"Tails" from Our Clients
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Isaac is a seven year old, handsome male, domestic long-haired cat. Isaac had a painful mouth for 1-1/2 years that did not respond to antibiotic or steroid medication. Isaac became lethargic and antisocial. He lost weight and was taking pain medication daily. Isaac’s veterinarian referred Amy and Isaac to Dr. Hoffman for a second opinion.
Isaac had plasma cell stomatitis which was causing the pain. The cause of stomatitis in cats is not fully understood and treatment is not always successful. Currently, the most successful treatment involves removing most or all of the teeth.
Dr. Hoffman removed Isaac's back teeth. Isaac is eating well again and has gained weight. He particularly likes to eat his cat food, ice cream, and tuna. Isaac and Amy watch squirrels and birds in the yard and movies together. He also plays with his brothers, Milo the cat and Dudley the dog.
Amy says, "I have my baby back! This is the cat I had years ago. He's playful, loving and eats. He's back!"
Rocky is a member of the Shah family. He is an eight year old Dachshund. A year ago, Rocky began having bad breath and he seemed to be having difficulty eating. Routine dental cleanings seemed to help at first but then Rocky's mouth became painful and he wouldn't allow his teeth to be brushed.
When Dr. Hoffman saw Rocky, he had lost three pounds. She found infection under Rocky's gums. The infection had caused bone loss, loose teeth, and a deep pocket that went all the way into Rocky's nose. Dr. Hoffman performed oral surgery to close the hole, remove loose teeth, and remove infection from pockets around the teeth.
Rocky now enjoys eating canned food again and whatever his family is eating as well. He has gained back the three pounds he had lost when he was in pain. He plays ball, likes to go to the beach and the dog park. He has his own bed but usually ends up in bed with Mr. and Mrs. Shah.
The Shahs say that Rocky is a totally new dog since his dentistry procedures. He seems happy and playful, and "the difference is like that between night and day."
Brandy is a gentle 7 ˝ year old female Weimaraner. Brandy had an open sore in her mouth with some bleeding. Brandy’s owners, Steve and Boni were told that Brandy should have a tooth pulled out. They brought Brandy to see Dr. Hoffman for a second opinion.
Dr. Hoffman found six cavities in four of Brandy’s molars. The decay had caused an ulcer in her mouth where one of the molars was rubbing on the palate. Dr. Hoffman removed the decay and put six fillings in Brandy’s molars. The ulcer healed and none of Brandy’s teeth had to be pulled.
Boni is doing a great job brushing Brandy’s teeth every day. One year after Brandy’s cavities were treated, no new cavities were found. Brandy’s favorite treats are mini raw carrots and red and green peppers. She has her very own La-Z-Boy recliner. Brandy likes to chase chipmunks and squirrels and she catches frogs and toads.
Buddy is a seven-year-old Shepherd mixed breed dog. Ron and Diana had taken Buddy to their Veterinarian for a growth on Buddy’s gum. The Veterinarian performed a biopsy and found that Buddy had a tumor (ameloblastoma). The tumor does not spread to other parts of the body but causes pain in the mouth and can grow very large.
Dr. Hoffman performed a surgery to remove part of Buddy’s lower right jaw in order to remove the entire tumor. Buddy was in less pain four days after the surgery than he was before the surgery! He began playing with his toys in one week and loves to play ball. He easily catches and carries his ball in his mouth.
Buddy lives with three cats, one puppy and a 3 yr old Boxer. He likes to wrestle with the Boxer and with Ron. He especially likes to go for walks in the neighborhood with Ron and Diana. Buddy eats Purina Dog Chow and likes to chew squeaky chewy toys. He is a very gentle pet.
Jaime is a 7-year-old female Havanese. Her owners, Thomas and Judy, found Dr. Hoffman on our Web site. Jaime had advanced gum disease for years and had seven teeth previously extracted. She had an odor in her mouth and her gums were red and swollen. Jaime's owners noticed that she had stopped chewing on her rawhide bones.
Dr. Hoffman cleaned Jaime's teeth above and below the gums. She applied medication below the gums to treat the pocket threatening to cause Jaime to lose another tooth.
Because Jaime's gum disease will progress without home care, Thomas and Judy take time to clean Jaime's teeth twice daily. They are doing such a great job at home that Jaime's gum disease is under control.
Jaime's owners say she is doing "excellent." Her energy level has increased and she seems much happier. She loves to go for walks and play ball. She is fed Hill's Oral Health dog food but loves to eat carrots and grapes.
Ivan is a 3-year-old neutered male German Shepard. His owner, Scott, noticed in August that Ivan had a broken a canine tooth. Ivan appeared to be eating well, but Scott decided to consult Dr. Hoffman.
Dr. Hoffman found that the canine tooth had been fractured and pulp was exposed. A broken tooth with pulp exposure is very painful. Dr. Hoffman performed a root canal on Ivan and made an impression for a crown to be manufactured. Two weeks following the root canal, Ivan had a metal crown placed on his broken canine.
Since his root canal, Scott said Ivan is doing "real good." He loves to run and play Frisbee. He is carefree and naps whenever he likes. He enjoys meat, cheese, and candy corn!
Ivan is the "coolest" dog on his block now that he has his shiny new silver tooth!
Hercules is a 12-year-old male Yorkshire terrier. Over the years, Hercules had significant health issues that he and his owner, Marcia, have battled. Hercules had gum disease leading to the extraction of eight teeth. When Hercules was 9 years old, he fell and hit his face on concrete. He had severe damage to his lower jaw and consequently had surgery to remove it.
When Hercules came to Dr. Hoffman, he was wheezing and made a whistling noise when he breathed. Dr. Hoffman found two large holes in Hercules' upper jaw. The holes connected with Hercules' nasal cavity. These holes predisposed Hercules to pneumonia. Dr. Hoffman repaired the holes in Hercules' upper jaw.
Since his surgery, Marcia says that Hercules is doing "pretty good" and breathes normally. He sleeps in his new basket and loves to watch TV. He really enjoys watching the Browns (of course!). Hercules still needs to eat gruel but his favorites are chip chop ham and roast beef mixed with his dog food. He is eating and drinking better since his surgery, but he will always need to work on gaining weight.
