Introduction
L’oral examination is an integral part of the clinical evaluation of dogs and cats, helping to diagnose and prevent a wide range of oral conditions. This examination should be carried out regularly during annual health check-ups, in order to quickly identify conditions such as periodontal diseaseperiodontal dental fracturesdental malocclusionsdental dental resorptionas well as tumors. This article outlines the steps involved in a comprehensive oral examination for general veterinary practice, to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment of oral conditions.
Steps of the Buccal Examination
A complete oral examination in dogs and cats follows several essential steps:
1. General comments
Start with an assessment of facial symmetry. Compare both sides of the face for visible abnormalities, such as swelling or asymmetries in the skull, zygomatic arch or temporomandibular regions.
2. Facial palpation
Palpate the animal’s face, concentrating on the temporomandibular region and salivary glands, to detect masses, fractures, abscesses or abnormal swelling. Pay particular attention to the maxillary premolar region, where a palpable lymph node can sometimes be mistaken for a mass.
3. Occlusion assessment
Check theocclusion of teeth to detect malocclusions, a condition that can lead to oral trauma. Correct occlusion involves symmetrical alignment of the maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth. Anomalies such as brachygnathism (class 2) or prognathism (class 3) can cause painful wounds and infections.
4. Tooth Counting
Carefully count the animal’s teeth to ensure that none are missing or supernumerary. X-ray examination may be necessary to identify impacted teeth or retain tooth fragments. An impacted tooth can lead to dental cystspotentially dangerous due to the associated bone loss.
5. Gum and Soft Tissue Examination
Check gums for gingivitisInflammation or trauma. Inspect the oral cavity for masses, ulcers or lesions.
6. Salivary glands and tongue examination
Assess the opening of the salivary glands for signs of inflammation or blockage. Examine the tongue for lesions, ulcerations or foreign bodies.
Role of X-rays and Examination under Anaesthesia
It is often necessary to perform an oral examination oral examination under general anaesthetic to fully assess the oral cavity and perform dental dental X-rays. These X-rays can detect underlying conditions such as impacted teeth, fractured roots or deep-seated infections that would not be visible during a simple clinical examination. Anesthesia guarantees a thorough examination, without pain or stress for the animal.
Conclusion
A regular, thorough oral examination is essential for the effective prevention and treatment of oral diseases in dogs and cats. As front-line veterinarians, it’s crucial to integrate this examination into every annual clinical assessment. Visit early detection of oral diseases can help avoid serious complications and maintain a good quality of life for patients.
