Oral radiography in cats and dogs

Abstract

Oral radiography is a very important tool in veterinary medicine, however it is a widely underused and neglected commodity. The importance of its role in the optimal treatment of animals with oral and maxillofacial conditions, including trauma and oncology cases, cannot be emphasised enough. A significant proportion of the pathological changes associated with oral disease processes are invisible to the naked eye as the tooth roots and alveolar bone are located subgingivally, therefore oral radiography is essential to facilitate a thorough assessment of their health and to identify underlying disease. Any practice admitting animals for ‘dentals’ are encouraged to invest in the equipment and training required to obtain diagnostic oral radiographs to enhance their treatment of these cases; this will be of benefit to the veterinary professionals involved with treating the animals, the clients and ultimately the patients.