FAQs

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Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

Periodontal disease (disease of the structures around the tooth--the gums, bone, and connective tissue) is one of the most common problems that we deal with on a daily basis at Lake Area Animal Hospital. Periodontal infections, tooth fractures, and oral masses can be sources of serious discomfort for your pet and can cause your pet to lose teeth prematurely. Additionally, untreated periodontal infections can cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper veterinary dental care can help prevent your pet from developing painful dental conditions, avoid loss of teeth, and can extend their life expectancy as well.


What are heartworms and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?

Heartworms are a serious, year-round parasitic threat to your pet’s health. After an infection occurs, treatment is not only very expensive, but can also be life threatening. Heartworms are common in Louisiana, and can infect both our canine and feline companions. Heartworms are spread when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then transfers the juvenile worms when it bites a healthy animal. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, these immature worms can grow into adults that can cause serious damage to your pet’s blood vessels, lungs and heart, and may even cause death.

There are several options available for prevention of this potentially life threatening disease. Preventatives can keep your dog or cat healthy and are much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. Our veterinarians will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on needs and lifestyle.


At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

There are several factors that help determine the best age for spaying and neutering including your pet’s breed (larger breeds wait longer) and individual health status. Typical spaying and neutering for most pets not used for breeding purposes is usually recommended between 6 and 8 months of age.


How are dental X-rays taken in dogs?

Dental X-rays (also called radiographs) in dogs are similar to those taken in humans. An X-ray machine uses small amounts of radiation to see the inside of your dog's teeth and areas below the gum line that are hidden from view. Unlike humans, dogs must be under general anesthesia for dental X-rays. Anesthesia is a safe procedure and will be performed after a general examination. It is tailored to the individual and your dog is continuously monitored during the dental exam. Your veterinarian may perform preanesthetic blood tests to ensure that kidney and liver function are satisfactory prior to administering anesthetic. Dogs cannot tell us when their teeth are diseased and some dogs never show that they are in pain, even if they are. In many cases, X-rays are the only way your veterinarian can know that your dog has a serious dental problem. For example, in the images on the right, the teeth appear normal, but the X-ray shows severe bone loss due to painful periodontal disease . Once the problem is identified, your veterinarian can treat the problem, thereby relieving your dog’s discomfort. Cleaning a dog's teeth without X-rays often results in missed opportunities to improve the quality of life and health of your dog.


How often should my pet’s teeth be X-rayed?

Dogs need an oral examination under anesthesia whenever there are missing, discolored, or broken teeth, swollen and inflamed gums, oral growths, or bad breath. Even without any of these signs, pets need to have their mouths X-rayed at least once every year. Remember, one human year is the same as 5-7 dog years, and people routinely have dental X-rays at least every other year.


Must my pet be anesthetized for X-rays?

Yes, dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth that will be X-rayed. They need to be still during the oral assessment, treatment, and prevention procedures. Without anesthesia, the X-ray sensor cannot be accurately placed. After your veterinarian examines your pet and runs necessary preanesthetic tests, anesthesia can be tailored specifically for your pet and closely monitored during procedures. Anesthesia is considered very safe.


Should I be concerned about excessive radiation?

No. Veterinarians use only a small amount of radiation to take dental X-rays. There are no reports of harmful radiation effects in pets from this level of exposure. Please ask our staff about the availability of dental procedures and packages available today!


Why Microchip Your Pet?

• Permanent identification that lasts a lifetime.
• Increases the chances of a safe return if your pet gets lost.
• Quick and painless procedure, similar to a routine vaccination.
• We recommend micro chipping all pets, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors.

Get your pet microchipped today and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your pet is permanently linked with you. Set up an appointment with Lake Area Animal Hospital to have your pet microchipped today.

Our Clinic

630 East School St.
Lake Charles, LA 70607

Phone: 337-479-1199
Fax: 337-479-2922
Email: laah630@yahoo.com


Hours

Monday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

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