Signalment
Age
Oral problems are more common as the animal ages. You should also
watch out for difficulties as the dentition changes from deciduous
to permanent.
Breed
Brachycepahlic type skulls and small breeds tend to have the most
problems, often due to tooth crowding. Determine if the animal is
pedigree or cross breed. Certain breeds have a predilection for
dental disease, for example Maltese terriers and Greyhounds.
Sex
Prepubertal neutering may have a role in Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive
Lesions (FORLs) and in susceptibility to certain metabolic diseases.
Environmental
- Vaccinal status
- Diet
- Possible behaviour changes
- Home environment - house or yard?
- Pet or working animal?
Presenting Signs
- Possible weight loss
- Anorexia
- Halitosis
- Dysphagia
- Salivation abnormality (too little, too much, too viscous, stained
with discharge)
- Retching or vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Chattering jaws
- Inability or difficulty to close or open mouth
- Facial swelling or disfigurement.
Oral/Historical
- Previous dental procedures? When and what done? Chart available?
- Present and previous level of homecare.
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