The Vet Dental Show

Brett Beckman
  • 5.0 (33)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Where we dig deep into everything in general vet practice dentistry and have fun doing it. In the weekly Vet Dental Show be prepared for timely topics, off-topic rants, special interviews, and anything in between. Brett Beckman, board-certified veterinary dentist, and world-class instructor teaches general practice to help them be the best that they can be for their patients. Join him on a journey each and every Wednesday for 10 to 30 minutes of fun discussions and useful information to help unpack the myths, keep you up to date, and improve your knowledge and skills to make your patients and their parents love you even more.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 212 - Hyaluronic Acid in Veterinary Dentistry: Extraction & Pocket Protocols

    Transform how you manage extraction sites and periodontal pockets — get a FREE 30-minute consultation with a specialist + a FREE sample of PerioVive for your practice: 👉 https://ivdi.org/ha ------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM ------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers thoughtful, case-based questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings, focusing on practical decision-making in general practice. The discussion begins with extraction technique—specifically whether you must smooth bone after extractions and how much is too much. Dr. Beckman explains why smooth bone is important for flap closure, when additional bone reduction may be necessary, and how to avoid overly aggressive removal of healthy bone. The conversation then shifts to one of the most impactful topics in modern veterinary dentistry: hyaluronic acid (PerioVive) use in extraction sites and periodontal pockets. Dr. Beckman and colleagues discuss: - Whether to combine hyaluronic acid with Gelfoam - When bone grafts add value—and when they don't - Why HA plays the "lion's share" of the biologic role - How HA works as a microscopic matrix while bone graft acts as a macroscopic scaffold - Why HA is essential for pain modulation and soft tissue healing They also clarify common misconceptions about pocket depth and product selection, including why there is no justification for choosing doxycycline products over hyaluronic acid based solely on millimeter measurements. Instead, treatment decisions should be based on surgical approach, defect location, and whether the lesion extends apical to the mucogingival line. Dr. Beckman further explains: - Why bleeding helps retain hyaluronic acid in periodontal pockets - When open flap debridement is appropriate - Why bone grafts alone are rarely indicated in general practice - When maintaining alveolar ridge height actually matters - Why HA should be placed before applying a barrier sealant like OraVet Finally, the episode explores how hyaluronic acid supports faster healing, stronger bone regeneration, and significant pain relief in extraction sites—making it a practical, everyday tool for general practices. ------------------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: ✅ Why smoothing bone after extraction improves flap closure ✅ When additional bone removal is necessary—and when it's not ✅ Whether hyaluronic acid should be combined with Gelfoam ✅ The difference between microscopic (HA) and macroscopic (bone graft) scaffolding ✅ Why bone grafts alone are rarely sufficient ✅ How HA improves pain management in extraction sites ✅ When to use HA in periodontal pockets ✅ Why pocket depth alone should not determine product choice ✅ When open flap debridement vs. extraction is indicated ✅ Why HA must be placed before barrier sealants Key Takeaways: ✅ Smooth bone supports proper surgical closure ✅ Hyaluronic acid provides significant biologic and pain-management benefits ✅ Bone grafts may enhance outcomes when combined with HA—but are rarely needed alone ✅ Bleeding helps retain HA within periodontal pockets ✅ Alveolar ridge height preservation is only relevant in select cases ✅ Treatment decisions should be based on defect location and surgical principles—not arbitrary pocket depth cutoffs ✅ HA is a practical, everyday staple for general veterinary practice Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ Do you need to burn bone down to a perfectly smooth surface after extraction? ❓ Should hyaluronic acid be mixed with Gelfoam? ❓ Is bone graft superior to HA for extraction sites? ❓ Does pocket depth determine whether to use HA or doxycycline products? ❓ When is open flap debridement necessary? ❓ Should bone graft be used routinely after extractions? ❓ Does bleeding reduce or improve HA effectiveness? ❓ When should alveolar ridge preservation be a concern? ------------------------------------------------------- PerioVive is offering: ✔ A FREE 30-minute consultation with a board-certified veterinary dentist or VTS in dentistry ✔ A FREE sample of the product for use in your practice Hyaluronic acid has become a staple in modern veterinary dentistry for pain management, soft tissue healing, and regenerative support in extraction and periodontal cases. Take advantage of this offer here: https://ivdi.org/ha ------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or case challenges in veterinary dentistry. ------------------------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Vet Dental Show, Brett Beckman, Hyaluronic Acid, PerioVive, Veterinary Extractions, Periodontal Pockets, Bone Graft, Alveolar Ridge Preservation, OraVet, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education

