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Puppy Tooth Census preliminary results

The preliminary results of the Puppy Tooth Census, launched by VisioCare, suggest that poodle crosses may be over-represented

Poodle crosses may be at increased risk of dental disease, according to preliminary results from VisioCare’s Puppy Tooth Census.

The dental health initiative launched by veterinary digital services company, VisioCare, at the end of March, aims to generate data and insights into dental conditions affecting puppies. It currently shows poodle crosses accounting for 25 percent of all responses. This is in line with anecdotal reports that vets are seeing more dental conditions in poodle cross puppies.

Retained deciduous teeth and lingually displaced mandibular canines are also reported as the main dental conditions affecting puppies. Members of the veterinary profession and puppy owners are encouraged to continue to to build on this important database of information which can be completed.

The popularity of poodle crosses has soared in recent years and early analysis of census results show that these crosses are overrepresented when it comes to dental conditions, which may suggest there are implications for the dental health of dogs in the UK. Without diagnosis and intervention, these dogs are likely to experience significant oral pain.

With very few studies that address dental disease in puppies and a lack of current data, it is hoped that the VisioCare Puppy Tooth Census will be a valuable tool to advance understanding and improve oral health and welfare.

To help raise awareness of the Puppy Tooth Census, Ingrid Tundo, head of the dentistry and oral surgery Department at the Royal (Dick) Vet School, presented a webinar sponsored by VisioCare on the challenges in puppy dentistry and malocclusion. She pointed out the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of dental disease in puppies saying: “Not uncommonly I see dogs presenting with ulceration and even oronasal fistulae due to severe malocclusion. These are very painful conditions and demonstrate why it is so important to check all puppies for signs of dental disease.

“Malocclusion due to persistent deciduous teeth must be treated without delay, especially where there is trauma to soft tissues when a wait-and-see approach is not advisable.” 

The webinar also covers important topics including tips for the successful extraction of persistent deciduous canine teeth and a recording can be accessed online.

The Puppy Tooth Census has been designed with busy veterinary teams in mind and only takes a few minutes to complete. Both vets and nurses are able to complete the census and can submit data around individual cases or healthy puppy mouths.

Every veterinary respondent will be given access to a free pack of educational materials to use in the consulting room. This includes state-of-the art digital animations and dental images that can be used to enhance client communication around the topic, together with explainer videos and puppy owner fact sheets and leaflets. In addition, each month for the next three months, responses will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £50 John Lewis gift voucher (terms and conditions apply).

Nicky Diver-Clarke, marketing manager at VisioCare Services is also offering a free marketing CPD session for practices that want to find the best way to amplify awareness of the Puppy Tooth Census within their practice. Anyone interested in accessing the free support can contact her.

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