Xerostomia - Commonly Known As Dry Mouth

As in humans, dogs and cats also have salivary glands that function to protect oral health and aid the digestive system. In cases where the saliva quality and/or saliva flow are negatively affected, a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth, may occur. This can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria or fungus in the mouth as saliva loses its natural protective qualities. This condition is often misunderstood because most pets will still produce saliva but the clinician can be trained to spot the “red flags”, provide relief, and improve overall oral health.

Medications Can Cause Dry Mouth
There are many certain conditions and diseases which predispose an animal to dry mouth, but the medications and/or treatments play a large role with adverse effects on the animal’s salivary health, for example:

• Anti-anxiety medications
  • Amitriptyline
  • Diazepam
  • Clomipramine
  • Fluoxetine
• Arthritis medication
  • NSAIDs
• Anticonvulsants
  • Diazepam
• Cancer treatments
  • Radiation, especially to the neck or head
• Incontinence medication
  • Phenylpropanolamine
• Antihistamines
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Hydroxyzine
• Antihypertensives
  • Amlodipine
  • Atenolol
  • Benazepril
  • Enalapril
  • Furosemide
  • Spironolactone

Health Conditions That Can Also Cause Dry Mouth
A reduction in quality and quantity of saliva is often a clinical sign of common health conditions and diseases such as in diabetes.  There are many other conditions which can also correspond with aging that don’t affect the salivary glands but the medications used to manage those conditions can have an impact.  Such as:

• Anxiety/behavior disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cardiac/Hypertension
• Endocrine disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Pancreatitis
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Clinical Signs of Dry Mouth
Symptoms of Dry Mouth can include:

• Halitosis
• Plaque and calculus accumulation
• Inflamed and/or bleeding gums
• Receding gum line
• Ulcerations or lesions
• Dry, cracked tongue
• Tacky, thick saliva
• Granulated tissue
• Food aversions

Signs of Unmanaged Dry Mouth
Taking the time to spot the signs of dry mouth is critical since severe cases of dry mouth can lead to advanced oral problems such as:

• Periodontal disease
• Oral lesions
• Gingivitis
• Tooth loss
• Systemic infections

Management Options for Dry Mouth

ORATENE® Veterinarian Brushless Oral Care Products

The ORATENE® Veterinarian Brushless Oral Care product line is designed for use with cats and dogs diagnosed with health conditions or diseases, or on medication regimens that increase the chance for dry mouth. Based on over 35 years of research that focused on enzyme technology, Oratene features a design of two patented enzyme systems that work to replenish saliva to its healthy state by:

• Reducing the growth of harmful odor-causing bacteria and fungi
• Reducing the plaque biofilm that forms on the teeth, tongue, and mucosal surfaces

Offering protection without the use of harmful alcohols, xylitol or tooth-staining chlorhexidine, Oratene product options include:

• A water additive
• Breath freshening spray
• Oral gel that works as a brushless toothpaste
• Antiseptic gel for use with severe oral conditions

A healthy pet requires a healthy mouth. Don’t let circumstances predispose an animal to further harmful conditions. Consider suggesting Oratene®, distributed by PKB Animal Health, to fight against the damage caused by Dry Mouth.

Ask your Covetrus Rep for more information or contact or visit www.pkbanimalhealth.com. (PKB Animal Health  are also the makers of ZYMOX®  Enzymatic Dermatology Products for chronic ear, skin and oral conditions)