Yandi’s Story: Age Is No Barrier to Good Oral Health

Yandi is a beautiful 17-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who has been part of the Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre family for the past seven years.

She is a much-loved and valued companion, and her family have always prioritised her health and wellbeing so she can enjoy not just a long life, but a healthy and comfortable one too.

This is sometimes referred to as healthspan, which is the period of life spent in good health and with a good quality of life. Yandi is a wonderful example of how proactive veterinary care can help support healthspan well into a pet’s senior years.

Like many small-breed dogs, Yandi is prone to accumulating heavy calculus on her teeth, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease if not managed.

Over the years, she has required the extraction of some incisor teeth that were affected by periodontal disease, but thanks to regular dental examinations and dental treatments, we have been able to preserve the majority of her teeth and keep them in excellent health.

At her most recent dental procedure, we identified a small gingival mass near one of her teeth. We took dental radiographs to assess whether the mass involved the underlying bone. Thankfully, there was no evidence of bone involvement. Based on its appearance and the imaging findings, the lump was most consistent with a benign gingival mass. We removed it during the procedure.

Regular dental examinations and treatments for pets aren’t just about their oral health and comfort in the short term.

The ability to detect potential problems early, before they become more painful or serious, is a major benefit for animals and their families.

In Yandi’s case, ongoing dental care has helped manage plaque, calculus and gingivitis, and also led to the early detection and removal of a new oral lump during a routine procedure, before it caused her any major issues.

Many owners become understandably nervous about anaesthesia as their pets get older. While age can increase the likelihood of underlying health conditions, it is only one factor we consider when assessing anaesthetic risk.

It’s also important to weigh up the risks of not proceeding. Dental disease can be painful, progressive and have a significant impact on comfort and quality of life. Yandi is a wonderful reminder that senior pets can still benefit greatly from appropriate dental care, and that maintaining good oral health remains important at every stage of life.

Yandi’s family’s commitment to her health, including her dental care, is a credit to them. It’s also likely a big part of why she’s still living her best life at 17.

If you have a senior pet who hasn’t had a dental procedure for some time, or you’ve noticed changes in their breath, eating habits or comfort, don’t be afraid to have a conversation with our veterinary team. We’re always happy to talk through the options and help you make an informed decision about what’s right for your pet.