When COHAT Is Necessary

While preventative care is always preferable, there are situations when a complete COHAT procedure becomes necessary:

  1. When dental disease has progressed below the gumline
  2. When dental X-rays are needed to assess tooth roots and jawbone
  3. If extractions or other dental surgery is required
  4. When pets have fractured teeth or resorptive lesions
  5. For pets with severe gingivitis or periodontal disease

Our veterinary team will carefully assess your pet’s needs and recommend COHAT when it’s the most appropriate treatment to relieve pain, address infection, and restore oral health.

The Importance of Dental X-rays

Dental x-rays are a crucial component of comprehensive dental care that’s only available during a COHAT procedure. Much like human dentistry, veterinary dental x-rays reveal problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

 

More than 50% of a tooth’s structure is below the gumline, meaning that significant disease can be present without showing any obvious external signs. Some common issues that dental X-rays allow us to identify include:

  • Root abscesses
  • Bone loss around teeth
  • Fractured roots
  • Resorptive lesions
  • Retained tooth roots from previous extractions
  • Jaw fractures or tumors

This diagnostic capability means we can provide more effective treatment and prevent future problems by addressing issues that would otherwise go undetected.

Which Service Is Right for Your Pet?

The appropriate dental care for your pet depends on several factors, including:

  • Your pet’s age and overall health
  • The current condition of their teeth and gums
  • Their temperament and ability to tolerate procedures
  • Any existing medical conditions
  • Previous dental history

At Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we evaluate each pet individually and recommend the most appropriate dental care options. For pets with minimal dental disease, a PTCA may be sufficient. However, for more extensive needs, we’ll recommend a COHAT.

A combination approach often works best—using COHAT to address existing disease, followed by regular PTCA maintenance to help extend the time between routine COHAT procedures. This integrative approach allows us to provide the most comprehensive care while minimizing the need for anesthesia when appropriate.

Signs of Dental Problems in Pets

Monitoring your pet for signs of dental issues between professional cleanings is essential. Please contact us if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Reluctance to eat, especially hard food
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Excessive drooling
  • Visible tartar buildup or discolored teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Missing or loose teeth
  • Facial swelling
  • Nasal discharge

Early intervention can prevent dental problems from becoming more serious and more expensive to treat down the road.

A large dog with a tan coat and black muzzle is lying down and looking at the camera. The dog, likely well-cared for by a veterinarian, is wearing a red collar and has pointed ears. The image is set within a circular frame with abstract shapes and a teal border.

Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Assessment at Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care

Don’t wait until dental problems become severe to address your pet’s oral health. Regular preventative care can save your pet from pain and discomfort while reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments in the future. Mountain View Animal Hospital & Holistic Pet Care is proud to be one of the few providers in Northern Nevada offering both PTCA and comprehensive COHAT services.

Contact our team today at (775) 853-6900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a dental assessment for your pet or to learn more about our dental services. We’re committed to providing integrative care, combining the best traditional and holistic approaches to keep your pet family members healthy from teeth to tail.