What Is a Staged Dental in Dogs and Cats?

A staged dental means splitting your pet’s dental treatment over two separate procedures and two anaesthetics.

For example, the teeth may be examined and cleaned during the first anaesthetic, with your pet returning another day for extractions.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we only recommend staged dentals for very specific patients.

Why Don’t We Routinely Stage Dentals?

It is easy to assume that two shorter anaesthetics must be safer than one longer anaesthetic.

This isn’t necessarily the case.

The biggest risk of an anaesthetic is not simply the length of time your pet is asleep. Induction—when your pet goes under anaesthesia—and recovery—when your pet wakes up—are particularly important periods of risk.

When we split one dental into two procedures, your pet has to go through:

  • Two inductions.
  • Two anaesthetics.
  • Two recoveries.

By having two anaesthetic events for the same procedure, we are essentially doubling the anaesthetic risk for our convenience rather than for the benefit of the patient.

For this reason, if we can safely complete the necessary dental treatment during one anaesthetic, that is generally what we prefer to do.

Why Can a Dental Take a Long Time?

Once your pet is anaesthetised, we can properly examine the entire mouth and take dental X-rays.

Sometimes we discover much more disease than we could see while your pet was awake.

If several teeth are diseased and need extracting, the procedure can take longer than originally expected.

Our priority isn’t simply to make the anaesthetic as short as possible.

Our priority is to safely complete the treatment your pet needs while avoiding another anaesthetic whenever possible.

When Would We Stage a Dental?

There are exceptions.

For example, we may consider staging treatment in a patient with cancer or another significant medical condition, where there is a specific reason why completing everything during one procedure may not be in that patient’s best interest.

These cases are considered individually.

Our Approach at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital

We don’t routinely stage dental procedures simply because the dental is becoming long or difficult.

For most dogs and cats, if we can safely diagnose and treat the dental disease during one anaesthetic, we prefer to finish the job.

Our approach is simple:

The decision should be based on what is best for the patient—not what is most convenient for us.

Are Anaesthetic-Free Dentals Good for Dogs and Cats?

Anaesthetic-free dental cleaning can make a dog’s teeth look much cleaner.

Tartar and plaque can sometimes be removed from the visible surfaces of the teeth without putting the dog under anaesthesia.

As a cosmetic procedure, this can work well.

However, if the goal is dental health and controlling dental disease, there are some important limitations.

We Can Only Clean What the Pet Will Allow

Some dogs will tolerate cleaning of the outside surfaces of their teeth.

The problem is the inside of the mouth. A conscious dog will generally not allow us to properly clean the inside surfaces, examine underneath the gums or thoroughly assess every tooth.

In simple terms, roughly 50% of the mouth cannot be properly examined or treated.

With cats, the limitation is even greater.

Most cats will not tolerate even the outside surfaces of their teeth being properly cleaned while awake.

The Real Problem Is Often Under the Gum

Dental disease isn’t just the tartar we can see.

Periodontal disease develops underneath the gum line and around the roots of the teeth.

Removing visible tartar doesn’t necessarily treat the disease underneath it.

Think of a tooth like an iceberg. Cleaning what we can see above the surface doesn’t tell us what is happening underneath.

What About Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays allow us to see the roots of the teeth and the bone surrounding them.

Neither a conscious dog nor cat will tolerate having a dental X-ray plate positioned precisely inside the mouth around individual teeth.

Without X-rays, painful or diseased teeth can remain hidden.

This is particularly important in cats, where painful dental problems can sometimes be difficult to identify simply by looking at the teeth.

So Are Anaesthetic-Free Dentals Worthwhile?

It depends on what you are trying to achieve.

For some dogs, if the goal is cosmetic—to remove visible tartar and make the teeth look cleaner—anaesthetic-free cleaning can achieve this.

But if the goal is to properly assess dental health, control dental disease and treat problems underneath the gums, it cannot replace a dental procedure performed under anaesthesia.

For cats, anaesthetic-free dental cleaning is even more limited because most cats will not tolerate their teeth being properly cleaned while awake.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our goal with dentistry isn’t simply to make teeth look clean.

We want to know that the mouth is healthy.

What Do Dental Grades Mean in Dogs?

Dental Grades Mean in Dogs

Dental grades help us estimate how severe a dog’s dental disease is, how difficult the procedure may be and ultimately give us an idea of the likely cost.

The important thing to remember is that the grade we give an awake dog is only an estimate.

Dental grades are an estimate before anaesthesia. Disease hidden below the gum line may change what we find.

What do the grades mean?

