In August, the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care Teaching Hospital will participate in the first annual American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) Service Dog Oral Healthcare Exam program. The event will honor the dogs who selflessly serve the public – guide dogs, disability assistance dogs, working and military dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Across the country, AVDC veterinary dental specialists participating in the event will offer complimentary oral healthcare examinations.
The dentistry and oral surgery service at the UW Veterinary Care Teaching Hospital will be proud to offer its own expertise to this cause, including the services of two veterinary dental specialists, Drs. Chris Snyder and Jason Soukup, who are diplomates of the AVDC. To become AVDC dental specialists, veterinarians must complete advanced education, training, and examinations to meet the strict standards set by the American Veterinary Dental College. Drs. Snyder and Soukup are two of only four clinically practicing veterinary dental specialists in Wisconsin who hold this distinction.
During the August event, the service dogs will be examined for signs of periodontal disease, fractured teeth, discolored teeth, oral masses, and other oral and dental diseases that can cause pain or discomfort. Although no treatment will be offered as part of the Service Dog Oral Healthcare Exam program, if oral or dental abnormalities are found, a treatment plan will be laid out that the owner or handler can pursue at a later date. The UW Veterinary Care Teaching Hospital will offer their service dog discount to any dogs who return for treatment. The veterinary dental specialists will also teach service dog owners and handlers about the benefits of preventative oral health care.
The dentistry and oral surgery team at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine has treated service dogs in the past and is well aware that oral pain can prevent these dogs from working effectively. This program aims to ensure that America’s service dogs nation wide are able to do their important work at peak efficiency, and the dentistry and oral surgery service at the UW Veterinary Care Teaching Hospital is pleased to be a part of that effort.
Owners and handlers of service animals who have been certified from a formal training program, or enrolled in a training program can register on-line between July 1 and August 15 at the AVDC website: AVDC.org. Once registered, owners or agents will receive a registration number and can schedule an appointment with the UW School of Veterinary Medicine in August on a first-come, first-served basis.
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