are wonderful resources that all colleagues should support, VIN adds access to tens of thousands of colleagues (generalists and specialists) with diverse backgrounds, opinions, and a vast array of experiences.
Paul also made available VIN resources – including literature searches, articles, and use of VIN's most talented illustrator Tamara Rees – for this text. And although it might seem paradoxical to dedicate this volume to someone who admits to having done only a few ultrasonic “dentals” during his internship I can think of no worthier person for this honor than the leader of VIN, and my friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Pion.
About the Author
Dr. Jan Bellows has devoted his veterinary career to helping animals and veterinarians through dental practice and education. Dr. Bellows received his undergraduate training at the University of Florida and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University. After completing a small animal internship at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, he returned to south Florida where he still practices companion animal medicine, surgery, and dentistry. He was certified by the Board of Veterinary Practitioners (canine and feline) in 1986 and by the College of Veterinary Dentistry in 1990. He is past president of the American Veterinary Dental College and the Veterinary Dental Forum. He has been the president of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry since 2016.
Bellows has authored four other veterinary dentistry texts, including the following: The Practice of Veterinary Dentistry: A Team Effort (1999), Small Animal Dental Equipment, Materials, and Techniques (2005), second edition (2019), and Feline Dentistry (2010). He also is a frequent contributor to DVM Newsmagazine.
Dr. Bellows has been a charter consultant of Veterinary Information Network's (VIN) dental board since 1993. He was also chosen as one of the dental experts to formulate AAHA's Small Animal Dental Guidelines published in 2005 and contributed to the updated versions in 2013 and 2019.
Dr. Bellows practices at All Pets Dental, 17100 Royal Palm Blvd, Weston, Florida
Forewords
Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
As someone whose personal relationship with cat teeth is limited to avoiding being pierced by them, I feel awkward writing the preface to a text on the examination and treatment of these “weapons.” However, as an educator with passions for learning and sharing information, I've enjoyed observing the evolution of the art and science of feline dentistry by following collegial discussions in the Dentistry Folder and CE courses on Veterinary Information Network (VIN). The rapid growth in knowledge about feline dentistry and the application of that knowledge into clinical practice has been remarkable, from the perspectives of both medicine and practice finances.
What is nearly as remarkable, and disappointing, is the persistent lack of assimilation of this knowledge into the curricula of most veterinary schools. This reality, above all, defines the importance of this text authored by one of the most passionate pioneers and leaders in the field.
We veterinarians and those we work with care deeply about the treatment and comfort of our feline patients and companions. We also recognize that we can't fulfil our passion of caring for our patients without ensuring the financial health of our practices. Over the past few decades, feline dentistry has risen from the fringes of medicine to a cornerstone of both medicine and practice income.
Although, as a cardiologist, I am not likely to apply the wealth of practical knowledge contained within these pages, I firmly believe the information presented here is essential for the health and well‐being of our feline patients, our colleagues – young and old – and our profession.
Acknowledgments
The author acknowledges and greatly appreciates the selfless efforts of many in the production of this text.
First to my wife Allison who has always supported and encouraged my passion to do the best for my patients and help other veterinarians do their best too. Next my children Wendi, David, and Lauren who have helped in the practice and have been there every step of the journey.
Drs. Sue McTaggart and Ian Kupkee reviewed every word and image in this text. Dr. McTaggart is a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. Her copy‐editing skills and suggestions were little short of incredible. Dr. Kupkee is a veterinarian with a passion for dentistry and made suggestions to the text with his decades of experience as general practitioner in mind. Both share a passion for the best in companion animal dental care based on solid peer‐reviewed information where available. Their input resulted in the work you have before you.
Additionally, I acknowledge the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) in their efforts to “get things right.” I have had the pleasure and honor of being a member and chairman of the college's nomenclature committee from 2004–2009, during which time the college improved classifications for tooth resorption stages and types, fractures, periodontal disease, and many anatomical terms.
I also acknowledge Dr. David Sarment, a human dentist, who help write the section on CBCT imaging. Dr. Sarment is an expert on the subject.
I acknowledge and thank Dr. Paul Pion, the originator of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Dr. Pion strives to improve the veterinary community on all levels. Through the give and take on VIN's message forums, we learn from each other. I also thank Dr. Pion for the use of his talented full‐time graphic artist, Tamara Rees, who provided illustrations for the AVDC and this text.
Finally, I can't say enough about the publisher of this text, Wiley‐Blackwell. Working with Erica Judisch, Executive Editor, Purvi Patel, Project Editor, Merryl Le Roux, Managing Editor, and Susan Engelken, Editorial Publications Coordinator, has been a pleasure from our initial discussions, in early 2018, throughout the process to the submission of the manuscript and publishing this text in 2021. This is my fifth text on dentistry all with the same publisher. I would recommend Wiley to anyone wishing to work with a publisher that is patient and works with authors to create great texts.
Introduction
First Do Good
Throughout veterinary school the professors drilled in the mantra “do no harm”. I was not sure what that really meant – was I not to treat if harm could occur? I figured that if there was a good chance my patient would be harmed by my hands, I’d better not venture forward. But what if the patient was harmed by my inaction? And there lies the conundrum and the ultimate reason for writing the second edition of Feline Dentistry: Oral Assessment, Treatment, and Preventative Care. I wanted to share with as many veterinarians as possible how to do no harm, and instead do good for their feline patients.
Cats are not dogs. Small dogs are plagued primarily with various degrees of periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Large dogs more commonly present with gingivitis, fractured teeth, and oral masses.
Cats also are affected by periodontal disease and fractured teeth, but their main oral pathologies include tooth resorption, oropharyngeal inflammation, and maxillofacial cancer. Plaque prevention products and techniques covered in this text also differ from those used in dogs. Cats deserve their fair due, a book on dentistry dedicated solely to their species.
A global goal in writing this text is to introduce to