Grade 1 – Mild

Plaque and tartar with mild gum inflammation. We generally expect a straightforward clean with little or no periodontal disease.

Grade 2 – Early dental disease

More tartar and gum inflammation. Early disease may be developing below the gum line, so there is a greater chance that X-rays will find teeth needing treatment.

Grade 3 – Moderate dental disease

More significant disease below the gums, including loss of the bone and tissues supporting some teeth. Extractions are more likely.

Grade 4 – Severe dental disease

Advanced periodontal disease with significant bone loss, loose or infected teeth. Multiple extractions may be required.

Why isn’t the dental grade always accurate?

During a consultation we can see the crowns of the teeth, tartar, inflamed gums and sometimes loose teeth. But we cannot see what is happening around the roots.

A dog also will not allow us to place a dental X-ray plate inside the mouth and precisely position it around individual teeth while awake. Dental X-rays therefore need to be taken under anaesthesia.

Sometimes a mouth that looks like a Grade 1 while the dog is awake turns out to have much more significant disease once we can examine and X-ray it – occasionally closer to a Grade 3.

Think of a tooth like an iceberg

The crown is the part of the tooth we can see above the gum – like the tip of an iceberg above the water.

The root is hidden below the gum and inside the jawbone – like the much larger part of the iceberg underneath the water.

Dental X-rays allow us to look below the surface. They show the roots and the bone surrounding them, where important dental disease can be completely hidden.

How does the grade affect the price?

The higher the grade, the more treatment and time we are likely to need. A Grade 1 dental may simply require cleaning and polishing, while a Grade 3 or 4 dental may involve X-rays, extractions and considerably more anaesthetic and surgical time.

This is why dental grades are useful for estimating cost – but the final treatment and price can sometimes change once we can properly assess the mouth under anaesthesia.

Does your dog need a dental?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we use dental grades to give owners the best estimate we can before a dental procedure.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or bad breath, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for a dental assessment.

Why Does My Dog Have Bad Teeth?

Dental disease is extremely common in dogs.

It usually doesn’t start with a rotten tooth. It starts with something much simpler: plaque building up on the teeth.

It Starts With Plaque

Every day, a thin sticky layer called plaque forms over your dog’s teeth.

Plaque contains bacteria.

If plaque isn’t removed, minerals in the saliva cause it to harden and form tartar, also called calculus.

This is the yellow or brown material you can often see building up on a dog’s teeth.

The Real Problem Is Under the Gum

The tartar we can see isn’t usually the most important part of dental disease.

The bigger problem is what is happening along and underneath the gum line.

Plaque and bacteria cause inflammation of the gums. Initially, this causes gingivitis, where the gums become red and inflamed.

As the disease progresses, the gum begins to separate from the tooth and bacteria can travel deeper around the tooth.

This is called periodontal disease.

What Happens if Dental Disease Gets Worse?

A tooth isn’t held in place by the gum alone.

Underneath the gum are tissues and bone that support the tooth.

As periodontal disease progresses, these supporting structures gradually become damaged. Eventually, the bone around the tooth starts disappearing and the tooth can become loose.

At this stage, the tooth may be painful and often needs to be extracted.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Worse Teeth Than Others?

Some dogs develop dental disease much faster than others.

Small dogs are particularly prone to dental disease, especially when they have crowded teeth.

Genetics, the shape of the mouth, tooth alignment, diet, chewing habits and home dental care can all influence how quickly dental disease develops.

Age also plays a role. Because dental disease develops progressively, it becomes increasingly common as dogs get older.

Does Bad Breath Mean My Dog Has Dental Disease?

Often, yes.

Persistent bad breath is frequently caused by bacteria associated with dental disease.

Bad breath shouldn’t simply be considered a normal part of your dog getting older.

Can Dental Disease Be Prevented?

The goal is to remove plaque before it has the opportunity to cause disease underneath the gums.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most effective ways of doing this.

Dental diets, appropriate dental chews and regular dental checks can also help.

Once significant tartar and periodontal disease have developed, however, home care cannot remove the disease underneath the gum line. At that stage, a professional dental procedure may be needed.

Does Your Dog Have Bad Teeth?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we see dental disease in dogs every day.

Sometimes the visible tartar is only the beginning. The most important question is what is happening underneath the gum line and around the roots of the teeth.

A dental examination can help us determine how advanced the disease is and whether your dog needs treatment.

📞 If you’re concerned about your dog’s teeth or bad breath, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for a dental assessment.

What Is the Coronoid Process in a Dog’s Elbow?

