Top Reasons for Pet Declines
March 12, 2021Health and behavioral issues come into play when declining a pet for a non-anesthetic dental cleaning.
There are many factors that will determine whether the pet is a good candidate for non-anesthetic cleanings.
- If a dog or cat has a history of seizures and cannot stay calm or relaxed during a dental cleaning, the pet may be declined. Anxiety can be a trigger for seizures.
- If your dog or cat is experiencing pain, we will decline them.
- Pets that are limping, crying, trying to bite, or whimpering before or during the procedure are signs that a dental cleaning without anesthesia is not safe for your dog or cat.
Every pet parent needs to complete a medical history form for their pets before an appointment.
Behavioral issues that are a decline
If a dog or cat is anxious or aggressive, we will decline that pet and ask the owner to work with their veterinarian on a treatment plan.
Anxiety
The pet mustn’t have a negative experience during their dental cleaning, and an anxious animal may thrash or refuse to be safely restrained.
Aggression
Aggressive dogs that may bite pose a serious risk for our technicians. If the pet tries to bite out of fear or stress, staff will decline the dog.
10 Oral health issues that are a decline
Advanced periodontal disease
For patients with advanced periodontal disease, the treatment goal is removing plaque and calculus from the teeth. General anesthesia is necessary to provide access to the subgingival areas, where bacteria can contribute to local and sometimes systemic inflammation.
Mobile teeth (canines, molars, and carnassials)
Losing adult teeth is a sign of advanced gum disease. This can lead to serious complications, and mobile teeth must be looked at by a veterinarian. Mobile teeth can be painful.
Oronasal fistula
An oronasal fistula is an opening between the oral and nasal cavity. Food and bacteria can enter the fistula and cause pneumonia. This needs to be addressed by a vet.
Cavities
Dental cavities in pets require an exam from a vet. This is always a decline. As the tooth breaks down, it poses a risk of infection. Cavities are a source of pain for pets.
Dental fractures
Dogs can easily fracture a tooth chewing on a bone. Your dog may be in pain, and you won’t even know it until the veterinarian gets an X-ray. HealthySmiles’ dental experts will be able to immediately identify a fracture and send pet owners to their vet.
Oral masses
If a mass is seen, HealthySmiles’ dental experts will let the pet owners know so they can schedule an appointment with their vet as soon as possible as any oral mass needs to be evaluated.
Tooth root abscess
A tooth root abscess is when a severe infection develops around the root of a tooth. This may develop in association with periodontal disease. This is very painful and needs to be treated immediately by a vet.
Furcations
Furcation disease is produced by periodontal disease. Portions of the root are exposed and susceptible to damage to the furcation area of the tooth (see pic).
Gingival hyperplasia
HealthySmiles’ dental experts will let pet parents know if they see Gingival Hyperplasia. This condition needs oral antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Pyorrhea
This is an advanced state of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss or bone loss if left untreated. A vet will likely need to prescribe antibiotics, and an oral surgeon may need to be involved.
6 Special declining considerations
These six health issues must be discussed during the initial consultation. The pet’s veterinarian will need to give our staff a written consent for a non-anesthetic dental cleaning before proceeding. The dental may not be do-able.
1. Megaesophagus
According to VCA Hospitals, megaesophagus is considered a combination disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid between the mouth and stomach) dilates (gets larger) and loses motility (its ability to move food into the stomach). Vomiting may be an issue for the pet.
2. Seizures
If a dog or cat has a history of seizures and cannot stay calm or relaxed during the dental cleaning, they’ll be declined.
3. Blood disorders and immune diseases (e.g., Thrombocytopenia)
Blood disorders and any immune disorders are an automatic decline of non-anesthetic dental cleanings.
Pets with pale gums are a medical emergency, and they must be seen by a vet immediately.
4. Advanced congestive heart failure
Heart disease is a condition that may cause a non-anesthetic dental to be declined by your veterinarian or oncologist. The condition may cause symptoms like coughing to worsen, and many medications may also make this procedure difficult for the pet.
5. Excessive movement
Pets that aren’t able to be safely restrained are not good candidates. The pet may injure themselves or the dental expert.
6. Collapsing trachea
Tracheal collapse in dogs is characterized by incomplete formation or weakening of the trachea’s cartilaginous rings, resulting in the trachea’s flattening. The pet would need to stay still and calm while being restrained.
