WHAT IS MASTICATORY MYOSITIS? Masticatory myositis (MM) is a disease that causes an inability to open the mouth. Other names for this are Masticatory Muscle Myositis, MM, Trismus or Triple M. German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the most commonly affected breeds, but any breed or mix…
Oral surgeons repair a large variety of maxillofacial fractures (fractures of the jaws, nose, and facial bones, collectively). There is a large variety of repair techniques available for fracture stabilization. The bones of the face vary widely in shape, size, curvature, and density in dogs and cats, and we often find multiple fractures in one…
Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma (POF) is a very common oral tumor in dogs. POF was previously known as a type of epulis, with “epulis” being an outdated umbrella term for a gingival (gum) mass. These tumors arise from the ligament which holds the tooth into the socket. They are slow growing and non-metastatic (they don’t spread…
Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. Surgical removal is the most effective treatment and is often combined with radiation and/or immunotherapy. Despite treatment for this aggressive cancer, many dogs sadly succumb to distant metastasis. Survival time is related to presence of gross (visible) disease at diagnosis, size of tumor, clinical stage, the…
SCC is the most common oral tumors we see in cats. It often presents as a rapidly growing pink fleshy mass associated with the gingiva (gums), oral mucosa, or tongue. SCC characteristically invades bone and has often caused a large amount of bone destruction by the time it is diagnosed. Alternatively, we also commonly find…
CAA is a tumor that we commonly encounter in our canine patients. This tumor was previously known as an “acanthomatous epulis“, with “epulis” being an outdated and non-specific term simply meaning “growth on the gingiva (gums).” Recent in-depth studies of gingival masses have provided more accurate definitions of “epulis” tumors such as CAA. A pathologist…
Opening statement for Oral Tumors: Oral tumors constitute about 6% of the overall incidence of cancer in dogs and cats. Early detection is vital to the successful treatment of oral tumors. This is why regular oral examinations are so important, especially as your dog or cat ages. Signs of Oral Tumors: Unfortunately, you are unlikely…
Definition The term “malocclusion” refers to any abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth. Teeth are organized in a very specific pattern and, in normal occlusion, they achieve the ideal goal of a comfortable and functional bite. When we treat a malocclusion, our primary goal is always the same- restoration of a comfortable and…
Oral tumors constitute about 6% of the overall incidence of cancer in dogs and cats. The most important thing to know about oral tumors is that early detection is key to successful treatment. This is one of the reasons why regular oral examinations, especially as your dog or cat ages, are extremely important. * NOTE:…
Why is anesthesia required for dental care in animals? Diagnosis in human dentistry usually starts with what hurts. The dentist sprays cold water on a sensitive tooth and you say “Ouch!” A patient’s symptoms are critical to the diagnostic process. But because animals cannot tell us how they feel, veterinarians must look for other diagnostic…
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To provide the highest quality anesthetic and veterinary dental and oral surgical care to our patients, and engage in detailed, open and friendly communication with our clients and referring veterinarians.