27 Tooth shortening and endodontic therapy
CASE HISTORY
The owner was concerned that the dog didn’t seem to be able to close his mouth completely and drooled continuously. Also, he would not play with toys and would only eat soft food.
The dog had been involved in a slow speed accident with a car when 6 months old (the owner had accidentally backed into him). He had seemed unhurt at the time. The problem with jaw closure was noted roughly a month after the accident and had been getting progressively worse.
The dog was seen by its own veterinarian, who referred the case to us for evaluation and treatment.
ORAL EXAMINATION – CONSCIOUS
This was a nice-tempered dog that allowed thorough oral examination and occlusal evaluation (Figs 27.1 and 27.2).
Figure 27.1 Wry bite – rostral view in the conscious animal. Occlusion is best examined in the conscious animal. The dog does not allow closure of the mouth and drools continuously. There is obvious saliva staining of the fur. Note the midline deviation of the incisors. Tooth 404 is flared out, and there is space in the diastema between 103 and 104 for this tooth to fit in normal occlusion if the jaws were able to close.
Figure 27.2 Wry bite – left lateral view of rostral occlusion in the conscious animal. Tooth 304 is trapped medially, occluding with palatal mucosa, causing a deep, ulcerated indentation.
ORAL EXAMINATION – UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHETIC
A thorough oral and dental examination, including investigating periodontal parameters, was performed. All findings were noted on the dental record sheet.
In summary, examination under general anaesthesia identified the following:
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