    14 min

  2. FEB 11

    Episode 211 - Save or Extract? Bone Loss & Smarter Dental Decisions in Dogs

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — get a FREE online course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you subscribe to our newsletter: https://ivdi.org/free ---------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM ---------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers advanced, case-based questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings, focusing on real-world decision-making in general practice. The discussion covers extraction technique modifications, bur selection for challenging teeth, and evidence-based use of hyaluronic acid and bone grafts in periodontal and surgical cases. Dr. Beckman explains why he has shifted away from routine vestibular bone removal for certain extractions—particularly the mandibular third and fourth premolars—and instead emphasizes controlled sectioning, gentle elevation, and patience to reduce root fracture risk. He shares practical tips on finger pressure, visualization with loupes, and how this technique improves efficiency and outcomes in both clinical cases and wet labs. The episode also explores the biological role of hyaluronic acid in extraction sites and periodontal defects. Dr. Beckman and colleagues clarify the differences between PerioVive and OralVive, explain why retention is not the primary goal of hyaluronic acid therapy, and discuss its benefits for clot stabilization, pain modulation, angiogenesis, and soft tissue healing. The conversation addresses when hyaluronic acid should be used in extraction sites, how it integrates with blood clots and bone grafts, and why products like ClinDoral no longer have a role in these scenarios. Finally, Dr. Beckman dives into one of the most challenging topics in veterinary dentistry: deciding when to save a tooth versus extract it. He breaks down why percentage-based bone loss alone is not a reliable extraction rule, and instead emphasizes case selection based on tooth function, patient age, defect type, and—most importantly—owner commitment to long-term follow-up and home care. This episode delivers thoughtful, experience-driven guidance to help veterinarians make confident, ethical, and practical dental decisions. ---------------------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: ✅ When vestibular bone removal may increase root fracture risk ✅ How to approach difficult premolar extractions with minimal force ✅ Why sectioning and gentle elevation can replace aggressive bone removal ✅ Proper bur selection for sectioning thick alveolar bone ✅ The biological role of hyaluronic acid in clot stabilization and healing ✅ Key differences between PerioVive and OralVive ✅ Why retention is not the primary goal of hyaluronic acid therapy ✅ When and why to use hyaluronic acid in all extraction sites ✅ How bone grafts and blood clots support alveolar ridge preservation ✅ How to decide when a tooth is worth saving versus extracting Key Takeaways: ✅ Root fractures often occur at the interface between mobile and immobile bone ✅ Gentle, controlled elevation reduces complications more than force ✅ Removing less bone can sometimes improve extraction outcomes ✅ Hyaluronic acid is rapidly absorbed and supports natural healing pathways ✅ Pain modulation is a major benefit of HA in extraction sites ✅ Blood clots function as natural bone grafts ✅ Percentage of bone loss alone should not dictate extraction decisions ✅ Patient age, tooth function, and owner compliance matter most ✅ Long-term success depends on consistent rechecks and home care ✅ Some teeth can be saved—but not always in the patient's best interest Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ Should fissure burs be used for mandibular premolar extractions in dogs? ❓ Why do roots fracture after vestibular bone removal? ❓ How much pressure should be used during elevation? ❓ What is the difference between PerioVive and OralVive? ❓ Does hyaluronic acid need to "stay in place" to be effective? ❓ Should hyaluronic acid be used in every extraction site? ❓ Is a blood clot considered a bone graft? ❓ When should a tooth with severe bone loss be saved instead of extracted? ❓ How important is owner compliance in periodontal case selection? ❓ Is there still any indication for ClinDoral use? Get a FREE veterinary dentistry course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you sign up for our newsletter: 👉 https://ivdi.org/free ---------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or case selection challenges in veterinary dentistry! ---------------------------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Vet Dental Show, Brett Beckman, Veterinary Extractions, Bone Loss, Hyaluronic Acid, PerioVive, OralVive, Bone Grafting, Periodontal Disease, Veterinary Surgery, Dog Dental Care, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education

    17 min

  3. FEB 4

    Episode 210 - Avoid Mandibular Fractures, Broken Roots, and Nerve Damage in Veterinary Extractions

