<<Prev Oral Examination Next>>   A complete and thorough oral examination is essential as part of the overall physical examination. Oropharyngeal disorders are the most common health abnormalities in the dog and cat. However, signs in the mouth can also be a local manifestation of a systemic problem, which disturbs the epithelium of the oral cavity.   Click on any photograph in the site for a bigger version   Gingivitis and stomatitis visible where teeth are in contact with soft tissues. Note low level of calculus and gingival recession   Examples include: Autoimmune conditions (e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosis, Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia) Metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure and secondary renal hyperparathyroidism) Immuno-suppressive viruses (e.g. FIV and FeLV). Domestic pets are substantially less demonstrative of oral pain than humans. Therefore the owner may be unaware of major lesions until the disease is well advanced or until more obvious signs, such as a discharge, swelling, or severe halitosis, are present.     <<Prev © 2002 eMedia Unit RVC v1.0 Next>>

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