COHAT: A Breakdown

• Teeth (Visual, radiographic, probing)
• Facial Bones, TMJ
• Gums and Cheeks
• Tongue
• Tonsils
• Salivary Glands
• Lymph nodes
• Back of throat, Roof of Mouth
• Airway

• Every dog and cat, annually
• An awake oral examination is a good initial assessment, but can only reveal so much

• 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?

• 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

• 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

• Much of the tooth structure lies below the gum line
• Radiographs are essential for diagnosing and treating disease

• Provide a mouth free of pain and infection
• Infection/inflammation in the mouth can lead to infection/inflammation elsewhere in the body

• 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

• 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

• Daily brushing is essential!
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved products (VOHC.org)
  • Treats
  • Gels
  • Wipes
  • Diets
  • Water Additives