Eye problems in pets: when to see a veterinary ophthalmologist

If your dog or cat has bad breath, brown tartar, or seems reluctant to chew, you are not alone. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in pets, and it is both treatable and preventable. The goal of this guide is to demystify professional dental cleanings, explain when extractions are recommended, and show you how anesthesia, imaging, and pain control keep your pet safe and comfortable. At Premier Paws, we pair compassionate care with modern diagnostics. Our team reviews outside records, discusses your goals, and builds a personalized dental plan so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s procedure. What happens during a professional dental cleaning A true veterinary dental cleaning is much more than scraping tartar. It is a comprehensive procedure performed under general anesthesia so the entire mouth can be examined and treated without stress or pain. Here is what a typical visit includes: Pre-anesthetic assessment with a physical exam and recommended bloodwork to screen organs and tailor anesthesia. Full-mouth oral exam, including probing to check for pockets and mobility. Dental radiographs, also called dental x-rays, to evaluate roots and bone below the gumline. Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, followed by polishing to smooth the enamel. Fluoride or barrier sealant when indicated, plus home-care coaching. Treatment planning and, if needed, extractions or periodontal therapy during the same visit with your consent. Dental radiographs matter because most dental disease hides under the gums. Fractured roots, resorptive lesions, bone loss, and abscesses are not visible to the naked eye. Imaging lets us treat the real problem, often saving teeth that would otherwise be missed or removing painful roots that would otherwise be left behind. Periodontal disease, explained simply Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It progresses in stages: Stage 1, gingivitis: Red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushed. Reversible with cleaning and home care. Stage 2, early periodontitis: Plaque hardened into tartar, mild bone loss begins. Professional cleaning is needed. Stage 3, moderate periodontitis: Deeper pockets, mobility, noticeable bone loss. Some teeth may be salvageable with advanced care, others may require extraction. Stage 4, advanced periodontitis: Severe bone loss, loose or broken teeth, oral pain, and infection. Extractions are commonly recommended to remove pain and infection. Early dentistry often saves money and teeth. Treating Stage 1 or 2 disease typically involves cleaning and targeted therapy rather than complex surgery. When and why extractions are recommended We recommend extractions when a tooth is unlikely to regain comfort or function. Common reasons include advanced bone loss, fractured teeth exposing the pulp, severe resorptive lesions in cats, non-vital teeth, or retained roots seen on dental x-rays. Removing a diseased tooth relieves pain, eliminates a source of infection, and prevents future abscesses. Most pets eat better, play more, and act happier within days once chronic oral pain is gone. Anesthesia safety and pain control Anesthesia allows a thorough, comfortable procedure and protects the airway from water and debris. Safety is our priority: Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us choose medications and fluids that fit your pet’s health. A dedicated technician monitors oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and ventilation from induction through recovery. Local nerve blocks and multimodal pain control reduce the amount of general anesthesia required and keep your pet comfortable after surgery. Senior pets can be good candidates for dental surgery. Age by itself is not a disease. What matters is a careful assessment, appropriate bloodwork, and an anesthetic plan tailored to existing conditions. Recovery and home care After a cleaning or extraction, most pets go home the same day. Expect your pet to be groggy and a little quieter that evening. We send home pain medication and, if extractions were performed, soft-food instructions. For 10 to 14 days, avoid hard chews and rough play that could stress sutures. Gentle toothbrushing, dental wipes, or VOHC-accepted chews can resume once the mouth has healed and we have cleared you to start. Daily home care combined with periodic professional cleanings slows plaque and keeps breath fresher. Costs, estimates, and why dentistry varies in price Dental costs can vary based on the time required, dental radiographs, the number and complexity of extractions, and medications. A straightforward cleaning is typically less than a cleaning plus multiple surgical extractions. Extractions take longer because they involve nerve blocks, surgical technique, suturing, and post-operative pain control. That additional time and expertise is what keeps your pet safe and comfortable. We provide a written estimate after a dental exam. If you are gathering information now, you can request a dental evaluation at our Lockport or Joliet locations so we can stage disease, review outside records, and give you a plan that fits your pet. How to tell if your pet is in dental pain Pets rarely cry with oral pain. More often you will notice: Bad breath that returns quickly after brushing or dental treats Brown or yellow tartar near the gums, red or swollen gums, or drooling Chewing on one side, dropping food, or refusing hard treats Pawing at the mouth, face rubbing, or swelling under an eye Changes in behavior like sleeping more, irritability, or reluctance to play tug Trust your instincts. Subtle changes often point to significant discomfort once we look under the gums with imaging. Our approach