“I was referred to Dr Aaron Forsayeth by my local vet, and from the moment we met, his friendly and knowledgeable approach put me at ease. Even Lotte wagged her tail for him—she had never done that for a vet before! I felt completely comfortable proceeding with Dr Aaron’s recommendation for full mouth extractions.”

“The team kept me informed throughout the day and followed up the next day, which I really appreciated. Lotte recovered quickly and was thrilled to see Dr Aaron at her one-week check-up. The care we received was exceptional, and I highly recommend Dr Aaron and his dedicated team.”

Veterinary Comments

“It is unusual to see such advanced periodontal disease in a dog Lotte’s age.”

“However, her immune response to plaque, combined with anatomical factors such as overcrowding, made her especially prone to severe periodontal issues.”

“Full mouth extractions were the best course of action, and we are pleased with Lotte’s excellent recovery.”

FAQs

What causes severe periodontal disease in younger dogs?

Some pets are more prone due to their immune response to plaque and anatomical factors such as overcrowding. In these cases, professional periodontal disease treatment may be recommended to manage the condition early.

When are full mouth extractions recommended?

Full mouth extractions may be recommended when dental disease is too advanced to treat conservatively, particularly if there is widespread infection, pain or structural damage to the teeth. While it sounds drastic, this approach can remove ongoing infection and significantly improve a pet’s comfort and quality of life.

Why are dental radiographs important?

Dental radiographs are essential because much of periodontal disease occurs below the gumline, where it can’t be seen during a standard examination. In Lotte’s case, radiographs allowed us to assess the extent of bone loss and infection, which confirmed that full mouth extractions were the most appropriate treatment.

 

 

How will my pet recover after full mouth extractions?

Most pets recover quickly and adapt well, often showing improved appetite and behaviour once pain and infection are resolved.

Will my pet still be able to eat normally without teeth?

Yes, most pets adapt very well and can eat comfortably without teeth. In many cases, their quality of life actually improves once painful or infected teeth are removed. After Lotte’s procedure, her appetite returned to normal, and she was much more comfortable.

Key Takeaways

Severe Periodontal Disease Can Occur at a Young Age

Advanced dental disease may develop earlier due to immune response and anatomical factors.

Dental Radiographs Reveal Disease

In severe cases, extractions may be required to eliminate pain and restore oral health.

Dental Radiographs Reveal Disease

Comprehensive imaging is essential to accurately diagnose and guide treatment.

Treatment Improves Quality of Life

Following treatment, pets often show improved behaviour, appetite, and overall comfort.

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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A comprehensive range of dental and oral surgery treatments.

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Complex Anaesthesia

We assess each patient individually, considering their health history, age and any concurrent medical conditions, to tailor the anaesthetic approach to their specific needs.

Surgical Extractions

Removing complex teeth safely and with minimal impact.

Vital Pulpotomy

A vital pulpotomy is a time-sensitive procedure used to preserve the life of a tooth when the pulp becomes exposed due to trauma or dental treatment.

Jaw Fractures

Jaw fractures in pets require precise treatment to restore both structure and function, with a strong focus on proper bite alignment.

Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment goes beyond routine dental care to address the deeper damage caused by advanced gum disease.

Oral Surgery

Pet oral surgery can help treat dental problems, injuries, and other conditions affecting your pet’s mouth. Learn about the available procedures and how they can improve your pet’s comfort and oral health.

Dental and Oral Imaging

Dental and oral imaging helps veterinarians identify dental problems that may not be visible during a routine examination. Learn how these imaging techniques support accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your pet.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can help save a damaged or infected tooth while relieving pain in pets. Learn how this dental procedure works and how it can help preserve your pet’s natural teeth and oral health.

Gingivoplasty

This procedure involves reshaping gum tissue to guide the eruption of canine teeth into a correct position, preventing traumatic occlusion and avoiding more invasive treatments.

Crown Height Reduction

Reducing the height of misaligned canine teeth and protecting the exposed pulp with a filling helps prevent chronic pain, preserve jaw structure and avoid extraction.

Inclined Plane – Crown Extensions

Orthodontic appliances like inclined planes or crown extensions can reposition misaligned canine teeth, preventing trauma and preserving tooth function without altering their shape.

Dog Braces (Orthodontics)

To address mesioverted  (‘lanced’ maxillary canine teeth) and manage linguoversion when the maxillary diastema (the space between the third incisor and canine teeth) is too narrow.

Restorations

Restorative dentistry repairs damaged teeth in pets, often using crowns, veneers and fillings. These procedures restore dental structure and function, ensuring long-term oral health.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Thorough cleaning and examination under anesthesia remove plaque and calculus, preventing periodontal disease and ensuring long-term oral health in pets.

Mandibulectomies and Maxillectomies

These surgeries involve partial or complete removal of the jaw to treat malignant oral tumours. Treatment options vary and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

Crown Amputation for Tooth Resorption

This procedure, often used for tooth resorption, involves removing the tooth crown while leaving the resorbing root remnant intact. It’s less invasive and used in cases where traditional extraction is no longer possible. Regular follow-up is recommended.