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World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|July 28, 2020
Summary
Untreated dental disease in pets causes pain and infection, significantly impacting animal welfare. These guidelines offer veterinarians best practices for dental therapy and minimum care standards to improve pet oral health globally.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Dentistry
- Animal Welfare Science
Background:
- Dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases are prevalent in small animal veterinary practice, causing pain and infection.
- Under-treated oral and dental diseases represent a significant animal welfare concern, often overlooked in veterinary education.
- Myths and misconceptions surrounding veterinary dentistry hinder effective treatment and progression in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide veterinarians with best practices for dental therapy in small animals.
- To establish realistic minimum standards of care for veterinary dentistry.
- To address the impact of oral and dental diseases on animal welfare and promote improved global standards.
Main Methods:
- Development of guidelines based on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's (WSAVA) three-tiered continuing education system.
- Inclusion of global recommendations for equipment, therapeutics, anesthesia, and welfare requirements.
- Detailed information on common oral pathologies, diagnostic tools (scoring systems, radiography), and treatments (periodontal therapy, extractions).
Main Results:
- The guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to small animal dental care, covering diagnostics, treatment, anesthesia, and home care.
- Emphasis on the critical role of anesthesia and pain management in dental procedures.
- Discussion on the detrimental effects of anesthesia-free dentistry (AFD) and the importance of professional veterinary dental care.
Conclusions:
- Effective veterinary dental education and adherence to best practices are crucial for improving animal welfare.
- Undiagnosed and untreated dental disease negatively impacts patient health and well-being, constituting a significant welfare issue.
- These guidelines aim to elevate the standard of care in veterinary dentistry worldwide, ensuring better outcomes for small animal patients.
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