Enamel Hypoplasia as the result of Canine Distemper Virus Infection

Lilly is a 5 year old female spayed terrier mix who had Canine Distemper Virus as a puppy. Most dogs that get distemper as a puppy don’t make it. But some are lucky, and Lily is especially lucky as her mom is Hannah Circe, one of Pet Care’s Licensed Veterinary Technicians. Those dogs that do survive may have scarred tissue as a result of the viral infection. The distemper virus attacks epithelial cells including those in the mouth, and in puppies the buds of permanent teeth are still developing from epithelial cells.

The distemper infection and associated fevers can damage these tooth buds so that when the adult teeth emerge at around 5-7 months of age they come in with staining and pitted enamel (white arrow). This is called enamel hypoplasia.

         

This distemper-associated enamel hypoplasia is mostly cosmetic and does not affect the dog’s ability to chew nor is it uncomfortable. However, the rough edges do predispose to dental tartar and periodontal disease and during a dental cleaning and oral health assessment Pet Care Veterinary Hospital offers dental bonding to smooth these rough spots and give a more cosmetic appearance to the teeth. This process starts with a dental file to smooth the uneven areas. The teeth are smoothed with 4 different polishing discs, from coarse to very fine grade, until the edge is smooth and dry. Next the tooth is acid etched and then a bonded sealant is applied and fixed in place with a high intensity UV light.

The final result…..wow! Isn’t that pretty compared to the starting image? Not only is it more cosmetically pleasing for Hannah to look at, but it is healthier for Lily. And isn’t that what veterinary care is all about…happy owners and healthy pets. Good job Janyce, Pet Care’s dental hygienist par excellence!