Exotic animal corporate practice.

I have attempted to give insight into many of the aspects of a corporate veterinary job in the retail pet industry. Understand that these are my experiences, and corporate jobs are as diverse as the number of corporations in this field. My experiences have been positive because I have been fortunate enough to become an integral part of a company with an outstanding company ethic regarding animal care and business as a whole. This is a dream position for a veterinarian who wishes to make a far-reaching difference for animals. At PETCO I am the Animal Advocate and I do have the responsibility to look at every situation through the eyes of the animals. I take this responsibility very seriously and understand that every decision I make has a lasting impact on not only the animals we sell but also the associates who daily give their heart and soul as they care for the animals in our stores. This is the way I have chosen to make a difference in the world: by using my veterinary education as well as my life experiences in ways that are very different from the James Herriot of old-different from the advanced veterinary practices in this new millennium but steadfastly following the same principles we promised to uphold when we took the veterinary oath... Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering,the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.     

Nonhuman primate dentistry.

Dental procedures in nonhuman exotic primates present many out of the ordinary problems that are related to variations of the teeth and oral cavity and serious zoonotic considerations and procedural time limitations. Most of these challenges can be met with appropriate knowledge, training, equipment, and rapidity and precision in performance. Unfortunately, alacrity generally comes from repetitive performance of procedures and entails a learning curve.     

Juvenile veterinary dentistry.

The good news is that most dogs and cats live through their first year of life with no dental or oral problems requiring attention. For the others, being aware of the potential problems, recognizing them early, and instituting appropriate care in a timely manner can improve the quality of life immediately and avoid more serious problems in the long term.     

Restorative dentistry. Clinical applications

Restorative techniques for human teeth have been used and refined for centuries. Most of these techniques can be applied with few modifications to restore diseased or damaged teeth in animals. The results can be both functionally sound and cosmetically pleasing.     

Laser use in veterinary dentistry.

Lasers have been used in human dentistry since the 1960's. Lasers can provide a veterinary dentist access to difficult to reach areas with a relatively bloodless surgical field. Due to vaporization of nerve endings, human patients undergoing laser dental treatment reveal less pain compared to scalpel driven procedures. Dental applications for the commonly used lasers are discussed, as are special safety precautions. Many dental procedures enhanced by a carbon dioxide laser are covered. Future applications for the laser in veterinary dentistry are also discussed.