Image Quiz: Canine Oral Pathology

In the clinical setting veterinarians often rely on oral examination to determine if a dental procedure is required. However, subgingival pathology may go undiagnosed. Two important veterinary dentistry diagnostic tools are the dental probe/explorer and dental radiography. The dental probe/explorer helps determine periodontal pocket depth and evaluate exposed pulp chambers and enamel defects; dental radiography assists in the discovery of subgingival pathology not visible during oral examination.

While periodontal disease is the most common oral disease, other pathologic conditions occur and are more difficult to diagnose without dental radiography or histopathology. This article demonstrates the benefit of dental radiography in identifying oral pathologic conditions.

Match the Images

The following photographs illustrate a variety of oral pathologies in the dog. Choose from the diagnoses listed; each disease corresponds with only 1 choice. This list of diagnoses is not exclusive. Many other dental pathologic conditions exist.