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — get a FREE online course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you subscribe to our newsletter: https://ivdi.org/free ----------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM ----------------------------------------- In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman answers advanced, real-world questions from recent online veterinary dentistry trainings. He shares practical guidance on high-risk extractions, instrument selection, mouth gag safety, and periodontal regeneration techniques used in general practice. Dr. Beckman explains how to safely approach full mandibular extractions in small breed dogs to reduce fracture risk, including proper bone removal and elevation strategies for mandibular canines and first molars. He also discusses common causes of broken roots in maxillary premolars and how patience, visibility, and controlled force can prevent complications. The episode covers essential extraction tools, including recommended burs for different teeth and situations, along with safety considerations when using mouth gags under anesthesia. Dr. Beckman also addresses the evolution of guided tissue regeneration techniques, explaining why doxycycline barriers are no longer used and how PerioVive is now incorporated for barrier protection and ease of placement. This episode delivers practical, experience-based advice focused on improving confidence, safety, and outcomes in veterinary dental procedures. ----------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: ✅ How to reduce mandibular fracture risk during extractions ✅ Why mandibular canines and first molars are high-risk teeth ✅ How much bone can be safely removed during difficult extractions ✅ Which burs are best for bone removal in dogs and cats ✅ When to use crosscut tapered burs vs round burs ✅ Why patience matters more than force during elevation ✅ How to prevent broken maxillary premolar roots ✅ Safe mouth gag use to avoid trigeminal nerve damage ✅ Why doxycycline barriers are no longer recommended ✅ How PerioVive is used as a physical barrier in GTR Key Takeaways: ✅ Most mandibular fractures occur at the canine and first molar ✅ Proper bone removal reduces torque and extraction risk ✅ Elevation technique matters more than aggressive force ✅ Magnification improves visualization and success ✅ Mouth gag safety depends on degree of opening, not duration ✅ Overextension can cause permanent trigeminal nerve damage ✅ Doxycycline does not improve attachment height ✅ PerioVive provides an easier and effective barrier option ✅ Training and cadaver practice build clinical confidence Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ How can mandibular fractures be prevented during extractions? ❓ Which teeth are most likely to fracture the mandible? ❓ What burs should be used for bone removal in small dogs and cats? ❓ When should round burs be used instead of crosscut burs? ❓ How wide is too wide when using a mouth gag? ❓ Can mouth gags cause permanent nerve damage? ❓ Why is doxycycline no longer used for periodontal barriers? ❓ What role does PerioVive play in guided tissue regeneration? ❓ How can broken maxillary premolar roots be avoided? ❓ Why is cadaver training essential before advanced extractions? ----------------------------------------- Get a FREE veterinary dentistry course with 1 hour of RACE-approved CE when you sign up for our newsletter: https://ivdi.org/free ----------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or extraction challenges in veterinary dentistry! ----------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Vet Dental Show, Veterinary Extractions, Mandibular Fracture, Broken Roots, Veterinary Surgery, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, Veterinary CE, Veterinary Education, Dental Instruments, Periodontal Therapy

    15 min

  4. JAN 28

    Episode 209 - When Bone Grafting Works in Dogs & Cats — and When It Doesn't

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — discover how you can join Dr. Beckman's elite training community! https://ivdi.org/inv ----------------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman provides a practical, real-world breakdown of bone grafting in veterinary periodontal therapy. He explains what commonly used bone graft materials are made of, why biosynthetic grafts are safe and cost-effective, and how granular versus putty formulations affect handling and radiographic visibility. Dr. Beckman also discusses how to evaluate periodontal defects, when bone grafting is an appropriate alternative to extraction, and how follow-up radiographs are handled after graft placement. This episode offers clear guidance on case selection, client communication, and pricing strategies — helping veterinarians preserve teeth when possible while setting realistic expectations for outcomes. ----------------------------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: ✅ What veterinary bone graft material is made of ✅ Why biosynthetic grafts are safe and rarely cause reactions ✅ Differences between granular and putty bone graft formulations ✅ Why granular grafts are easier to evaluate radiographically ✅ Which periodontal defects are appropriate for bone grafting ✅ When extraction may be the better option ✅ How and when to take follow-up dental radiographs ✅ How often full-mouth radiographs are truly needed ✅ How to structure bone graft pricing in clinical practice Key Takeaways: ✅ Bone grafting is best suited for advanced vertical periodontal defects ✅ Granular grafts improve confirmation of defect fill on X-rays ✅ Not all bone loss should be treated with grafting ✅ Follow-up radiographs can be targeted, not full-mouth ✅ Clear charting supports efficient future evaluations ✅ Transparent line-item pricing builds client trust ✅ Bone grafting can preserve teeth that would otherwise be extracted Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ What is veterinary bone graft material made of? ❓ Are allergic reactions to bone grafts common? ❓ When should bone grafting be considered instead of extraction? ❓ How do you decide which defects are treatable? ❓ Should granular or putty graft material be used? ❓ When should post-bone graft radiographs be taken? ❓ Do bone graft cases require full-mouth X-rays at recheck? ❓ How often should aggressive periodontal patients be re-evaluated? ❓ How do you explain bone grafting value to pet owners? ❓ How should bone graft procedures be priced in practice? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Transform your dental practice today — request your invite to the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: https://ivdi.org/inv Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! https://veterinarydentistry.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary periodontal disease and bone grafting! ----------------------------------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Veterinary Periodontology, Bone Grafting, Periodontal Disease, Vet Dental Show, Veterinary Surgery, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, Veterinary Education, Veterinary CE, Tooth Preservation, Periodontal Therapy

