2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*
VETERINARY PRACTICE GUIDELINES 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats* Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Mary L. Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry), Sonnya Dennis, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Heidi B. Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, Christopher J. Snyder, DVM, DAVDCy, Amy E.S. Stone, DVM, PhD, Andrea G. Van de Wetering, DVM, FAVD ABSTRACT The 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats outline a comprehensive approach to support companion animal practices in improving the oral health and often, the quality of life of their canine and feline patients. The guidelines are an update of the 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. A photographically illustrated, 12-step protocol describes the essential steps in an oral health assessment, dental cleaning, and periodontal therapy. Recommendations are given for general anesthesia, pain management, facilities, and equipment necessary for safe and effective delivery of care. To promote the wellbeing of dogs and cats through decreasing the adverse effects and pain of periodontal disease, these guidelines emphasize the critical role of client education and effective, preventive oral healthcare. (JAmAnimHospAssoc2019; 55:---–---. DOI 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6933) AFFILIATIONS * These guidelines were supported by a generous educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc., From All Pets Dental, Weston, Florida (J.B.); Beyond the Crown Veterinary and Midmark. They were subjected to a formal peer-review process. Education, Lawrence, Kansas (M.L.B.); Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hos- These guidelines were prepared by a Task Force of experts convened by the pital, Newfields, New Hampshire (S.D.); Department of Small Animal Clin- American Animal Hospital Association.
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