Smaller dogs have an increased incidence of periodontal disease, explains Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, a veterinary dental specialist and senior pet advocate.

Preventing periodontal disease in dogs

Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, a veterinary dental specialist at Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital in Boerne, Texas, discusses steps veterinarians can take to reduce the risk and severity of periodontal disease in dogs. She explains why smaller dogs face a higher risk, emphasizing the importance of early client education, and offers guidance veterinarians can share with pet owners about at-home dental care.

The following is a transcript of the video, lightly edited for clarity and cohesion:

From the very first [veterinary visit for puppies], you know, it’s tough to talk about it. [At that first visit] you’re doing vaccines and talking diet. But certainly by that second or third puppy visit, as you’re examining the teeth, make sure that owner is aware [of dental health risks and home care].

I used to say that dogs that were going to be about 20 lb at adult weight, ‘we have to be really more aggressive at taking care of their teeth,’ but now we see so many [dogs] that are under 10 lb, even. Definitely with those smaller dogs, we know there’s an increased incidence of periodontal disease. They don’t have as much bone, their teeth are more crowded, and what might be a 1-mm bone loss in a Great Dane doesn’t matter as much as it does in a Chihuahua.

So as we look at that, we educate owners early on—especially with these smaller dogs—and try to get them to do some level of home care. While brushing is best, it can be challenging. I even like using dental wipes, coming from behind the head and doing it that way, so it’s a little less assertive.

And then regular oral exams and regular dental cleanings under anesthesia. And while we still may have the occasional extraction or some problems with it, we can [absolutely] help decrease the impact of periodontal disease in these pets.

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Smaller dogs have an increased incidence of periodontal disease, explains Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, a veterinary dental specialist.

Photo: Вероника Зеленина/Adobe

In this Q&A, adapted from an interview with 

 conducted at the 2025 New York Vet Show in New York City, Monica Tarantino, DVM, MBA, discusses chronic pain in geriatric canine patients. Tarantino shares guidance for veterinary professionals on diagnosing pain in senior dogs, recognizing signs that chronic pain may be affecting quality of life, developing multimodal pain management plans, and understanding the importance of addressing chronic pain in practice.

Tarantino is the cofounder of the Senior Dog Veterinary Society in Alexandra, Virginia, which aims to advance the care of elderly dogs in veterinary medicine.

She is also the coauthor of 2 books for early-career veterinarians, 

. In addition, Tarantino is active in animal rescue, with 4 adopted dogs, 2 rescue cats, and the occasional foster.

: What can practitioners do to better diagnose chronic pain in older dogs?

 I think right now, something practitioners can do to better diagnose chronic pain in older dogs is to start screening for it sooner and to be more proactive with questions to pet parents when we’re taking a history. A lot of times, there are older dogs showing signs of chronic pain at home with really subtle behavioral changes, and owners don’t know that those signs actually reflect chronic pain. So if we’re not asking, we’re not going to know.



: What signs suggest chronic pain may be affecting a dog’s quality of life?

 Signs that chronic pain may be becoming a quality-of-life concern include changes in things like the pet’s energy level or their ability to be part of the family or do things they enjoy. That often comes up with diseases of chronic pain such as arthritis in the joints, back pain, or even dental disease. Those things can certainly slow an animal down. Noticing that slowing down is really important when we’re talking about quality of life.



: How should veterinarians approach multimodal pain management in geriatric patients?

 When developing multimodal plans, what’s really important is to look at the patient in front of you and what they’re actually struggling with or what diseases they actually have. A lot of times in geriatric pets, you have patients that that have multiple comorbidities that they are dealing with. You have to look at them and think, 

what comorbidities are going to affect that pet’s quality of life the most

And how can I arrange my therapy to actually help them for that?

When it comes to chronic pain, we talk a lot about how, if a dog has pain—for example, in a knee due to arthritis or in an elbow—we don’t want to think only about treating that focal point. We need to think about the entire patient. Oftentimes, chronic pain from degenerative joint disease can actually result in and turn into neuropathic pain that affects patients at different points in the pain pathway. So really thinking about the holistic pet and their global health is important when coming up with a multimodal treatment [plan].

: Is there anything else you’d like to add or emphasize?