    8 min

  5. JAN 21

    Episode 208 - Why Regional Nerve Blocks Make Veterinary Anesthesia Safer, Lighter, and Faster

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — discover how you can join Dr. Beckman's elite training community! https://ivdi.org/inv ----------------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman explains how properly performed regional nerve blocks dramatically improve anesthesia safety, efficiency, and patient recovery in veterinary dentistry and surgery. He walks through how nerve blocks prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, allowing patients to remain at a lighter plane of anesthesia while maintaining stable physiologic parameters. Dr. Beckman also shares his real-world anesthesia protocols, how nerve blocks reduce hypothermia risk during long procedures, and why patients recover faster, stand sooner, and go home happier. This episode highlights how nerve blocks not only benefit patients — but also improve workflow efficiency and owner confidence in anesthesia. ----------------------------------------------------------------- What You'll Learn: ✅ How regional nerve blocks block pain at the C-fiber level ✅ Why lighter anesthesia planes improve patient safety ✅ How nerve blocks support stable heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure ✅ Anesthesia protocols used for dogs and cats in clinical practice ✅ How nerve blocks reduce hypothermia during long procedures ✅ Why patients wake up faster and recover more smoothly ✅ How quick recovery improves practice efficiency ✅ How to communicate anesthesia safety benefits to pet owners Key Takeaways: ✅ Regional nerve blocks allow safer, lighter anesthesia ✅ Stable physiologic parameters improve perfusion and oxygenation ✅ Reduced anesthesia depth lowers hypothermia risk ✅ Faster recoveries shorten turnover time between patients ✅ Patients go home alert, comfortable, and pain-controlled ✅ Clear owner communication builds trust and reduces anesthesia fear Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ How do regional nerve blocks work in veterinary patients? ❓ Why do nerve blocks improve anesthesia safety? ❓ Can patients feel surgery while under light anesthesia? ❓ Why do some patients move but still feel no pain during procedures? ❓ How nerve blocks allow lighter anesthesia planes ❓ What anesthesia protocols are commonly used with nerve blocks? ❓ How nerve blocks help prevent hypothermia during long procedures ❓ Why veterinary patients wake up faster with nerve blocks ❓ How nerve blocks improve recovery time and efficiency ❓ How to explain anesthesia safety to concerned pet owners ----------------------------------------------------------------- Transform your dental practice today — request your invite to the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: https://ivdi.org/inv Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! https://veterinarydentistry.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary anesthesia and dentistry! ----------------------------------------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Veterinary Anesthesia, Regional Nerve Blocks, Vet Dental Show, Pain Management, Anesthesia Safety, Veterinary Surgery, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, Veterinary Education, Veterinary CE, Patient Recovery, Hypothermia Prevention

