Skin disease is one of the most common complaints in the veterinary practice. The skin is the largest organ in the body and unlike other internal organs this organ can be visualised. This means problems can be identified rapidly.
Illness and common conditions in dogs.
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Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the mouth that causes weakening and eventual loss of the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease can cause significant harm to a dog’s mouth, eventually leading to chronic pain and tooth loss. It can also increase the risk of heart, liver and kidney disease. There are often no obvious signs in the early stages of gum disease, so by the times symptoms are noticed, your pet may already have advanced disease. Symptoms are often noticed in older dogs with advanced periodontal disease, but it is important to know that over 80% of dogs have early stages of gum disease by the age of three.
Tooth factures are common, especially in larger dog breeds. A fractured tooth can be very painful and will usually lead to infection and death of the pulp tissue.
Abrasion damager is also common in dogs, especially from play with hard toys or tennis balls.
Discoloured teeth are common and usually reflect traumatic damage. In 90% of these cases, these teeth will have a necrotic or dead pulp.