Oral diseases and veterinary dentistry.

Oropharyngeal disease is common in dogs and cats. Signs are seldom apparent to the owner until the disease is well advanced, and often are not specific for a particular disease. Signs include inappetence, pawing at the mouth, drooling of saliva, dysphagia, and halitosis. These signs can result from primary oral disease, or from effects of systemic or skin disease. Oral examination requires a cooperative patient; sedation may be necessary so that the entire oral cavity can be examined without causing the animal pain or risking injury to the examiner.