What is a COHAT?
COHAT stands for Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. More commonly known as a ‘dental’, this term more accurately describes the process of what your veterinary team completes when your pet is under anesthesia for dental care.
When preparing for a COHAT, your veterinarian performs a physical examination with bloodwork (typically a week beforehand). A plan for general anesthesia, tailored to your pet’s needs, is created. General anesthesia is required for COHAT to allow for thorough exam and treatment of the whole mouth. In order to properly perform assessment and treatment, we can’t ask our patients to say “Open wide!” or “Hold still!”
These are the steps of a COHAT for our patients:
- Place an IV catheter and provide sedation.
- Start general anesthesia (tube placed in the windpipe and oxygen + sedation gas delivered to lungs). Note: anesthesia is monitored throughout using multiple pieces of equipment by the veterinarian and RVT.
- X-rays of all teeth, including areas with missing teeth. Most dental concerns happen below the gumline. X-rays are essential to determine each tooth’s health.
- Examination of mouth, throat, and face (excellent screen for early detection of oral masses)
- Examination of every tooth (loose teeth, discharge from gums, gum pockets, discoloration, etc.)
- Diagnosis and treatment of affected teeth. If teeth need to be extracted, they are surgically removed and the pocket remaining is sutured closed with a dissolvable suture.
- Remaining healthy teeth are carefully scaled and polished by the RVT.
- Wake up time!
- Monitor recovery and prepare take-home medications if required.
Does your pet have tartar, gingivitis, or bad breath? Let us know and we can help you make a plan!
– The Team at Habitat Vet