Barden Greenfield, DVM, DAVDC, cautions veterinary teams about the variability of dental procedures, client consent forms and client accessibility to approve of variations from a periodontal exam and treatment plan.
80 percent of all dogs and cats over the age of 3 years have some form of periodontal disease. Therefore, the initial treatment plan for an oral procedure is much more subject to change—a fact that should be made explicitly clear to your clients to allow you some latitude.
Source: Veterinary Medicine, July 11, 2018. Link.
Don’t remove a strategic tooth unless you’re able to discuss it with the client first. If you later learn that the owner is against the procedure, you will have placed yourself in legal jeopardy.
INSIGHTS: This is good guidance during dental month from an experienced DVM.