4841. Vet Case Study. The Westie X becomes a picky eater. Dental pain.

VET CASE STUDY. The Westie becomes a picky eater.

Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow). Toa Payoh Vets
Updated:  16 Jun 2023.

Today, 8 Sep 2022, I vaccinated the 7-year-old Westie since he was a 3-month-old. The couple in their late 40s consulted me as their dog now had little appetite. In the past months, he became a picky eater. For example, the owner would add eggs into the wet kibble, but the dog would not eat. "He might lick a few pieces, but he would rather starve to death," the wife said.

I put the Westie on the consultation table and placed my right hand on top of her nose to open her mouth with my left hand. "Your dog moved her head away to prevent me from opening up her mouth," I said to the owner. "She's well behaved and did not bite me."

ORAL EXAMINATION.
The rotting smell of halithosis wafted up the room. The owner was used to the bad breath or was not bothered by the smell.  "There are loose front teeth," I said. "The back teeth are encrusted with tartar. Many show the exposed roots and maroon red inflamed gums. One canine tooth had dropped out."

"He has dental pain and hence would not want to eat solid food," I explained. "Softer food is easily swallowed but he had toothache. Therefore, you think she has become a picky eater."

"I am worried that she may die under anaesthesia if I let her get dental examination," the career lady in her 40s said. "Hence I had not sent her for dental check up over the past 10 years."

LABORATORY TESTS
"A blood test will let you know if the dog has liver, kidney or blood diseases," I said. "X-rays of the teeth and gums and ultrasound of the abdomen will help you to know her health status.  Most senior dogs safely undergo anaesthesia unless they have chronic medical conditions."

The owner agreed to the dental work as blood tests showed that the dog was in good health. She did not want dental X-rays or ultrasound to save on costs.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL DISEASES.

1. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly from a young age. Use a doggy toothbrush or a finger brush. You can also use a child’s soft toothbrush or your finger. Buy specially designed dog toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste since the fluoride can be toxic, and avoid using baking soda because dogs may swallow it. Brushing your dog’s teeth should take about a minute. Focus on the outer surfaces of his teeth.

2. Feed your dog “dental food” which is designed to promote good dental hygiene by cleaning his teeth, preventing plaque buildup and helping remove plaque. 

Consult your vet to ensure the dental formula is appropriate for your dog’s age and beneficial to his overall health. Ensure he will be able to chew the new food.

3. Chew toys can aid in keeping your dog’s teeth clean. Many older dogs may not chew enough to make clear the plaque or tartar.

4. Another option is dental treats instead which can help rub off some of the plaque on his teeth.

5. Some owners put a powdered or liquid oral care additive in his water bowl but it helps mainly to freshen his breath. There are commercial products claiming that it will remove plaque and therefore no need dental work or brushing!  The owner has to make his own judgment.

In conclusion, it is advisable to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned by your vet. An annual dental examination will keep your dog's teeth free from dental pain and disease to old age.

In Singapore, many small breeds live past 15 years while big breeds live past 10 years. Hence good dental health is important as the dog will lose weight and become malnourished if it is a picky eater.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.toapayohvets.com