The coronoid process is a small piece of bone inside the elbow joint of a dog.

It may be small, but unfortunately it sits in an area that can receive excessive pressure when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together perfectly.

Problems with the coronoid process are one of the conditions we see as part of elbow dysplasia.

Why Does the Coronoid Process Get Damaged?

A healthy elbow is designed so that the bones fit together smoothly and share the dog’s weight evenly.

If the elbow doesn’t develop with a perfect fit, too much pressure can be concentrated on the coronoid process.

Think of a table with one leg slightly shorter than the others. Instead of the weight being shared evenly, the table rocks and certain points repeatedly take more pressure.

Something similar can happen inside an abnormal elbow.

Genetics, abnormal growth and nutritional factors during development can all contribute to problems with the way the elbow develops.

What Happens to the Coronoid Process?

Repeated excessive pressure can damage this small piece of bone.

The damage can range from:

  • Small cracks within the bone.
  • Damage to the cartilage covering it.
  • A partial fracture.
  • A fragment of bone breaking away inside the joint.

This can cause inflammation and pain within the elbow.

Over time, continued abnormal pressure and movement can also damage the rest of the joint and lead to arthritis.

What Are the Signs?

Dogs with coronoid disease commonly develop front leg lameness.

The limp may initially be quite subtle and only appear after exercise. Other dogs can be considerably more painful, particularly when a fragment has broken away.

During an orthopaedic consultation, we can usually determine whether the elbow is the source of the pain.

We will often then recommend X-rays to investigate the joint further.

Is Coronoid Disease Part of Elbow Dysplasia?

Yes.

Fragmented coronoid process is one of the conditions included under the term elbow dysplasia.

Elbow dysplasia simply describes a group of developmental problems where the elbow has not formed or fitted together normally.

Treatment depends on exactly what is happening inside the joint.

Some dogs can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and appropriate exercise management. In other dogs, particularly where there is a painful loose or damaged fragment, further investigation and surgical treatment may be recommended.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, elbow problems are a common cause of persistent front leg lameness that we investigate.

The first step is a good orthopaedic examination to determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow and whether further imaging is needed.

If your dog has persistent or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Elbow Problems in Dogs: A Common Cause of Front Leg Limping

After paw injuries, the elbow is one of the most common areas we find causing front leg pain in dogs at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital.

Elbow problems can range from mild soreness after exercise to severe pain where a dog may barely want to use the leg.

One of the most common conditions we see is elbow dysplasia.

What Is Elbow Dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is a fancy term that essentially means the different parts of the elbow joint have not developed with a perfect fit.

When a joint doesn’t fit together properly, pressure is distributed unevenly across its surface.

In mild cases, this may simply cause some soreness after exercise.

In more severe cases, a small piece of bone or cartilage can become damaged or break away inside the joint. This can be extremely painful and can quickly lead to further damage and arthritis.

How Do We Know if the Elbow Is Sore?

During a consultation, we can usually determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow.

We watch your dog walk, examine the entire leg and compare it with the opposite side before carefully examining the painful joint.

If the elbow appears to be the problem, we will often recommend X-rays.

X-rays help us understand what is happening inside the joint and, importantly, what type of elbow problem we are dealing with.

Does Elbow Dysplasia Need Surgery?

Most elbow problems do not require or benefit from surgery.

Treatment can be as simple as:

  • Rest and controlled exercise.
  • A short course of anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Weight management where appropriate.
  • Longer-term management of arthritis if it has developed.

However, there are some elbow problems where surgery may be recommended.

For example, if a piece of bone has broken or become loose inside the joint, removing that fragment may be necessary.

When surgery is indicated, we generally want to deal with the problem as early as possible to reduce ongoing damage to the joint.

Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?

If your dog is repeatedly limping on a front leg, particularly after exercise, the elbow may be the source of the pain.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we regularly investigate front leg lameness and elbow problems in dogs.

A good hands-on examination can usually tell us whether the elbow is painful, with X-rays used when we need to understand exactly what is happening inside the joint.

📞 If your dog has ongoing or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.

Paw Problems in Dogs: A Common Cause of Limping

Paw problems are one of the most common causes of limping we see at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside.

Living close to the beach and local parks means our dogs spend plenty of time running on sand, grass and walking tracks—and occasionally stepping on things they shouldn’t.

Cuts and Paw Injuries

Cuts to the paw are very common around Bayside.

We regularly see injuries caused by:

  • Sharp shells and rocks at the beach.
  • Pieces of broken glass.
  • Small shards of metal.
  • Torn or broken nails.

