American Association of Feline Practitioners

AAFP is a highly recognized professional organization of veterinarians who share the common interest in providing excellence in the care and treatment of cats.

The AAFP mission statement reads: "The American Association of Feline Practitioners supports professional growth and fellowship by providing outstanding continuing education; research and outreach programs intended to improve the health and well-being of cats."

The AAFP has developed numerous guidelines and position statements regarding feline care including guidelines for senior care, pain management and vaccination recommendations.

Visit their website to learn more at www.catvets.com

Congratulations to our Technicians!

The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is owned and administered by AAVSB. The VTNE is used to evaluate entry-level veterinary technicians' competency to practice and be licensed. The exam is given twice yearly and is constantly updated, reviewed and reevaluated by highly-qualified item writers so that it remains a valid tool, useful in the evaluation of candidates for licensure.

In 2010, Stefanie and Leslie passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam and Arizona State Technician Exam. Kristin is a graduate of an accredited veterinary technician program, and recently passed both the state and national exams.  Tanya has since joined our team, who also passed the VTNE and state test in 2010. 

We are so proud of our technicians for having the dedication and the ability to qualify for this highest achievement!

More Than Just a "Cleaning"

Many times when we see your pet for their semi-annual exams we will recommend a "dental" or a "dental cleaning." This recommendation is often prompted by us seeing accumulation of tartar on your pet's teeth during the exam.

Because animals are normally not willing to have a full oral exam (including probing the gum line) while they are awake, and we cannot rely on an animal to stop eating if their mouth is bothering them, this plaque accumulation is often one of the only clues to potential underlying oral health issues. Other clues may include bad mouth odor, broken or worn teeth, or irregular accumulation of tartar.

Therefore, when we recommend a "dental" we are recommending so much more that a cleaning of the teeth. It is an opportunity for us to complete a full examination of the oral cavity and find, diagnose and recommend/perform treatment for any problems that may be found.

Because a "dental" is so much more than just a cleaning, some veterinary dental specialists recommend using the term COHAT (comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment) instead.

A COHAT on your pet requires general anesthesia. It is recommended to all owners that their pets have a pre-anesthetic blood profile performed to check their overall health prior to performing the COHAT. All animals over six years of age are required to have a complete pre-anesthetic blood profile.

At KC Animal Hospital all animals placed under anesthesia are meticulously monitored by a tech specifically assigned to that task, and receive IV fluids for hemodynamic support. In addition, your pet's heartbeat, EKG, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, CO2 levels, and body temperature are monitored by our state of the art anesthesia monitor, and tracked by the anesthesia technician.

The case that follows is an excellent example of how dental problems can go undetected for a long period of time causing major oral health issues.

Rico is a 10 year old Queensland Heeler whose owner contacted Dr. Pirotte because she noticed that he had very bad breath. After speaking with Dr. Pirotte a COHAT was performed. Rico did NOT want his mouth examined while he was awake, and would clench his teeth together very hard. Rico was acting completely normally at home, and other than the bad breath, the owner would have not guessed anything was wrong.

Dr. Bates performed the COHAT and after Rico was safely under anesthesia she was able to perform a full exam of the oral cavity and found this:

This is a picture of the surface on the upper left dental arcade. His nose is to the right of the photo. What you can see is a stick stuck in gum tissue behind the back tooth. This stick has caused severe periodontal disease (bone loss) and now a large mass of hair, food and debris has become embedded as well.

This is what the tooth looked like after all the debris was removed.

Notice how the gum tissues and bone surrounding the tooth roots are eroded away and the tooth roots are almost completely exposed. This was surely painful for Rico, even though he was still eating, and acting like a normal dog.

After the tooth was extracted the gum tissue was sutured over the defect to close it and prevent any more food and debris from collecting.

Ricos mouth has healed nicely and he is doing well at home. I have a feeling if he could talk, he would tell us how happy he is that he no longer has this infection in his mouth.

Because Rico is a known stick chewer we are recommending that he comes in every 6 months for a COHAT.