FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Ft. Worth animal hospital is making an effort to promote animal dental care among local pet owners. Boat Club Road Animal Hospital offers a discount twice a year on its COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health assessment and Treatment) service – with the next promotion beginning in February, although they perform COHAT treatments on dogs and cats throughout the year. "It's our hope that pet owners will take this opportunity to adopt a preventative dental care routine for the sake of their pets' ongoing wellness," says Dr. John Dedwylder, a veterinarian at the clinic.
Dr. Dedwylder explains that animals can experience many of the same dental issues as the humans who care for them. "The structures of the teeth, gums, jawbone and other oral components are made of the same kinds of tissue as their human equivalents, and thus are prone to similar health problems such as decay, damage and infection."
The veterinarian points to periodontal disease, which affects pets and humans alike, as an example. Periodontal disease typically occurs when a mixture of food particles and saliva combine with bacteria and harden into a substance known as tartar. As bacteria feed on the tartar, they eventually start damaging not only the tooth but also the gum tissue, connective tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.
"If your pet's teeth grow loose and fall out, he will not be able to chew his food correctly, and painful gums may ensure that he doesn't even try," says Dr. Dedwylder. "This can lead to serious malnutrition in addition to the digestive issues caused by inadequate chewing." Bacterial infections of the teeth and gums can also proliferate throughout the body, entering the bloodstream and moving to the heart or other vital organs. "A simple case of gum disease, if left untreated, can cause major systemic damage in pets," he says.
Dr. Dedwylder states that most pets need annual checkups and cleanings, with smaller animals possibly requiring the service every six months. "Just as you need to supplement your own home brushing routine with regular visits to your dentist, your pet requires regular animal dental care so we can detect potential problems and get at the tartar that brushing can't remove."
The Ft. Worth animal hospital's COHAT service consists of a comprehensive examination of the teeth, gums and oral cavity, followed by teeth cleaning and polishing. Anesthetic is carefully administered to ensure that the animal remains calm throughout the procedure. The 15 percent discount applies to the cleaning and anesthesia, with other services at regular price. "If this promotion results in more pets getting the dental care they need, we will be very happy," says the veterinarian.
In addition to animal dental care, Boat Club Road Animal Hospital provides vaccinations, spaying and neutering, animal surgery and other veterinary treatments for Ft. Worth pets.