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Aspirated dental calculus in a dog
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803-8410.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|February 15, 1992
Summary
Aspiration of dental calculus during dental procedures can lodge in a dog's airway, requiring surgical removal. Preventive measures like proper intubation and oral rinsing can help avoid this serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Dental Surgery
Background:
- Dental prophylaxis in animals carries a risk of aspiration of foreign material.
- Airway obstruction is a critical complication that can arise during veterinary dental procedures.
Observation:
- A case of a dog aspirating dental calculus into a mainstem bronchus following dental prophylaxis was documented.
- Radiography and bronchoscopy were utilized to accurately locate the lodged calculus.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the aspirated dental calculus was successfully performed via thoracotomy.
- Aspiration of dental calculus is a recognized, albeit uncommon, risk associated with dental prophylaxis in dogs.
Implications:
- Implementing endotracheal intubation with a well-inflated cuff is crucial during dental procedures.
- Thorough oral cavity rinsing post-prophylaxis may prevent aspiration events and related complications in veterinary patients.