Even a small cut can be painful because dogs are putting their full body weight through their paws with every step.

Grass Seeds

Grass seeds are another common problem, particularly during the warmer months.

They can become lodged between the toes and work their way underneath the skin, causing pain, swelling and sometimes infection.

A dog that suddenly starts licking between its toes or limping after a walk may have a grass seed.

Bites and Stings

Dogs occasionally step on bees or other insects while walking through grass.

This can cause sudden pain and swelling of the paw and may cause your dog to suddenly start limping during a walk.

We also see bite wounds to the feet from time to time.

Broken Bones

Although less common, dogs can also fracture the small bones of the toes or paw.

These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling and reluctance to put weight on the leg. X-rays may be needed to identify the fracture.

Nail Bed Problems

Most nail injuries are simple broken or damaged nails.

Very occasionally, however, a persistent problem affecting a single nail or toe can be caused by cancer of the nail bed.

A nail that repeatedly breaks, bleeds, becomes swollen or doesn’t heal should always be investigated.

Is Your Dog Limping or Licking Its Paw?

If your dog suddenly starts limping, checking the paw is a good place to start.

Look between the toes, underneath the paw and around each nail for cuts, swelling or anything that may have become lodged in the foot.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, paw injuries are something we see every week, particularly in dogs enjoying our local beaches and parks.

📞 If your dog is limping, licking its paw or has a paw injury that isn’t improving, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for an assessment.

Why Is My Dog Limping? How Much Does It Cost to Find Out?

If your dog is limping, you may be wondering what is wrong—and how much it will cost to find out.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, the first step is usually a $105 consultation.

In many cases, a good orthopaedic examination is all we need to identify where the pain is coming from and give you a likely diagnosis.

First, We Watch Your Dog Walk

Before even touching the painful leg, I will often take your dog outside and watch them walk along the street.

Sometimes a limp is very obvious. Other times it can be extremely subtle and only becomes noticeable after the dog has walked for a few minutes.

Watching your dog move naturally helps me identify which leg is affected and how they are using it.

Then We Examine the Whole Body

Next, we look at your dog standing naturally.

We look for asymmetry between the two sides of the body. Is one leg carrying less weight? Is there less muscle on one side? Is the dog standing differently or shifting its weight away from a painful area?

These small clues help us start building a picture of where the problem may be.

We Examine the Normal Legs First

Before examining the painful leg, I will usually examine the normal legs first.

This gives us something to compare against and also allows your dog to become comfortable with the examination before we approach the painful area.

We feel the muscles, bones and joints and check how each joint moves.

Finally, We Examine the Problem Leg

Once we have watched your dog walk, looked for asymmetry and examined the normal legs, we examine the affected leg.

By this stage, we have already started building a case for where the pain is likely to be coming from.

We then work systematically through the problem leg, looking for pain, swelling, instability or abnormal movement.

For many common problems, such as a cruciate ligament injury or luxating patella, this examination can give us a very good idea of what is wrong.

Sometimes, however, we need X-rays to get the complete answer.

When Do We Need X-Rays?

Dogs and cats can’t tell us exactly where or why something hurts, so sometimes we need imaging to confirm what we suspect from the examination.

If we suspect a broken bone, we may only need to X-ray the affected leg.

For other conditions, we may need X-rays of both legs. This is particularly useful when we suspect an alignment or developmental problem, as the opposite leg gives us an important comparison.

We may also X-ray both sides when we suspect a condition that can affect both legs, such as hip or elbow dysplasia.

Why Does My Pet Need Sedation for X-Rays?

Getting a useful X-ray isn’t simply about taking a picture.

The bones and joints need to be positioned accurately. This can involve extending, rotating or holding a painful leg in positions that an awake animal may find uncomfortable.

Sedation keeps your pet comfortable and allows us to obtain accurate, good-quality X-rays without unnecessary pain or stress.

So, How Much Will It Cost?

For many pets, finding the cause starts with the $105 consultation.

If the examination gives us the answer, we can then discuss treatment and what to do next.

If X-rays are needed, we will explain what needs to be X-rayed and why before proceeding, along with the additional cost.

Our aim isn’t to perform every test available. It is to build the case step by step and only perform the tests we need to get an answer.

Is Your Dog Limping?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, we regularly investigate lameness in dogs and cats from Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Black Rock and surrounding Bayside suburbs.

Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes the signs are very subtle.

Either way, our approach is the same: watch them move, look at the whole body, compare the normal legs and then carefully examine the painful leg.

📞 Book a consultation at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to find out why your pet is limping.