Oral pathology in dogs and cats: Common conditions

Oral pathology—and particularly periodontal disease—is the most common category of disease in dogs and cats. Unfortunately, these problems frequently go undiagnosed and untreated. In this session, you’ll review the normal anatomy of the tooth and surrounding periodontium as a first step to recognizing abnormalities. Discover various diagnostic challenges and treatment opportunities that coincide with the progressive stages of periodontal disease. Come away knowing when a complete oral health and assessment treatment (COHAT) is indicated, how to diagnose periodontium attachment loss, the differences between open and closed root planing, how to recognize and treat gingival hyperplasia, and other questions about common oral pathologies. This presentation also covers these common conditions: feline stomatitis, feline juvenile gingivitis/periodontitis, endodontic disease, feline tooth resorption, canine caries oral neoplasia, and malocclusion.  

This session originally was presented at AVMA Convention 2023. 

Learning Objectives:   

• Understand normal oral anatomy in dogs and cats. 
• Recognize oral pathology. 
• Understand the stages of periodontal disease and treatment options for each stage.  

Dr. Patrick Vall earned his DVM from The Ohio State University. He spent the first 17 years of his career in general practice and emergency medicine, and he has owned practices in Maryland and Colorado. In 2015 he became board certified by the American Veterinary Dental College. In 2017 he became the owner of Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Colorado. Dr. Vall is a past president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Chapter 7-Colorado Springs Area Veterinary Society.