This middle aged dog presented with severe oral pain and halitosis. Visual examination could only be done with sedation. Note the attached gingival is severely inflamed. Biopsy showed changes consisitent with stomatitis. Prednisone ½ mg/kg BID was initiated following a thorough prophy in the hospital. The results can be seen in the recheck picture one week post initiation of predisone. The dog allowed the owner to brush once the inflammation resolved. Prednisone was then tapered to discontinue.
Daily brushing with adjunctive care such as wax sealants, water additives, dental diets and chews, chlorhexidine and sub antimicrobial doses of doxycycline aid in home care efforts. Unfortunately most of these cases must have all full mouth extractions eventually or are euthanized. Full mouth extractions is curative. Most patients get 3 months at best before prophy in the hospital is needed.
