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COHAT: A Breakdown
What is a COHAT?
COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment
Teeth (Visual, radiographic, probing)
Facial Bones, TMJ
Gums and Cheeks
Tongue
Tonsils
Salivary Glands
Lymph nodes
Back of throat, Roof of Mouth
Airway
Who Needs a COHAT?
Every dog and cat, annually
An awake oral examination is a good initial assessment, but can only reveal so much
Why Is
Anesthesia
Necessary?
It is impossible to fully evaluate the oral cavity, back of the throat, and teeth during an awake exam
A complete cleaning involves scaling above and below the gum line on all tooth surfaces
Radiographs can only be taken when your pet is fully anesthetized
Can you imagine your dog or cat holding a bite-wing?
Anesthesia
is Safe
Every patient gets a complete physical examination prior to the procedure and has a personalized anesthetic protocol designed by a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist
Premedication is given to decrease anxiety, an intravenous catheter is placed to allow fast, direct access for drug administration
A dedicated CVT (certified veterinary technician: a specially trained and licensed professional) monitors every 5 minutes throughout the procedure
Heart rate and rhythm
Oxygen levels
Blood pressure
Temperature
Safe anesthetic depth
Complete
Oral
Examination
and
Cleaning
The entire mouth and back of the throat are examined
The entire surface of each tooth and around each tooth is examined and probed
Each tooth is cleaned above and below the gum-line
Teeth are polished to smooth each tooth surface and delay tartar accumulation
Dental
Disease
Can Be
Hidden
Much of the tooth structure lies below the gum line
Radiographs are essential for diagnosing and treating disease
Oral Health
is Linked
to Systemic
Health
Provide a mouth free of pain and infection
Infection/inflammation in the mouth can lead to infection/inflammation elsewhere in the body
Extractions
All extraction sites are closed with dissolvable sutures
Some extractions are performed using advanced surgical techniques
Gingival flaps
Removal of overlying bone
Sectioning of multi-rooted teeth
Recovery
Patients are discharged same day (with a few exceptions)
Pain is managed with oral medication for less than a week post-op
Patients are limited to soft food for 2 weeks
Home
Care
Daily brushing is essential!
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved products (VOHC.org)
