The effect of heart disease on anesthetic complications during routine dental procedures in dogs

Heart disease is estimated to affect approximately 11% of the dog population, with 75 to 80% of canine heart disease classified as chronic valvular heart disease, also called endocardiosis. Periodontal disease is also common in dogs – potentially among the most common diseases of older dogs. The presence of heart disease in dogs requiring general anesthesia for dental treatment represents an important source of anxiety among both practicing veterinarians and pet owners. In some dogs afflicted with both heart and periodontal d isease, needed dental procedures are denied or delayed because of this fear.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Cardiology Source Type: research