Dentistry in non-traditional companion animals

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for veterinarians managing dental health in non-traditional companion species.

Policy

Non-traditional companion species with teeth require regular veterinary assessment of their dental health.

Intervention should occur when pathology is detected, and should be performed by a registered veterinarian with knowledge of the normal anatomy of dentition of the species, and supported by evidence-based medicine.

Background

Definition: for the purposes of this policy, “Non-traditional companion animals” includes small mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and ferrets, and reptiles such as snakes, lizards, dragons, and turtles.

The Australian Veterinary Association recognises that good oral care is necessary for optimal health and welfare in animals. Untreated diseases of the oral cavity cause pain and can contribute to other local and systemic disease.

There is wide variation in the anatomy of dentition between species kept as companion animals in Australia, in particular the non-traditional companion species. It is essential for attending veterinarians to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and common conditions of the species they examine, in order to conduct comprehensive health checks and provide competent and species-appropriate care.

A veterinarian must assess their individual skill level and access to specialised equipment to determine if they can provide the appropriate care for the species or individual, or whether referral is recommended. Where distance may make referral impractical, veterinarians must clearly communicate the limitations and benefits of their own and other available veterinary services, to enable informed decision-making by the owner or carer.

Recommendations

1. Clinician experience must be taken into consideration, and referral offered where necessary.
2. All newly acquired animals should undergo a full physical examination by a veterinarian, including dental examination. Mammals should have a dental examination every 6 months while yearly examination is recommended for reptiles. Carers should be advised and educated on the importance of dental health and the best ways to monitor this in their pet.
3. Imaging should occur in all cases where pathology of the tooth root or jawbone is suspected. Imaging allows for appropriate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plans to be formed. Intraoral dental radiography is not sufficient in most cases. Plain skull radiography is a useful modality but superimposition can complicate diagnosis. Computed tomography scanning results in better imaging and detection of diseases of the skull in some cases.
4. Dental disease is painful for all species. Appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia must be provided to all patients, irrespective of species. Sedation or anaesthesia should be used where appropriate, to ensure full examination of the entire dentition can be achieved.
5. Antimicrobial stewardship must be considered in all cases. Culture and sensitivity testing and antibiotic choice must be based on current guidelines. Caution must be taken when interpreting the culture results, as culture of normal oral flora is common. Awareness of appropriate and safe antibiotics and other drugs in each species is necessary.
6. Complete work up of patient health should include blood and urine testing as appropriate for species and size. 

Guidelines

See – Guidelines for dentistry in non-traditional companion animals (in progress)