The tongue is a unique organ that is responsible for a diverse array of functions including vocalization, prehension and swallowing of food and water, chewing (mastication), grooming, and suckling in dogs. Additionally, the tongue aids in reducing body temperature (thermoregulation) during panting.
Dogs are mischievous creatures and are always getting into trouble. As their caregivers, we often wonder how to help them when their curiosity turns wrong. It can be alarming when our canine companions are bleeding
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Saliva is constantly produced and secreted into the oral cavity from a dog’s salivary glands. Dogs have four pairs of major salivary glands and several other minor ones that drain within the oral cavity.
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Dogs have 42 teeth consisting of incisors, canines (fang teeth), premolars, and molars. Incisors are used for gripping things and grooming. The function of the canine teeth is to grasp during prey apprehension.
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Oral ulcers in cats are lesions that occur in the oral cavity and can be quite painful. Treatment of oral ulcerations depends on the underlying cause. In humans, mouth ulcers are commonly called ‘canker sores.’
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Canine stomatitis, or CCUS (Canine Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis), is an oral ulcerative disease. It is seen in all breeds of dogs but is more common in King Charlies Cavalier spaniels, terriers, and the Maltese.
From harmful chemicals to various foods, there are many common household items that are toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. At Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, we know that pets often lick, chew, and swallow whatever...
If your dog appears to have pain opening his jaw, cries when opening his mouth wide or can’t open his mouth at all, he is probably experiencing an issue that needs to be addressed by a veterinary dentist.
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The temporomandibular joint is a “hinge” joint responsible for opening and closing the oral cavity. The TMJ movement differs across species due to each species’ dietary requirements.
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Soon after I graduated from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 my first boss told me that it was impossible to provide quality veterinary care and have it be inexpensive.
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