Veterinary Dentistry Los Angeles

Catalina Day Trip

Pictures from a recent trip to Catalina Island...or should I say, "Santa Catalina." The tour guide on our Scenic Tour made it a point to mention that the "Santa" is often forgotten or dropped. He did make a good point, you don't really say Monica or Barbara when referring to Santa Monica or Santa Barbara.

Suggestions if you have never been. When visiting be prepared to just "chill." I wouldn't expect to be entertained with loads of activities in Avalon. Take a tour or tours to occupy your time! I highly recommend the Casino Walking Tour: Click here for Discovery Tours

Other neat-o facts:

• 800 car limit on the island (20 year wait list)
• no door-to-door mail delivery (although KFC "Colonel Sanders" does)
• the winning architectural design of the "casino" on the island is based on the catilever principle--so smart!
• something completely unrelated...the stamen is the male organ of a flower

Tooth Re-implantation in a Dog

Schatzie, a 6-month-old, female, Rottweiler dog was presented this past Friday for re-implantation of a tooth that was completely avulsed from its tooth socket as a result of chewing on a wrought iron fence. Schatzie is a potential show dog and the client did not want to sacrifice the tooth (extract). Presentation was within hours of the avulsion injury. Under anesthesia, Dr. Tsugawa obtained radiographs of the tooth socket to confirm that fragmentation of the root did not occur during the injury. The exposed roots were disinfected with a doxycycline lavage; followed by application of autogenous growth-factor rich platelet-rich plasma to enhance healing. The re-implanted tooth was stabilized to the adjacent teeth using a wire and composite splint. The splint will remain in place for 3 weeks; after which, continued radiographic monitoring of the re-implanted tooth will be necessary. Monitoring is necessary because the vitality of this tooth is questionable--i.e., the blood supply to the tooth was completely severed. If the tooth is determined to be non-vital, root canal treatment will be necessary.

Introducing the New Iams Tartar Treats

The new Iams Tartar Treats are available in 3 different sizes (small, medium and large) and are an excellent addition to your dog's (older than 6 months) existing oral hygiene program. Dogs love these nutritional and beneficial treats!

Keep your chin up!

A prominant chin is something many in Hollywood would dream of having, and some might even consider a chin implant to get that much desired look. Mr. Wiggly the cat, however, wanted none of that, and his chin swelling was secondary to an abscessed fractured tooth. Fractures of teeth that are deep enough to extend into the inner portion of a tooth (i.e., pulp) are a direct pathway for bacteria and subsequent infection. In this case, the chronic infection resulted in destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth root and chin. In severe cases such as Mr. Wiggly, extraction of the affected tooth is the only reasonable therapy and will achieve excellent results; whereas less severe cases are best treated by root canal therapy.

Buster's New Grill!

One of my favorite patients was in today to get his gold crown cemented in place. It looks great...he's got the bling-bling! Metal crowns are both protective, as in this case, after Buster received a root canal treatment at this tooth, and attractive, he is sure to be envy of the other dogs at the dog park.

Continuing Education

Upcoming continuing education lecture at the Marina Veterinary Group with Dr. Rachel Jones and Staff on Monday, April 24th (9:00 to 11:00AM). Here's a link to their new website:  Marina Veterinary Group

Meet Dr. Tsugawa

Dr. Tsugawa will be speaking on the topic of "Understanding Periodontal Disease and Periodontal Therapy" at the upcoming 8th Annual Golden State Veterinary Conference in Anaheim, CA.

• Where:

  Disneyland Resort - Anaheim

  Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel

  1717 Disneyland Drive

  Anaheim, California  92802

• When: Saturday, May 6, 2006 (1:00 to 4:50 PM; Crystal Cove - First Floor)
• How: Online Registration

New Brochure

Check out my new brochure (PDF, 283 KB)!  Download Brochure_color.pdf

Helpful Veterinary Dentistry Link

Clients often ask me about foods and treats that may be helpful in reducing dental plaque and calculus accumulation in their dog or cat. Although nothing beats daily brushing in terms of mechanical removal of dental plaque and calculus, this website provides a listing of "dental" products that meet a set standard for effectiveness.  Click here to go to VOHC.

About Veterinary Dentistry Blog

This blog is the anti-formal veterinarian - client relationship and breaks down this cold and uncomfortable barrier to allow for the open discussion about topics pertaining to veterinary dentistry and the dissemination of sound, expert veterinary dentistry advice for pet owners in a warm and inviting forum.