at Premier Paws Compassion and precision guide every step. Our team reviews prior medical records, integrates any outside lab work or x-rays you share, and creates an individualized treatment plan for your pet’s mouth. We discuss options, stage periodontal disease, and outline costs before treatment begins. If your pet needs additional diagnostics, our in-house lab and digital imaging simplify same-day care. If you are near Lockport and exploring a dental evaluation, learn how we approach pre-anesthetic testing and imaging in our overview of services to see how we tailor care to each patient. You can also read more about tailored dental care on our page about Lockport pet oral surgery to understand cleaning, radiography, and extraction decisions. Quick FAQ for concerned pet owners What is the most diagnosed oral problem for dogs? Periodontal disease tops the list. It affects the tissues around the teeth and often starts silently at the gumline. How much does dental surgery cost for dogs? Costs vary widely based on imaging, the number and type of extractions, anesthesia time, and medications. We provide a personalized estimate after an oral exam and dental radiographs. Why is it expensive to have teeth pulled? Extractions are surgical procedures that require dental x-rays, nerve blocks, sterile instruments, skill, time, and comprehensive monitoring and pain control to keep pets safe and comfortable. How can I tell if my pet is in dental pain? Look for bad breath, tartar at the gumline, red gums, drooling, chewing on one side, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or behavior changes. Should a senior pet have dental surgery? Often yes, if disease is present. With pre-anesthetic bloodwork, a tailored plan, and vigilant monitoring, many seniors do very well and gain quality of life once oral pain is addressed. Is pet insurance worth it for dental work? Many families find insurance helpful, especially when dental disease progresses or trauma occurs. Coverage and exclusions vary by plan, so review wellness versus illness coverage and any breed-specific dental rules. Premier Paws supports direct Trupanion reimbursement at checkout for enrolled clients. Take the next step If you have noticed bad breath, tartar, loose teeth, or chewing changes, a dental exam is the kindest next step. Early care typically means shorter procedures, fewer extractions, lower cost, and a happier pet. Book a dental evaluation and estimate so we can review records, take dental radiographs if needed, and build a plan that fits your pet and your budget. Helpful reads: Explore our Lockport services to see how we handle pre-anesthetic bloodwork and imaging: learn more about diagnostics and individualized plans at our services overview. If your pet may need extractions or advanced care in Will County, read about our approach on the Lockport pet oral surgery page. We are here to help you protect your pet’s smile and comfort, one thoughtful step at a time.

If your dog or cat might have swallowed a toy, sock, bone, string, or a bite of holiday leftovers, you are not alone. Foreign body emergencies are common, time sensitive, and stressful. The good news, with quick action and the right diagnostics, many pets make a full recovery. This guide explains what to watch for, what not to do at home, how we diagnose and treat foreign bodies, recovery timelines, costs, and how to reach help after hours. Red flag signs your pet may have a foreign body Call right away if you notice any of the following, especially if you saw your pet chewing something risky. Vomiting, dry heaving, or gagging Loss of appetite or refusing treats Abdominal pain, restlessness, or prayer position Lethargy or weakness Diarrhea, constipation, or straining without results Drooling, lip smacking, bad breath, or pawing at the mouth Bloating or a tight, painful belly String and ribbon are particularly dangerous for cats. A linear foreign body can saw through the intestines and becomes life threatening quickly. What not to do at home Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to do so. Some objects can damage the esophagus on the way back up, and string can worsen injury. Do not give bread, oil, or hydrogen peroxide without guidance. Do not wait to see if it passes if your pet is vomiting, seems painful, or stops eating. Do collect packaging or an identical toy for size reference and note the time you first noticed the issue. When in doubt, call us or use the Request Appointment form. If it is after hours, visit our Emergency page for nearby 24 hour hospitals. How we diagnose a suspected foreign body A fast, stepwise approach helps us find the problem and reduce risk. Physical exam. We assess hydration, pain, abdominal feel, oral cavity, and temperature. In house laboratory testing. Bloodwork checks electrolytes, kidney values, and infection markers. It guides anesthesia safety and fluid therapy. Digital x rays. Useful for bones, metal, stones, and patterns of gas that suggest obstruction. Ultrasound. Excellent for fabric, rubber, or string that may not show on x rays, and for assessing intestinal movement and free fluid. Endoscopy. In select cases, a camera can retrieve objects from the stomach or esophagus without an abdominal incision. We will review findings with you and outline options including monitoring, endoscopic retrieval, or surgery. Endoscopy versus abdominal surgery Endoscopy. Best for smooth items in the esophagus or stomach, within hours to a day of ingestion. Benefits include no abdominal incision, shorter anesthesia time, and faster recovery. Not appropriate if perforation, obstruction beyond the stomach, or sharp objects are suspected. Abdominal surgery. Required for intestinal obstructions, perforations, or when endoscopy