BLOG DISCLAIMER

**DISCLAIMER** Please note: I am not a veterinarian, and the purpose of this blog is solely to educate, provide resources, and share Reo's story. In this blog, I will present research and information on the theories of SARDS to which I subscribe, along with my own narrative. If you think your dog may have SARDS, or adrenal exhaustion/Plechner Syndrome, please seek veterinary care right away!

If you are just beginning your SARDS education, I suggest you start with the blog post from August 22, 2011 entitled "SARDS Resources". If you'd like to know our trials, tribulations, and joys from the beginning, start with "But first...Reo!" and click chronologically on from there.

If you would like to read my suggestions as to how I would approach treatment for a newly-diagnosed dog, check the November 16, 2011 post "If I had another SARDS dog" (and then read my blog more fully for appropriate context).

Though we have decided to suspend Reo's retinal protection supplements in September 2012 (see September 16, 2012 post "Decision for Reo") due to the fact that she had very little remaining vision, I am still strongly supportive of our treatment approach, and know that it changed Reo's health and longevity in a positive way. Feel free to comment and ask me any questions - I am happy to help if I can!

Update: Reo became an angel on October 21, 2014. She had a profound kidney infection, causing acute kidney failure, and she was unable to recover. The contributing factors to her decline are covered in my February 16, 2015 blog post "Farewell to Reo".

Though I do not regularly update this blog any longer, much of the information is still relevant (though some of the links may be out of date). Feel free to join the conversation at "SARDS Dogs United" on Facebook.




Sunday, July 6, 2014

Dental health!

07/06/14 - Reo had surgery last week!  Eeeek!  We had done everything we could to prevent her from undergoing anesthesia, due to her hormonal imbalances, age, and heart murmur.  But, she developed a pocket along her gumline that would accumulate food.  It bled like crazy when I tried to brush her teeth, and I know it was painful to her.  So, we made the decision to get her a thorough dental, to let her live out her days pain-free.

We are very fortunate to live in the city next door to VCA Alameda East - one of the best vet hospitals in the country.  Reo's surgery was detailed, and she had an anesthesiologist on hand to tailor her treatment plan, and monitor her surgery to make sure everything went well.  Fortunately for us, it did!  She did extremely well, considering the circumstances, and is nearly back to her normal self - what a relief!

I know that many of us struggle with our dogs' dental health, particularly those of us with little dogs.  Reo's oral surgery was done by a Diplomate in dentistry.  I told him we have tried just about every dental toothpaste, spray, gel, wipe, and food additive out there (even those prescribed by our general practice vet), but it didn't help or prevent Reo's periodontal disease.  I wanted to share a few things he told me, in hopes that it will help someone!

The first thing he told me is that there is NO substitute for brushing.  Our dogs' teeth really need the mechanical action to get plaque off teeth, so don't delude yourself that a miracle product is going to eliminate this need.

The second thing he said, is that there is only one brand of dental products on the market that is VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council - didn't even know there was such a thing!).  That brand is Healthymouth:  http://www.healthymouth.com/

He recommended the water additive, which I purchased (expensive!).  It is way too soon to tell if it is effective, but all of the dogs in my household are getting this product in their water, so we shall see if it helps.

Just wanted to share what I learned!  :)