 I think that chronic pain is more prevalent than we actually realize, and I think it’s so important for us to address it as practitioners because it is a quality-of-life disease, and we don’t always give it the attention it deserves at this time. For me, I think starting to bring up chronic pain more frequently as a practice at every level—making people aware of it and what the signs look like—can be highly beneficial to our patients, which is what we all want.

Articles

"I think that chronic pain is more prevalent than we actually realize...we don’t always give it the attention it deserves," says Monica Tarantino, DVM, MBA.

A Q&A on recognizing and managing chronic pain in senior dogs

Laila Proença, DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM, recommends correct positioning, preplanned imaging technique, and judicious sedation to get diagnostic avian radiographs while protecting staff and patients.

Sedation is the key to better bird radiographs

Laila Proença DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM, founder and CEO of VetAhead, explains practical tips for avian radiography. She highlights 3 positioning checks to ensure diagnostic images, warns against hands-on restraint and improvised fixes, and recommends appropriate sedation to reduce stress and improve image quality.

: For avian radiographs I check three things. On the ventrodorsal view the keel should be perfectly aligned with the spine. The legs should be extended and parallel to one another. The wings should be extended and symmetric. Those three checks help make sure the bird is well aligned and positioned so you can reliably evaluate the organs.

One major pitfall is hands-on radiography where staff hold the bird and expose themselves to radiation. Another common mistake is inventing shortcuts to restrain birds without sedation. For example, people buy acrylic plates with Velcro to secure the patient and then forget to adjust the kVp for the plate. Those extra steps rarely make life easier because the bird will often move even when Velcroed. I see clinicians try to MacGyver solutions instead of using safe, standard techniques and appropriate sedation.

The secret to good radiographs across species is stopping movement. Sedation makes the patient stop moving. A poorly positioned radiograph raises more questions than answers because you cannot tell whether a finding is a true lesion or just superimposition from an oblique position. Parrots can be especially dramatic. They flap and vocalize, which makes the procedure stressful for staff and for the patient. Sedation done correctly is the best way to get a good image and to keep the patient safe. The risk of death from extreme stress during handling is often higher than the risk from properly performed sedation. It is a misconception that sedation must be dangerous. When done correctly it is safe and it improves outcomes.

o read more news and view expert insights from Fetch Long Beach, visit 

’s dedicated site for conference coverage at 

https://www.dvm360.com/conference/fetch-long-beach

Laila Proença, DVM, PhD, MV, MSc, DACZM explains that affordable intraoral cameras plus mandatory pre- and post-extraction imaging let general practitioners perform safe, complete dental extractions.

Why do cat wag their tails? Annie Valuska, PhD, explains this behavioral cue and more in a dvm360 interview.

Interpreting feline behaviors, part 2

What does it mean when a cat wags its tail? In a 

 interview, Annie Valuska, PhD, principal scientist for the pet behavior team at Purina, discussed common behaviors that cat owners may typically see and what they can mean. The interview also discussed canine behaviors as well as which companion animal behaviors sometimes lead to pets being surrendered by their owners or euthanized.

of this 2-part video series about feline behaviors, Valuska discussed hissing, one of the most common behavioral cues, including misconceptions and what it really means.

 This second video addresses feline tail wagging as well as ear positioning, and how these behaviors can be interpreted.

The following is a transcript of the video:

Wagging tails are often misunderstood in cats as well [as dogs]. I think people take what they've learned or think they've learned about dogs and [think] ‘hey, a wagging tail is happy,’ which, as 

, is not necessarily the case, and assume that when a cat has a swishing tail that that also means that the cat is happy, but in most cases, it's quite the opposite. With cats, that big sweeping wag in a cat's tail is often a sign that they're feeling really physiologically aroused and stimulated, and it's probably not a good time to pet or approach that cat. Usually, cats that have that level of arousal or stimulation happening are not looking for pets at that time.