cannot reach or safely grip the item. Surgery allows inspection of the entire gastrointestinal tract, removal of the object, and repair of damaged sections if needed. We choose the least invasive effective option based on imaging, timing, and your pet’s condition. Recovery timelines and feeding plans After endoscopy. Many pets go home the same day. Expect mild throat irritation and drowsiness. Most resume small meals within 12 to 24 hours, starting with bland food your veterinarian recommends. Normal activity often returns in 24 to 48 hours. After abdominal surgery. Hospitalization is commonly 1 to 3 days for fluids, pain control, and reintroduction of food. Expect 10 to 14 days of restricted activity at home to protect the incision. Feeding usually begins with small, frequent bland meals for several days, then transitions to regular food over 5 to 7 days as tolerated. An e collar prevents licking. Class 4 laser therapy can reduce inflammation and support tissue healing around the incision. Many pets are more comfortable, and swelling often resolves faster when we add laser sessions during recovery. Costs and what affects the estimate We believe in cost transparency. Final costs vary by size of pet, object type and location, imaging needs, hospitalization length, and complications. Diagnostics only, exam with x rays and in house lab work, is typically a few hundred dollars with added cost if ultrasound or repeat imaging is needed. Endoscopic removal is generally lower than full surgery, but still includes anesthesia, equipment, and monitoring. Abdominal surgery includes anesthesia, surgical time, supplies, hospitalization, medications, and rechecks. Costs increase if bowel repair or removal is required, if overnight intensive care is needed, or if complications arise. We will provide a written estimate before treatment and update you if the plan changes. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept cash, major credit cards, and CareCredit. For enrolled clients, we support direct Trupanion reimbursement at checkout. Answers to common questions How long can a foreign object stay in a dog? Some items can sit in the stomach for hours to a few days, but the risk rises with time. If obstruction occurs, damage can develop in 6 to 24 hours. Call as soon as you suspect ingestion. Early care gives you more options and better outcomes. Can a cat pass a linear foreign body? It is risky to wait. String can anchor under the tongue or in the stomach while the intestines accordion along it. This can cut the bowel, which is life threatening. Seek veterinary care immediately for any suspected string ingestion. How long does it take a dog to poop after surgery? After intestinal surgery, it can take a few days for bowel movements to resume. Small, frequent meals, pain control, and hydration help. Call us if there is no stool by day three, if vomiting returns, or if your dog seems painful. What helps dogs heal faster after surgery? Rest, a protected incision, pain control, good nutrition, and follow up checks. Use the e collar, give medications exactly as directed, and keep activity restricted for the full period. Class 4 laser therapy can support comfort and healing. How much does it cost to remove a foreign body from a dog or cat? Costs range based on diagnostics, endoscopy versus surgery, size of pet, and hospital stay. We will review a tailored estimate with you at the visit. What if I can’t afford surgery right now? Talk to us. We accept CareCredit and major credit cards and can help you prioritize lifesaving steps. We can also discuss referral options and, when appropriate, stabilization while you arrange financing. Aftercare at home, what to expect Give all medications on schedule. Offer small, bland meals then gradually increase quantity. Keep the e collar on until cleared. Check the incision twice daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or missing sutures. Limit activity to leash walks for potty breaks until your recheck. Call immediately for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, bloating, or any incision concern. When to call and where to go after hours If you suspect your pet swallowed something, call us now or use the Request Appointment form. If it is evening or the weekend, our Emergency page lists local emergency hospitals that can see your pet right away. If you are near Joliet and need same day imaging for a concern, explore our joliet digital radiography for pets page to see how we can help. If you are closer to Burbank, our team provides emergency pet surgery Burbank when urgent surgical care is needed. For Lockport area clients, we offer lockport veterinary diagnostics imaging to move quickly from concern to answers. The Premier Paws approach Your pet’s comfort and safety come first. We use modern diagnostics, a calm and efficient triage process, and individualized treatment plans. From exam to imaging, from endoscopy to surgery, and through recovery, we keep you informed at every step and follow up after you go home. Summary and next steps Foreign body emergencies move fast, and so should care. Watch for vomiting, pain, and appetite changes, do not induce vomiting without guidance, and call as soon as you are concerned. We will examine your pet, run in house labwork and imaging, and recommend the least invasive effective option, endoscopy when possible and surgery when needed. Recovery is usually smooth with a structured feeding plan, activity restriction, and, when appropriate, Class 4 laser therapy to support healing. For costs and payment options, we will provide a clear estimate and accept cash, major credit cards, CareCredit, and direct Trupanion reimbursement for enrolled clients. If it is after hours, visit our Emergency page for immediate care.