Emeryville Animal Hospital

In The News

Case Study

        Pugsley, an adorable three year old pug mix, came into Emeryville Animal Hospital in July of 2008 suffering with severe inflammation in her mouth, gum and tongue ulcers and bad breath. She was drooling excessively and her Owner had noticed she had suddenly lost interest in her favorite tug toy. Dr. Godfrey recommended antibiotics. Pugsley's mouth healed nicely, by the end of August her oral infection had returned. She was started on antibiotics and scheduled for an exploratory of her mouth as well as a tooth extraction. Again her mouth healed up nicely. In November Pugsley returned to the hospital battling yet another bout of severe infection in her mouth. Dr. Godfrey ordered a complete blood count and blood chemistry. She also researched a disease called CHRONIC ULCERATIVE PARADENTAL STOMATITIS (CUPS).
        CUPS is a severe mouth inflammation with ulceration caused by the dogs exaggerated immune response to deposits of calculus and plaque bacteria on tooth surfaces. CUPS is a very painful condition in dogs. The only cure is complete mouth extraction of all of her teeth. Treatment long term with antibiotics and regular dental cleanings may manage the disease in some patients.
        March 2009 Pugsley underwent dental surgery to extract all of her teeth. She has adapted extremely well - eating better than she had for a long time her owners Jean and John report. She is much happier now that the painful CUPS has been eleviated.