Jessika has always had a love for animals. While growing up, she and her family always had both dogs and cats. It wasn’t until she adopted her first Yorkshire terrier puppy, Gus, shortly after graduating high school that she discovered her passion and desire to work in the veterinary field. After working full time as a gas station cashier, she began the Veterinary Technician program at Kirkwood Community College. She graduated from Kirkwood in May 2015 after two years of schooling and a full-time summer internship. In August 2015, she passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and became a Registered Veterinary Technician. During her schooling and shortly after graduating, Jessika worked full time at a veterinary clinic in Waterloo before joining the Petersen Pet Hospital team in January 2016. Meet Jess
To Chew or Not to Chew … That Is the Question?!
Jessika chose a career in the veterinary field because of her passion to help those that could not help themselves. She loves every pet she meets and
Without question, most dogs are avid chewers, and it is important to know the appropriate chewable products. The problem with some chew toys is that they can be very hard on the teeth and can even break them! Jack is a 7-year-old Jack Russel Terrier that came in with Dr. Eike for his annual exam. While doing a thorough oral exam, Dr. Eike found that he fractured his large side chewing tooth called a carnassial tooth. With some investigation, the cause of the fracture was revealed! Jack loves his toys! Unfortunately, while chewing on a deer antler, the tooth broke! With the pulp (nerve canal) being exposed and part of the enamel broken off (slap fracture) (bottom photo), it was painful. If left untreated, it will eventually become infected and cause even more problems. Sometimes these fractures can be deceptive as they can be hidden by tartar (top right photo)! This tooth is not simply extracted but has to be surgically removed under anesthesia, all three roots individually. It is sutured closed so there is no open exposure of the tooth sockets and bone (top left photo). The sutures absorb over several weeks to months. Soft food is warranted after surgery for approximately 10–14 days so not to disrupt the sutures while they heal initially. Pain medications and antibiotics are prescribed to keep the site healthy and comfortable.
Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats
Inspired by HomemadeDogTreatsNow.com
Products that are not recommended for chewing include deer antlers (of course), ice cubes, and rawhides. What is recommended includes Kong and most Nylabone products. A good rule of thumb is that if you can indent the
toy with your fingernail, then it is likely okay to give to your dog. If there is any question, please give us a call. Before we knew it, with new and safer toys, Jack was back playing again (minus the deer antler this time).
Jack’s teeth
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