Another sign you can look for that can indicate that physiological arousal and maybe that the cat needs some space, is the cat's ear position, as those ears start to rotate towards the side and back of the head, which the internet calls ‘airplane ears’. Ears to the side and pointing towards the back is another sign that the cat might be feeling a little bit overwhelmed, overstimulated. Probably not a good idea to pet them at that time. Whereas if the ears are pointing forward, like a cat Halloween headband, and there's a lot of other body language indicating that the cat is feeling calm, like that tail being up in the air, maybe the tip of the tail swishing back and forth, the cat being willing to take up a lot of space, seeming very relaxed, their eyes in a nice neutral position, that is a cat that is probably safe to approach and open to some pets.

Crossley KC, Valuska A. Interpreting feline behaviors (Part 1). 

. December 17, 2025. Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/interpreting-feline-behaviors-part-1-

Interpreting feline behaviors (Part 2)

For many veterinarians, spays and neuters are the first surgeries that they learn and can be the most frequently performed throughout their careers. Even though this is considered a routine procedure, surgical technique has continued to evolve. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has transformed how we approach both complex and straightforward cases in veterinary medicine.

Laparoscopy has become a viable and increasingly accessible option for elective sterilization in canines and felines. As equipment becomes more affordable and training is more widespread, veterinarians can see firsthand how laparoscopic techniques can benefit patients, clients, and practices.

The core principles of MIS are to achieve the same surgical goals while minimizing tissue trauma. For laparoscopic sterilization procedures, this means using 1 to 3 small incisions to gain access to the abdomen via laparoscopic ports, insufflating with CO

 for visualization and working space, and using specialized instruments to seal and transect ovarian, uterine, and testicular structures.

Compared with traditional open approaches, laparoscopic surgery results in less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic outcomes. Patients typically require less analgesia postoperatively and can return to normal activity within days rather than weeks. For the surgeon, laparoscopic surgery allows for excellent visualization because of enhanced magnification and illumination. This is particularly advantageous when working in small or less accessible regions of the body, such as the caudal abdomen. For owners who are increasingly attuned to comfort, cosmesis, and recovery, these benefits are compelling.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy is a procedure in which the ovaries are removed via 1 to 3 small incisions, often with the aid of a vessel-sealing device. After insufflation, the ovaries are identified and suspended, either with graspers or a transcutaneous suture, and the ovarian pedicles are then either sealed or ligated with suture and subsequently removed from the abdomen (

Images courtesy of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons

 Ovary suspended with the use of a laparoscopic grasper during laparoscopic ovariectomy.

Several studies have shown a reduction in postoperative pain scores compared with traditional open ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Because removal of the uterus is not necessary in most young and healthy patients, ovariectomy achieves sterilization while minimizing anesthesia time and tissue trauma.

Although laparoscopic ovariectomy is the most commonly performed minimally invasive sterilization, ovariohysterectomy is also feasible and can confer some of the same benefits to the patient with regard to reduced pain and a faster recovery. Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy can be performed for cases in which uterine pathology is suspected and is appropriate for some patients with pyometra (

). This approach has been reported to be feasible, associated with a low risk of conversion, and requires less rescue analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy compared with a traditional open approach.

Pyometra treated with laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy. Dilated, fluid-filled uterine horn can be retracted by the blunt laparoscopic probe.

Similar to a laparoscopic ovariectomy, this may be performed with 1 to 3 ports, depending on the surgeon's preference. The surgeon begins by grasping and retracting the ovaries and sealing or ligating the ovarian pedicle. Following this, the broad ligament is continually broken down with the aid of a vessel-sealing device bilaterally until the remainder of the uterus can be gently exteriorized. The ports are removed, the incision is lengthened to facilitate placement of a wound retractor, and the remainder of the ovariohysterectomy is performed extracorporeally.

Laparoscopy allows for excellent visualization and access to abdominal cryptorchid testicles in comparison with open approaches (

). Furthermore, open approaches may be challenging or limited, and have been reported to be associated with iatrogenic injury to the prostate, bladder, and ureters. The testes are able to be identified easily in the caudal abdomen and can be grasped directly to allow exposure to the ductus deferens and testicular vessels. These vessels are sealed and transected in a similar fashion to a laparoscopic ovariectomy and removed from the abdomen.

. Abdominal cryptorchid testicle suspended by a laparoscopic grasper during a laparoscopic cryptorchiectomy.