    7 min

  6. JAN 14

    Episode 207 - 5 Things You NEVER Want to Hear in Your Veterinary Dental Suite

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — discover how you can join Dr. Beckman's elite training community! https://ivdi.org/inv ------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman shares five critical statements that should never be uttered in your veterinary dental suite. He emphasizes the importance of adequate procedure time, obtaining owner consent for extractions, the necessity of full-mouth radiographs, avoiding rushed treatments, and the crucial role of preemptive nerve blocks for optimal patient outcomes. What You'll Learn:  ✅ Understand the impact of scheduling adequate time for dental procedures.  ✅ Discover the importance of clear communication and owner consent for extractions.  ✅ Recognize the necessity of full mouth radiographs for detecting hidden pathology.  ✅ Master strategies to avoid rushing through dental treatments.  ✅ Appreciate the benefits of preemptive nerve blocks for anesthesia and analgesia.  ✅ Apply best practices for pain management using agents like liposome bupivacaine. Key Takeaways:  ✅ Properly scheduling dental procedures is crucial for quality care and patient outcomes.  ✅ Owner communication and consent are vital to avoid misunderstandings and maintain client trust.  ✅ Full mouth radiographs uncover hidden pathology, leading to better treatment plans.  ✅ Rushing dental procedures compromises quality and patient well-being.  ✅ Preemptive nerve blocks improve anesthesia, reduce pain, and enhance post-op recovery. Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ How long should a veterinary dental procedure take? ❓ Why do veterinary dental procedures take so long? ❓ Is an hour and a half too long for a veterinary dental cleaning? ❓ How many dental procedures should a veterinary practice schedule per day? ❓ Why rushing veterinary dental procedures is dangerous for patients ❓ Are full-mouth dental radiographs necessary in veterinary dentistry? ❓ What dental disease is missed without dental X-rays in dogs and cats? ❓ Why skipping dental radiographs harms patient outcomes ❓ Should veterinarians extract teeth without owner permission? ❓ Why client communication is critical before veterinary dental extractions ❓ What are the most common mistakes made in veterinary dental suites? ❓ Why nerve blocks should be used in veterinary dentistry ❓ When should nerve blocks be placed during dental procedures? ❓ How dental nerve blocks improve anesthesia safety in dogs and cats ❓ How proper pain management improves veterinary dental outcomes ------------------------------- Transform your dental practice today — request your invite to the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: https://ivdi.org/inv Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! https://veterinarydentistry.net/ ------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary dentistry! ------------------------------- Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, VetTech Tips, Animal Health, Veterinary Education, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Vet Dental Show, Tooth Extraction, Dental Radiographs, Nerve Blocks, Pain Management, Anesthesia

    22 min

  7. JAN 7

    Episode 206 - Why Veterinary Dentistry Is One of the Most Profitable Services in Your Practice

    Take the next step in your veterinary dentistry journey — discover how you can join Dr. Beckman's elite training community! https://ivdi.org/inv ------------------------------------------ Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Brett Beckman shares actionable strategies to elevate your veterinary dentistry service. He emphasizes the financial benefits of investing in dental equipment, training, and team development, highlighting a study where practices doubled their revenue within a year. Dr. Beckman also outlines the essential components of a top-notch dental service—team, operatory, and a standardized plan. What You'll Learn:  ✅ Discover the key strategies for building a cohesive and passionate veterinary dental team.  ✅ Understand how investing in dental equipment and training can significantly boost practice revenue.  ✅ Master the three main components of a top-notch dental service: team, operatory, and step-by-step plan.  ✅ Simplify the process of standardizing a dental game plan to increase speed and confidence.  ✅ Apply proven techniques to identify and cultivate a passion for dentistry within your staff.  ✅ Recognize the impressive return on investment (ROI) that dentistry can provide compared to other veterinary services. Key Takeaways:  ✅ Focus on keeping the dental team small and specialized to foster expertise.  ✅ Identify staff members with a genuine passion for dentistry to build a motivated team.  ✅ Standardize the dental game plan with step-by-step procedures for consistency and efficiency.  ✅ Highlight the financial benefits of dentistry to persuade decision-makers to invest in the service.  ✅ Cross-training the entire staff is not the best approach for dentistry. Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ Why is veterinary dentistry often underprioritized despite being one of the most profitable services in a practice? ❓ How can investing in dental equipment, training, and education dramatically increase practice revenue? ❓ What real-world evidence shows that dentistry can deliver a strong return on investment in a short timeframe? ❓ How can veterinary teams use ROI data to persuade practice owners or decision-makers to invest in dentistry? ❓ What are the three essential components of a top-notch veterinary dental service? ❓ Why is keeping the dental team small and specialized more effective than cross-training the entire staff? ❓ How does standardizing dental workflows improve efficiency, speed, and team confidence? ❓ What role does passion and motivation play in building a successful dental team? ❓ How can consistent repetition and mastery elevate the quality of dental care delivered in practice? ❓ What mindset shifts are necessary to successfully grow and sustain a profitable dental service? ------------------------------------------ Transform your dental practice today — request your invite to the Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: https://ivdi.org/inv Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! https://veterinarydentistry.net/ ------------------------------------------ Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary dentistry! ------------------------------------------ KEYWORDS: Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, VetTech Tips, Animal Health, Veterinary Education, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Vet Dental Show, Dental Revenue, Veterinary Team Training, Dental Equipment ROI, Standardized Dental Plan, Veterinary Practice Profitability

