Just like in humans, tartar and plaque are really common in our furry friends. These yellowish, rough deposits show up mainly on the corner and front teeth and can lead to serious gum inflammation. Older dogs, small breeds, and dogs with crooked teeth are especially at risk because their teeth don't clean themselves as well.
Tartar is caused by a combination of several factors. First, bacteria, food debris, dead cells from the oral mucosa, and saliva components form a coating, also known as plaque, which adheres to the teeth but can still be removed by brushing. The mineral salts from saliva cause this coating to harden into actual tartar, which can no longer be removed by simple brushing. Bacteria accumulate on the rough surface of the tartar, which can lead to serious gum inflammation. Furthermore, misaligned teeth, a diet high in sugar, teeth that are too close together, an incorrect composition of saliva, and insufficient saliva can promote the formation of tartar.
Visible tartar appears as yellow-brownish deposits, primarily on the canine and incisor teeth. Affected animals usually have bad breath, which is caused by the foul-smelling metabolic products of the bacteria that live on and in the tartar and feed on food residues.
However, tartar can also occur below the gums in the gum pockets, where it is not visible to the owner. In this case, the only noticeable symptoms are initially bad breath and possibly visible redness of the gums. However, this type of tartar irritates the gums and is the main cause of gum inflammation and exposed tooth necks. If left untreated, the disease progresses and can lead to serious irreversible and painful damage to the entire periodontium (periodontitis), including the jawbone and the entire body. At this stage, animals may show significantly disturbed eating behavior, loss of appetite, unilateral nasal discharge, and head tilt. As soon as you suspect that your dog is suffering from tartar, take them to your veterinarian to avoid unnoticed consequential damage.
Your veterinarian will perform a general clinical examination and a special examination of the oral cavity. This involves a thorough inspection of the entire oral cavity and teeth, in some cases using special instruments, so that the extent and severity of tartar build-up can be determined. If there is suspicion of potential damage to the jaw, teeth, or tooth roots, an X-ray examination of the skull may be performed.
Once tartar has formed, it cannot dissolve on its own and must be removed. Minor tartar buildup, primarily on the incisors and canines, can be removed manually by a veterinarian using a special instrument. The animal does not need to be anesthetized for this procedure.
However, if the entire dentition is affected and there is extensive tartar build-up, removal with a special ultrasonic device is recommended. This involves transmitting ultrasonic waves to a small chisel, which breaks off the tartar from the tooth while simultaneously rinsing with water. The animals must be placed under light anesthesia for this procedure. The advantage of this method is that teeth located far back in the mouth can be easily reached and cleaned of tartar. Tartar located below the gums can also be easily removed in this way. The tooth surface is then smoothed with a polish so that bacteria and food debris are less likely to accumulate in the future.
Tartar pockets are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with a special disinfectant solution. Depending on the extent of the tartar and any consequential damage, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Your veterinary practice will draw up a detailed treatment plan for your individual case.
With timely treatment of tartar, the prognosis is generally good. However, if it is not detected and treated for a long time, consequential damage to the teeth and gums can develop, and the pathogens can even spread throughout the entire body via the bloodstream. This leads to a significant worsening of the prognosis.
Tartar can be successfully prevented through species-appropriate feeding and regular dental care, with brushing being the most effective method. Schedule at least one appointment per year to have your dog's teeth examined by a veterinarian and have a professional teeth cleaning performed. For dogs that are more susceptible, a six-month interval is recommended. This allows minor changes to be detected and treated at an early stage.
The adrenal gland disorder known as Cushing's disease was first described in humans in 1910 by Harvey Williams Cushing, after whom it was named. It involves increased stimulation of the adrenal cortex, resulting in excessive cortisol production (hyperadrenocorticism). The resulting symptoms are referred to as Cushing's syndrome. Unlike Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), Cushing's disease is not life-threatening. It mostly affects older, small dogs and breeds such as boxers, poodles, and dachshunds.
When a dog's kidneys can only perform their vital functions to a limited extent, this is referred to as kidney failure. The disease is often not recognized immediately, as it initially manifests itself with very unspecific symptoms. Dogs over the age of five are particularly affected, with certain breeds having a genetic predisposition to kidney disease.
What a wonderful feeling. Finally, your own horse! Everything went smoothly, from the trial ride to the pre-purchase examination to the purchase transaction. Your horse can move into its new stall. For new horse owners, this is a very exciting time, which is sure to raise a few questions about keeping conditions, health care, training, and much more. First and foremost, you should purchase basic equipment for your new horse that can be used for working and riding. You will quickly discover that you need a lot more than just a saddle and bridle.
This disease is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the mare's reproductive system, which is mainly transmitted through mating. The stallion is only a carrier of the pathogen and does not show any clinical symptoms. The disease, known as contagious equine metritis (CEM), was first described in detail in 1977 and is a notifiable disease in Germany.
EOTRH, or more precisely Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis, is currently considered an incurable inflammatory condition affecting the incisors and canines of horses. The disease has only been known for about 10 years, but is now affecting more and more older horses. In many cases, the disease is not detected until late stages, as it is not visible below the gums at the onset.
Cats are not dogs that will do anything for food. They don't eat everything that is put in front of them either, because cats are gourmets – at least most of them are.
Cats are very resilient and do not show symptoms of illness until late stages. When is it an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information to help you assess your cat's condition. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
A female dog's heat cycle is a natural process that is necessary for reproduction. Dogs quickly realize when this time has come. During the "heat days," you should therefore be particularly careful if you do not want your female dog to have offspring from a male dog that has wandered into your yard. Conversely, if you want to breed, you need to observe your dog's cycle and take her to the chosen male dog at the right time.
Many things are easier when done as a team – this applies to both humans and animals. There are dogs that help people live with disabilities. These dogs are not only special animals, they are also specially trained.
Cats remain the most popular pet in Germany and across Europe. Around 16 million cats live in German households, with a total of approximately 130 million across Europe. In Germany alone, there are a further two million abandoned, stray or feral cats. A large number of these cats are neither vaccinated nor neutered and are therefore not protected against disease or unwanted reproduction.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is currently the most dangerous disease affecting rabbits. It is caused by a virus and causes blood clotting disorders (hemorrhagic = bleeding, causing hemorrhages). It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide in both domestic and wild rabbits. The infectious disease was first described in China in 1984, which is why it is also known as Chinese disease. Young animals and unvaccinated adult animals are particularly at risk.
Many dog owners will be familiar with this condition, which is colloquially referred to as foreskin inflammation. Recurring, yellowish-green, dripping discharge is very common, especially in young, unneutered male dogs.
