814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. (US HWY17)
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 216-VETS (8387)

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Dental Exam/Trim:

Dental examinations are not just for people, and many exotic pets require regular dental exams and trims.  Guinea pigs and rabbits in particular are prone to dental overgrowth, especially if they are not on a properly balanced diet. 

If the teeth are allowed to overgrow, the pet can find it difficult or impossible to chew hay, eat food, and drink water.  If a rabbit or guinea pig is unable to eat, their gastrointestinal systems can go into stasis, which is very dangerous for the pet and may require hospitalization or even surgery to correct. 

Dental exams require the pet be anesthetized, so the doctor has full access to the patient’s entire mouth.  He uses specially-designed equipment to assist in the exam, and will correct any dental issue that are present and perform any extractions or trimming deemed necessary. 

If gum disease or abscesses are present, he will prescribe antibiotics and give suggestions the client can use at home to prevent the disease from recurring.

This guinea pig's back teeth have grown over his tongue,  making  eating difficult and painful!

This rabbit's teeth look good, not requiring trimming.  Proper hay intake helps naturally file the teeth.

 

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March 2003

Last Update:  March 2008

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