Pre-anaesthetic testing helps determine which medications are most appropriate for that pet, reduces the likelihood of complications, and may identify undiagnosed diseases in pets, which may alter the anaesthetic plan altogether. A comprehensive profile is highly recommended, particularly in senior pets.
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Studies have found that only 30%-66% of pet owners adhere to an elective dentistry recommendation from a veterinarian.1,2
The three most common reasons for refusal and some tips for your clinic to combat these to increase client compliance with your dental recommendations are:1-7
1. Cost Concerns and
2. Misconceptions about Necessity
Cost, value and necessity are inextricably linked. Ensure the pet owner recognises both the value and necessity of professional dental care in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, which can be a source of chronic pain and infection, and lead to a poor quality of life for their pet, impacting on the important bond they have together.3,5,6 This is essential to communicate necessity.
Ensure the pet owner understands the importance and breadth of the dental and oral disease prevention, diagnostics, and therapies which will be undertaken during the procedure.5-7 This is crucial to communicate value.
- preanaesthetic examination, including diagnostics (haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis)
- premedication with pain relief and a sedative to calm the pet
- general anaesthesia with intubation and full patient monitoring throughout the procedure
- general anaesthesia with intubation and full patient monitoring throughout the procedure
- an anaesthetised oral exam and dental charting of all teeth
- dental radiographs
- oral irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine (to reduce bacterial aerosolization)
- ultrasonic scaling and polishing of the teeth at a minimum; in addition to the possibility of surgical extractions of teeth ad indicated.5-7
3. Fear of Anaesthesia
This fear stems from concerns about safety and potential risks. Discuss your anaesthesia and analgesia plan, specifically tailored to their pet, his/her age, breed (species) and health status and reinforce the safety and effectiveness of medications used in pets in today’s veterinary practice.
Emphasise the meticulousness of pre-operative assessments, especially diagnostic evaluations to detect any potential issues beforehand, so the veterinary team can be prepared to intervene as needed.
Explain your modern anaesthesia and monitoring equipment and comprehensive monitoring protocols AND highlight the experience and skill of the veterinary team in performing anaesthetics.
Demonstrate your commitment to post-operative care to underscore your team’s dedication to their pet’s wellbeing.1-7
Give the pet owner materials to read after the verbal explanation, to reinforce messages delivered and allow additional to time to digest the information.7
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References:
1. Kanji, N. et al. Effect of veterinarian-client-patient interactions on client adherence to dentistry and surgery recommendations in companion-animal practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012 Feb 15;240(4):427-436
2. Maddison JE. Medication compliance – challenges and opportunities. Viewed online 15 March 2024 at https://www2.zoetis.com.au/academy/dermatology-medication-compliance.
3. Zoetis International HABRI Survey Full Presentation, 2021, data on file.
4. Lue, T.W. et al. Impact of the owner-pet and client-veterinarian bond on the care that pets receive. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008 Feb 15;232(4):531-540.
5. Bellows, J. et al. 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. JAAHA 2019 Mar/Apr; 55(2): 1-21.
6. AAHA. 2013 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines and Dogs and Cats Implementation Toolkit. Viewed online 16 March 2024 at www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/dental/dentaltoolkit_booklet.pdf.
7. Burke, J. 3 ways to market dental services. DVM360 online. Feb 2023. Viewed 12 March 2024 at https://www.dvm360.com/view/3-tips-for-marketing-veterinary-dental-services.
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