FINAL VIDEO:  An old Doberman Pinscher became crazy when the vet tried to open his mouth. toothaches
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2014-01-28

Real life case studies of dogs suffering from various grades are shown in this video to educate pet owners. 

Periodontal (gum) disease or periodontitis in dogs is classified from Grades 1 to 4. This disease usually starts from 6 months of age in dogs.

Grade 1. Gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums
Grade 2. Gingivitis + loss of periodontal tissue attachment of 0-25%
Grade 3. Gingivitis + purulent discharge + loss of periodontal tissue attachment of 25-50%
Grade 4. Gingivitis + purulent discharge + loss of periodontal tissue attachment of over 50%. 

X-rays are needed to differentiate between Grade 2 and Grade 3 as they are sometimes hard to judge on visual examination. 

A case of the old Doberman Pinscher presented to Dr Sing Kong Yuen at Toa Payoh Vets for "not active, loss of appetite and front leg lameness" is presented. The unusual behaviour of pawing of the mouth using the front paws when the mouth is pried open for examination provided evidence that the actual problem was tooth aches. 

The dog had tried to relieve oral pain using his front paws which became ulcerated and swollen. The back paws were dry and not swollen.

After dental treatment and dental work by Dr Daniel Sing, the dog was active and eating again. The owners were delighted with the outcome. Antibiotic injection was given one day before dental work to get rid of the bacteria in the mouth. The dog permitted mouth examination 20 hours after antibiotic injection as seen in the video.

Other dog with various grades of periodontal diseases are shown in the video as they were available, making this video more interesting. 

Regular or yearly dental check up is advised at Toa Payoh Vets to enable the teeth to be in good condition to old age.

UPDATES AT:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2021/01/3955-periodontal-gum-diseases-in-dogs.html


Additional case studies:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2020/10/gum-disease-in-old-dog.html