Changes

===Overview===

==Overview==

Most pet owners will not be aware that their pet has an oral problem so an examination of the oral cavity should be part of every physical examination. '''Oral examination in a conscious animal will only give limited information''' and a definitive oral examination can only be performed under general [[Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]]. All detected abnormalities should be recorded.  

Most pet owners will not be aware that their pet has an oral problem so an examination of the oral cavity should be part of every physical examination. '''Oral examination in a conscious animal will only give limited information''' and a definitive oral examination can only be performed under general [[Anaesthesia|anaesthesia]]. All detected abnormalities should be recorded.  

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===General Physical Examination===

==General Physical Examination==

A complete, general physical examination should always be carried out and never overlooked in the attempt to move straight to the primary complaint. Most patients will need a general anaesthetic for a dental diagnosis, so in order for treatment to be carried out it is important to check the [[Cardiorespiratory System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|cardiovascular and respiratory]] systems and identify any potential risks. Some oral diseases may also be linked to more generalised disease for example, [[Atopic Dermatitis|dogs with skin allergies]] often have severely worn incisor teeth, with or without hair impaction, resulting in periodontitis. Certain autoimmune conditions manifest at all mucocutaneous junctions, so always check the whole body for lesions, not just the mouth. It is also important to remember that oral signs may be secondary to systemic disease, not a disease entity on their own, for example, [[Uremia|uremic ulcerations]], petechial haemorrhages secondary to bleeding disorders/liver disease etc.

A complete, general physical examination should always be carried out and never overlooked in the attempt to move straight to the primary complaint. Most patients will need a general anaesthetic for a dental diagnosis, so in order for treatment to be carried out it is important to check the [[Cardiorespiratory System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|cardiovascular and respiratory]] systems and identify any potential risks. Some oral diseases may also be linked to more generalised disease for example, [[Atopic Dermatitis|dogs with skin allergies]] often have severely worn incisor teeth, with or without hair impaction, resulting in periodontitis. Certain autoimmune conditions manifest at all mucocutaneous junctions, so always check the whole body for lesions, not just the mouth. It is also important to remember that oral signs may be secondary to systemic disease, not a disease entity on their own, for example, [[Uremia|uremic ulcerations]], petechial haemorrhages secondary to bleeding disorders/liver disease etc.