Ovariohysterectomy (SPAY)
Surgical sterilization of the female pet, commonly referred to as spaying, is one of the most significant aspects of a female pet's care that an owner can provide. Click here to find out why you should spay your dog or cat!
Canine Castration (Neuter)
Neutering your dog generally makes for a healthier dog and a better pet. Neutered dogs tend to live longer and have fewer behavior problems. They are also at a decreased risk for certain cancers. Click here to learn more!
Feline Castration (Neuter)
Neutering a male cat is an excellent step to help your young man grow into a loving, well-adapted, less smelly, household citizen. Click here to learn more!
Arthritis in Pets
Arthritis in pets is one of the most common ailments we see. Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease that causes chronic pain and often goes undiagnosed. Click here to learn how you can help your pet be more comfortable.
Lyme Disease
The prevalence of canine Lyme Disease in the state of Pennsylvania continues to increase every year. Learn how to protect your pet here!
Clinical Signs of Dental Disease
Dental disease in cats and dogs is the most common disease that affects our pets and often goes untreated. Click here to learn why oral health is so important!
Obesity
Obesity in pets is associated with joint problems, diabetes mellitus, respiratory compromise, and a decreased life span. Recent estimations suggest that up to 35% of dogs and cats in the U.S. suffer from obesity.
Itching & Allergies in Dogs
Coping with an itchy pet can be an extremely frustrating experience for a pet owner and can truly test the limits of the human-animal bond. Click here to find out why your pet may be itchy and how you can help!
FLEAS! Know Your Enemy.
Fleas aren’t just a nuisance! Fleas can kill! And yes, even your exclusively indoor cat or dog can get fleas. Learn how to manage the problem here.
Why Bloodwork is Important!
What does it mean when a veterinarian says she needs to run blood work on your pet? Click here to learn why bloodwork is so important to the health of your pet!
BLOAT! The Mother of all Emergencies!
Deep chested, large breed dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, & Mastiffs are at an increased risk of experiencing this life threatening medical emergency. Click here to learn how it can be prevented and what to look for!
Ear Infections (Otitis) in Dogs
Ear infections are common and can be challenging. Fortunately, most cases are simple and easily cleared up. Click here to learn more.
Brachycephalic Airway Disease
Do you have a Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Boxer, Bulldog, or Shih Tzu? If you do, you want to read this! Click here!
Heart Murmurs in Dogs & Cats
Heart murmurs are common in dogs and cats and often progress to heart failure. Click here to learn more about heart murmurs and what can be done about it!
Canine Destructive Chewing
Destructive chewing is a common (and often normal) behavior of our canine family members. Click here to learn why this behavior occurs and how to modify it!
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a fatal but preventable disease that has seen a significant increase in frequency in the North Eastern United States. Click here to learn more.
House & Crate Training Advice
Teach your puppy/dog proper house and crate etiquette! Click here to learn more.
Declawing Alternatives for Cats
Let us help you protect your furniture without declawing your cat. Click here to learn more.
Clinical Signs of Dental Disease
Dental Disease and Our Pets
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Broken tooth/teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Reluctance to eat, especially dry food, or to play with chew toys
- Chewing with or favoring one side of the mouth
- Pawing at or rubbing the muzzle/mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loss of symmetry of the muzzle and/or lower jaw
- Swollen/draining tracts under (or in front of) the eye
- Sudden change in behavior (aggressive or withdrawn)
- Chronic eye infections or drainage with no exact cause or cure
- Inability to open or close the mouth
- Chronic sneezing
- Discolored tooth/teeth
- Abnormal discharge from nose
- A mass/growth in the mouth
If you see any of these clinical signs, bring your pet the Seven Valleys Veterinary Hospital for a complete oral examination. Our veterinarians may need to sedate or anesthetize your pet, in order to complete the examination as oral pain can cause pets to react to palpation of the mouth.
Dental disease is a major source of infection in the body and can cause secondary disease in other part of the body like the heart, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. It is not just the mouth that is affected which is why dental care is so important!
Dental radiographs (X-rays), may be necessary in order to make a proper diagnosis. Intra-oral radiographs are essential for deciding what’s going on and what needs to done.
Preventive care involves brushing and daily examination of your pet’s mouth. Brushing needs to be done at least 3 to 4 times a week, if you want to make a difference in your pet’s oral health. Plus, by looking in your pet’s mouth while you are brushing, you will be more aware of any oral abnormalities (oral masses, bad breath, missing teeth) or the increased redness of the gums that indicates periodontal disease and the need for a trip to the “Animal Dentist.”
Learn More
For Additional Information About Dental Disease ClickThe Links Below:
American Veterinary Dental College
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAIN IN PETS
Assess Your Dog's Pain Level
Click here to view the canine pain scale that our veterinarian's use to evaluate your dog's pain. Remember, ANY pain is not normal. If your pet is limping, it is in pain. If you think your dog is in pain, please schedule an appointment today!
Assess Your Cat's Pain Level
Click here to view the feline pain scale that our veterinarian's use to evaluate your cat's pain. Remember, ANY pain is not normal. If you think your cat is in pain, please schedule an appointment today!