Although most of the early literature focused on dogs, laparoscopic sterilization is also feasible and has similar advantages in cats. Feline laparoscopic ovariectomy can be performed using 3- to 5-mm instruments in a similar fashion to dogs. Laparoscopic sterilization in cats allows the same benefits as it does in dogs, resulting in less pain, a smaller and more cosmetic incision, and a faster recovery.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy is also feasible in feline patients and allows for excellent visualization of the retained testicle. Although working space can be challenging, this can be improved by the use of smaller instruments and percutaneous sutures for retraction.

Patients that undergo laparoscopic sterilization are generally able to be treated as an outpatient and can be discharged the same day. Postoperative analgesia may include opioid medications while in the hospital, and most patients will benefit from the administration of an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug upon discharge. Patients should be exercise-restricted for 10 to 14 days postoperatively and encouraged to wear an Elizabethan collar, or potentially a surgical suit in the case of feline patients. The risk of complications following laparoscopic sterilization is low, but does include hemorrhage, infection, and dehiscence.

Laparoscopic procedures help minimize tissue trauma and allow same-day discharge.  

Minimally invasive sterilization for canines and felines

A generic product for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in canines has been approved by FDA officials. Meloxicam Oral Suspension (Felixvet) is bioequivalent to Metacam (Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) at the equal amount (1.5 mg/mL) of meloxicam, the active ingredient.

“Pain relief is essential to quality of life, especially for aging pets,” Vince Palasota, president of the North America division for Felixvet, said in a news release.

 “With the approval of Meloxicam Oral Suspension, we’re providing veterinarians and pet owners with a safe, trusted treatment option backed by rigorous FDA standards.”

Meloxicam Oral Suspension is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug, dispensed by prescription. The FDA has determined the drug to be safe and effective, when administered according to the label, for relieving stiffness, decreased mobility and joint pain, while improving the affected patient’s overall comfort and activity level.

OA is a leading cause of chronic pain in dogs and can have a large impact on both patient and owner quality of life. In 

a lecture at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference

 in Charlotte, North Carolina, presenter David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA, founder and orthopedic surgeon at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics in Lanham, Maryland, told veterinarians that, as an inflammatory disease that can be secondary to other diseases, OA can occur in dogs at any age. He also noted that some clinical signs of OA are subtle and identifying the disease requires a patient history, physical examination and diagnostic imaging.

“OA is a total management disease,” Dycus said. “Our primary focus in patients with OA should be on modulating, mitigating, and/or eliminating inflammation.”

The generic meloxicam oral product is supplied in 32 mL and 100 mL bottles with measuring syringes. The FDA indicates initial administration of the drug at a dose of 0.09 mg/lb body weight only on the first day of treatment, and once daily at a dose of 0.045 mg/lb body weight for all subsequent treatments.

 The drug can be mixed with food or administered directly, depending on the patient's weight and with veterinarian guidance.

Clinical results may be seen within days, according to Felixvet. “Pet owners are seeking convenient and dependable options to manage chronic pain,” Palasota said.

 “Meloxicam Oral Suspension delivers on both counts.”

Meloxicam Oral Suspension is part of a portfolio of generic products launched by Felixvet for managing canine osteoarthritis pain and inflammation, which also includes an injectable formulation of meloxicam.

 Additionally, the company launched Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets, a generic NSAID therapeutically equivalent to Rimadyl (Zoetis) for managing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and for postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs, in April 2025.

Felixvet receives FDA approval for Meloxicam Oral Suspension. News release. Felixvet. December 18, 2025. [email]

FDA. Freedom of information summary: ANADA 200-817. July 21, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadFoi/17255

Boatright K. Make a patient specific plan for canine osteoarthritis. 

. March 24, 2025. Accessed April 4, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/make-a-patient-specific-plan-for-canine-osteoarthritis

Products. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Felixvet. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://felixvetus.com/products/#non-steroidal-anti-inflammatories

Crossley KC. New generic chewable tablets are available for osteoarthritis in dogs. 

. April 4, 2025. Accessed December 18, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-generic-chewable-tablets-are-available-for-osteoarthritis-in-dogs

Felixvet's meloxicam oral suspension is bioequivalent to Metacam.