Changes

As well as the presentation, primary complaint and signalment, it is important to obtain a full clinical history of previous illnesses and treatments. Some diseases may have an impact on oral health for example, [[FIV]], respiratory viruses, immune mediated conditions etc. Although questions related to feeding and diet may be helpful when assessing dental diseases, the information obtained can sometimes be misleading. For example many pets appear to continue eating as normal as they eat the same food and quantity but the owner may have failed to notice that they are eating more slowly or that they are only chewing on one side. Any change in feeding behaviour or any vices such as stone chewing do provide useful information though.  

As well as the presentation, primary complaint and signalment, it is important to obtain a full clinical history of previous illnesses and treatments. Some diseases may have an impact on oral health for example, [[FIV]], respiratory viruses, immune mediated conditions etc. Although questions related to feeding and diet may be helpful when assessing dental diseases, the information obtained can sometimes be misleading. For example many pets appear to continue eating as normal as they eat the same food and quantity but the owner may have failed to notice that they are eating more slowly or that they are only chewing on one side. Any change in feeding behaviour or any vices such as stone chewing do provide useful information though.  

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There are '''subtle changes'' which often go unnoticed and the client should be questioned as to whether any of these have occurred –  

There are '''subtle changes''' which often go unnoticed and the client should be questioned as to whether any of these have occurred –  

*Ask whether the pet has changed their '''drinking behaviour''' (cold water may cause a reaction in dogs with sensitive teeth),  

*Ask whether the pet has changed their '''drinking behaviour''' (cold water may cause a reaction in dogs with sensitive teeth),  

*Ask about any '''hesitancy when food is being chewed or swallowed''', or any '''exaggerated swallowing actions''',  

*Ask about any '''hesitancy when food is being chewed or swallowed''', or any '''exaggerated swallowing actions''',  

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It is also important to find out what '''level of dental homecare''' the owners provide prior to any treatment being carried out. This is very important for those diseases requiring long term management and where no “cure” is available. It is also important to know what homecare is being provided prior to the full examination to ascertain whether this is adequate.

It is also important to find out what '''level of dental homecare''' the owners provide prior to any treatment being carried out. This is very important for those diseases requiring long term management and where no “cure” is available. It is also important to know what homecare is being provided prior to the full examination to ascertain whether this is adequate.

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===General Physical Examination===

===General Physical Examination===