A dog’s mouth is one of the most important parts of his body, and a number of different diseases and conditions can affect it. While gum disease is the most common oral disease, other conditions can include diabetes, immune system diseases, traumatic injury, radiation treatment, and cancer. Canine distemper virus can also cause mouth sores and is often associated with leptospirosis.
Canine periodontal disease
Dogs with periodontal disease may require special treatment. Depending on the severity of the disease, they may require advanced bone treatment, such as surgery. Some vets recommend special toys that remove plaque from the teeth. Some pets may also need daily medication to help maintain their oral health.
Canine peripheral ameloblastoma
The most common causes of dog mouth health problems include benign tumors, dental epulis, and acanthomatous ameloblastoma. These conditions are a common occurrence among middle-aged and older dogs. They can range in severity from mild to severe. Fortunately, treatment options for these conditions are available.
Canine halitosis
Treatment for canine halitosis begins with addressing the root cause of the problem. This often involves cleaning the teeth under general anesthesia. This procedure removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line using specialized dental scaler tips. Your veterinarian will also look at intraoral dental X-rays to determine the extent of periodontal disease. Advanced cases may require the teeth to be extracted.
Canine stomatitis
If your dog suffers from inflammation of the mouth, it may have a condition called canine stomatitis. This condition causes ulcers and inflamed lesions in the mouth, making it difficult for the dog to eat and function normally. It is very painful for your dog to live with this condition, but aggressive dental care can make your dog live comfortably and have healthy teeth.
Canine papilloma
While papillomas can cause several dog health problems, they usually go away on their own after a couple of months. If they are particularly large or persistent, veterinarians may recommend surgical removal. Surgery involves giving a general anesthetic and removing the growth. However, there are drawbacks to surgical removal, including the risk of scarring and secondary health issues.
Canine salivary gland disorder
Salivary gland disorders in dogs are rare, affecting fewer than 1% of all dogs. Most of these cases are due to inflammation and tumors of the salivary gland tissue. These diseases are associated with increased salivary production and drooling. In addition to the painful symptoms, patients can experience decreased appetite and depression. Treatment usually involves pain management. In severe cases, phenobarbital administration can be effective.
