Pre- Dental Information

To our valued client,

We understand that placing your pet under anesthesia for a dental procedure is a stressful, anxious time. It is our effort at Sylvan Veterinary Hospital to provide you with information to reduce those tensions and make you more comfortable.

We take many precautions at Sylvan Veterinary Hospital to ensure successful outcomes including the highlighted below:

· Every patient has one technician dedicated to their case that will follow your pet from admission to discharge

· During anesthesia every patient is intubated (breathing tube placed) and mechanically ventilated to ensure a normal breathing pattern.

· Your pet will have all vital parameters monitored throughout the procedure including blood pressure, ECG, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2, and body temperature.

· An intravenous catheter will be placed in order to administer fluids and medications throughout the dental procedure

· We administer pre and intra-operative pain medications and local anesthetic blocks (ie. lidocaine) to help prevent and alleviate any discomfort associated with the procedure.

· Each patient will have a full oral exam performed to identify oral masses, periodontal disease, inflammation throughout the mouth, etc.

· A thorough teeth cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler will be performed along with finishing polish.

· Dental probing will be performed to identify any pocketing around the teeth indicating periodontal disease

All the above described precautions come as a standard that your pet will receive. Furthermore, we offer additional services at your discretion. 

 Our greatest concern is the well-being of your pet, especially during anesthesia. In preparation for any anesthetic event, patient blood work is evaluated as part of our procedures to ensure adequate health of your pet.  

What is it?

· A panel that examines kidney & liver values, blood sugar, blood protein, as well as white and red blood cell counts

· Provides baseline values to compare any changes in your dog’s future blood tests

 Performing pre-operative blood work reduces the risk but may not prevent complications. It does help us to: 

• Minimize the risk of anesthesia by determining the safest medications to use for your pet. 
• Identify any underlying diseases not found by the history or physical examination. 
• Establish healthy baseline values. 
• Postpone procedures and perform additional diagnostic testing if indicated. 

Recommended Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC): 

• White Blood Cells: Evaluates the immune system status and identifies infection or inflammation. 
• Red Blood Cells: Evaluates the body’s ability to carry oxygen to the tissues. 
• Platelets: Part of the blood clotting system, adequate numbers must be present to prevent excessive bleeding. 

Chemistry Profile 

• Chemistry tests provide vital information about the internal organ function (liver, kidneys, pancreas) that cannot be determined from a physical examination. 

Who should have it?

· We highly recommend it for any patient over 7 years of age. However, we have found abnormalities in younger patients allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

What does it cost?

· $79

What are they?

· Dental radiographs provide an image of the overall health of the roots of the teeth and surrounding bone. They allow for the doctor to assess for lesions that may not be evident on oral examination.

Why should they be done?

· They give us more information as to what teeth need to be extracted that could be causing the dog unnecessary pain and discomfort.

What do they cost?

· $48.75

****Please note that extractions will not be performed without the guidance of dental radiographs****

Please note that it is very difficult to determine an exact cost since the extractions are measured in time units and extraction times can vary, if you need a better estimate of cost prior to extractions please let the technician know upon admission so the Doctor can call you following the dental radiographs.

What is it?

· Histopathology is when we submit the removed tissue/tumor to a pathologist to determine what kind of tissue was excised and whether it is normal or potentially cancerous

Why you should have the tissue biopsied?

· The results will likely determine whether the mass was benign versus malignant and also whether the tumor was completely excised. Biopsy also allows us to give a prognosis and formulate post-operative treatment plans including chemotherapy.

What is the cost?

· $120-$200-results are typically available 3-5 days from the time of procedure