The importance of veterinary dentistry has increased markedly in the last 10 years to the point where

most forward-looking small animal practices will have 25% or more of each day’s operating list as oral

cavity-related problems.

By now, the incidence figures relating to periodontal disease will be well-known by everyone with even a

passing interest in small animals. Several studies in the last two decades concur that periodontal

disease affects up to 70% of cats and dogs over three years of age.

Add to this the problem of Feline Tooth Resorption Lesions (Feline TR) – which affect between 25% and 75%of the domestic feline

population – and it is soon apparent that many of the every-day problems seen in all practices will be in

the oral cavity. And this is before fractures, neoplasms, bite problems, caries, autoimmune problems

and the oral manifestations of systemic disease are taken into consideration!

The oral cavity is unique in that it is the body’s “window on the world”. It is also the interface between

the inside and the outside. In the main, the oral cavity is readily accessible and easily examined. It will

frequently display signs that indicate the presence of further health problems. One very good example is

the hypersensitivity condition. One very good example is the hypersensitivity condition Feline Chronic

Gingivitis Stomatitis syndrome (FCGS). Also, almost every cat affected by an immuno-suppressive

condition will exhibit severe oral inflammation. However, it should be remembered that the reverse is

not always the case.

In any clinical review, a full and detailed examination of the mouth is essential.

As dentistry evolves within the practice, a whole new role has opened up for veterinary nurses.

Theirlegal roles has changed in the United Kingdom due to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (R.C.V.S),

through its interpretation of Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act and Appendix 21 of the Guide to

Professional Conduct. It allows the listed VN greater responsibility within dentistry. This is dependent

upon the competence and training of individual nurses and the level of supervision provided by their

supervising veterinary surgeon. However, it should be borne in mind that Schedule 3 and the V.S. Act

in general is under review by the R.C.V.S. at the current time. Consequently, it seems likely that a

registered VN will have to be given specialist training in order to continue working in the oral cavity.

At this time the R.C.V.S. does not allow the extraction of teeth (unless finger loose) or treatment

under the gingival margin by listed VN’s.

There are three key areas within the dental practice of which a nurse can be given responsibility:

1. Working with the vet and pet.

2. Working with the owner.

3. Maintaining equipment and materials.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is warning dog owners of the danger that the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can pose to their pets. Xylitol is not considered harmful to humans, but if ingested by a dog the substance is dangerous because it triggers a sudden release of insulin which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can lead to liver damage.


Xylitol is increasingly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other confectionary; it is used in dental hygiene products and is also found as an excipient in many medicines. Of particular concern are the sugar substitute products that contain Xylitol which are used in home baking as well as in manufactured goods. Cakes, biscuits and other goodies made with it are toxic to dogs. Owners may not be aware of these dangers and may not associate clinical deterioration with ingestion of these foodstuffs.


Other animals such as ferrets and cats may be similarly affected and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is monitoring all referred cases.


BVA Past President Nicky Paull commented:


"While most dog owners are now aware that foods such as chocolate and grapes can be toxic to their pets few are aware of the dangers if their dog eats a cake or muffin containing Xylitol.


"If you think your dog may have eaten chewing gum or a sweet or cake containing Xylitol and appears unwell, perhaps vomiting or lacking coordination, then contact your vet for advice immediately and be ready to provide information on what's been consumed."


The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances. The 'Pets and poisons: keeping your animal safe' leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website or you can request a copy from the Foundation.


Alexander Campbell, Head of Service at VPIS, added:


"With the increasing number of products containing Xylitol on the market the VPIS recognises the extreme importance of raising awareness of the danger to dogs of ingesting this substance, particularly in the light of a case we handled the other evening which involved a dog eating a muffin made with this sugar substitute.


"This is yet another instance where a food or food additive deemed safe for human consumption proves to be dangerous for other species. Pets should really only be given foodstuffs formulated for them.


"It is possible that other animals such as ferrets or cats might be affected similarly, but few cases are yet documented. The VPIS continues to monitor all referred cases in all animals with the aim of clarifying the situation in other species as and when more data become available.


"The VPIS would like to see manufacturers of these products provide some visible warnings and information on the packaging and to inform the retail outlets they supply of the potential risks to dogs."


 

Veterinary Nursing Week: 18-24 July

 VN Week has become an important date in the calendar, helping to push nurses into the heart of their community, to promote pet ownership issues and, of course, the role of the nurse themselves,

Veterinary nurses are an important part of the veterinary team and carry out a great number of roles from providing expert nursing care to advising owners on pet care.

Most people are  not be aware of the qualifications or registration status of the nursing staff in their practice and should be encouraged to ask about the team caring for their pet - and the facilities available to them

 Listed and Registered Veterinary Nurses may specialise, for example, in intensive care, and can legally undertake minor surgery and give medical treatment under the direction of a veterinary surgeon. During VN Week, the profession has the opportunity to join together and widely promote this vital role in practice.

 Listed nurses are fully qualified, and may have advanced professional qualifications. In addition, those listed nurses who are also registered commit to keeping their skills and knowledge up to date, and to work within the tenets of the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.

How are you marking this week - please reply in  the VetPro forums.......

The RCVS is warning veterinary surgeons to be on their guard after it came to light that a fraudster is charging a £150 ‘non-refundable application fee’ for an RCVS ‘internship’ which does not exist.

 In fact, as the regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK, we do not offer internships. The information about the fake internship has been sent to individuals registered with German website http://www.vetcontact.com/ and includes details about the Royal Veterinary College (the University of London’s veterinary school) and the RCVS but is basically fiction. It refers to a made up ‘RCVS Hospital’ in the ‘Flint Hills of London’.

 “So far, only a handful of veterinary surgeons – all based overseas – have contacted us regarding the internship and queried the request for a non-refundable ‘application’ fee, although we are concerned that others may have been caught out,” comments Gordon Hockey, RCVS Head of Professional Conduct.

“We would advise any veterinary surgeon to think twice before paying for a third party to facilitate an application for any placement or internship, and reiterate that the RCVS does not offer any such programmes.”

 We are following up the situation with http://www.vetcontact.com/ and, if appropriate, we will notify the police. In the meantime, anyone who is concerned that they may have fallen victim to the hoax should contact the RCVS Professional Conduct department on 020 7202 0728