Dentals question

[Marty]

Winnie's Vet always prescribes an antibiotic after a dental. We have to take Biscotti to another Vet for certain reasons not related to the Vet, but they never prescribe an antibiotic.. So I am wondering why the difference...

Win's Vet is AAHA approved...does that have something to do with it?

[davet]

my peoples dentist Rx antibiotics before a visit..but it is proven that that really does nothing...If a dogs teeth were pretty gross I would give and antibitic shot during the teeth work...other wise I don;t thin it is necessary but that doesn;'t mean I am right...Most teeth and gum infections clear up after the prophy==but donlt take what I do as correct...it just worked for me

[k9Karen]

I suspect the vet that doesn't give antibiotics post-surgery is giving them during the procedure (or by injection just before). Whenever any type of invasive dentistry is performed (even something as simple as teeth cleaning), many bacteria from the mouth get into the blood stream. These bacteria, in a few cases only, can settle in the heart (or even other organs) and cause some serious infections. The most common infection is sub-acute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). This infection of the heart can occur in humans as well as in animals. The symptoms can be very indefinite, making the condition difficult to diagnose in humans. In animals, it can be much harder, because by the time you notice something amiss, it may be too late and permanent heart damage will have occurred. The mouth and gums usually heal with no problem after the procedure; it is the risk of SBE or other infections that is the danger that is prevented by antibiotic prophylactic treatment.

Marty - If you are concerned, ask the vet whether or not antibiotics are given (IV or injection) before or during the dental procedure. If they aren't, you can certainly request them.

[Marty]

Maybe she got some by IV, but wouldn't that show up on the bill..or someone told us?? I have to say that I have my hands full with Winnie, and DH took Bisc in...I knew I should have because I would have asked questions.

I understand the risks of dentals, and of not doing them, and everything in between...Now I am thinking that if she got IV antibiotics, and DH was not told...I just might be upset...just in case there was a problem.

It just seems to be 2 different ways of doing things, and I am puzzled.

BTW, they said her teeth were in good condition.

[davet]

my post got lost I think But i didn;t add a charge for the antibiotic inject...seems like it was just the routine thing to do...It probably cost me 85 cents for which I donlt think I cold add 15 bucks

[k9Karen]

I was going to say pretty much the same thing davet did. The vet may simply think this is routine and includes it in the 'package' price for the dental itself. My vet doesn't itemize things like that, but does include anything after the surgery when they've been kept overnight. You probably don't see a separate entry on the bill for the anethesia, the disposable equipment, etc., like you would on a bill from a hospital if you were the one having the surgery.

The risk of serious allergic reaction to an IV or injectable antibiotic treatment is really immediate - usually seconds to less than 30 minutes. Since the dog would be at the vet during that time, he might not think it necessary to say anything.

[Traci]

The vet should tell you that antibiotics were given, and it should be clearly noted on the invoice (as well as the pet's health record). The reason for this besides the obvious, is because if a reaction occured, the vet could check back on the records for the type and route of admission of the antibiotic.

For dogs with extensive dentalwork, oral antibiotics are usually chosen, and for the duration of about a week before dentalwork (i.e., extractions), and followed by another few days or a week thereafter. Teeth cleaning may not require antibiotic therapy, it depends on the condition of the teeth, whether any tissue was cut or agitated during the procedure, etc.

[Marty]

Thanks, I just checked the invoice again and she was given an injection, so all is OK.

Now for another question...Biscotti's invoice includes a sealant application and Winnie's doesn't. Is that another normal procedure that Winnie probably had even though it doesn't say so?

[davet]

never heard of that one

[Traci]

You're going to have to ask the vet, Marty. If you're concerned, then talk to the vet and request itemized invoices.

Sealants are oftentimes used to help manage (preventive) tartar and plaque after a dental procedure. Some vets use them, others don't, it depends on the condition of the teeth and need for prevention methods.