    9 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Episode 205 - High-Risk Veterinary Anesthesia with Liver Disease and Heart Failure Cases

    Don't miss out — elevate your skills and save $100 on any online course with code START26! Join our library of live and on-demand veterinary dental courses here: https://internationalveterinarydentistryinstitute.org/veterinary-dental-online-webinars-courses-discount/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcastlink&utm_campaign=start26  —------------------------------------------------------------------- Host: Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM In this episode of The Vet Dental Show, Dr. Victoria Lukasik, DVM, DACVAA, tackles the complexities of managing high-risk dental cases. Through detailed case studies, they discuss anesthetic protocols for patients with hepatic portal shunts and chronic heart failure. Learn how to navigate potential complications like hypoglycemia, hemorrhage, and ventricular tachycardia, while ensuring patient safety and optimizing recovery. What You'll Learn:  ✅ Understand anesthetic considerations for patients with hepatic portal shunts.  ✅ Discover strategies for managing hypoglycemia and electrolyte imbalances.  ✅ Simplify anesthetic protocols for patients with chronic heart failure.  ✅ Apply techniques for recognizing and treating ventricular tachycardia.  ✅ Master the use of short-acting and reversible drugs in high-risk patients.  ✅ Recognize and address delayed recovery in the post-anesthetic period. Key Takeaways:  ✅ Patients with hepatic portal shunts require short-acting, reversible drugs to minimize liver burden.  ✅ Intermittent hemorrhage in patients with hepatic dysfunction may lead to platelet consumption and anemia.  ✅ Bounding femoral pulses can indicate dehydration; adjust fluid therapy accordingly in cardiac patients.  ✅ Lidocaine has centrally depressing effects; anticipate mental dullness or sedation post-administration.  ✅ Early intervention with lidocaine is crucial for managing ventricular tachycardia and preventing further complications. Questions This Episode Answers: ❓ How should anesthetic protocols be adjusted for patients with hepatic portal shunts? ❓ Which anesthetic and analgesic drugs are safest for patients with true hepatic dysfunction? ❓ When should dextrose supplementation be considered in dental patients with liver disease? ❓ How do you manage intermittent hemorrhage, anemia, and low platelets during dental procedures? ❓ What causes delayed anesthetic recovery—and how do you systematically troubleshoot it? ❓ How should cardiac medications be handled on the morning of anesthesia for heart failure patients? ❓ What do bounding femoral pulses indicate, and how should fluid therapy be adjusted? ❓ Why can lidocaine cause deep sedation and delayed recovery after anesthesia? ❓ How do you recognize ventricular tachycardia intraoperatively—and when should you intervene? ❓ What recovery expectations should you have after treating ventricular tachycardia with lidocaine? —------------------------------------------------------------------- Explore Dr. Beckman's complete library of veterinary dentistry courses and CE resources! Save $100 on any online course with code START26! https://internationalveterinarydentistryinstitute.org/veterinary-dental-online-webinars-courses-discount/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcastlink&utm_campaign=start26  —------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or cases related to veterinary dentistry! —------------------------------------------------------------------- KEYWORDS: Veterinary Dentistry, IVDI, Brett Beckman, Dog Dental Care, Cat Dental Care, VetTech Tips, Animal Health, Veterinary Education, Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program, Vet Dental Show, Anesthesia, High-Risk Patients, Hepatic Portal Shunt, Chronic Heart Failure, Ventricular Tachycardia, Lidocaine, Hypoglycemia, Electrolyte Imbalance, Delayed Recovery

    19 min
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5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Where we dig deep into everything in general vet practice dentistry and have fun doing it. In the weekly Vet Dental Show be prepared for timely topics, off-topic rants, special interviews, and anything in between. Brett Beckman, board-certified veterinary dentist, and world-class instructor teaches general practice to help them be the best that they can be for their patients. Join him on a journey each and every Wednesday for 10 to 30 minutes of fun discussions and useful information to help unpack the myths, keep you up to date, and improve your knowledge and skills to make your patients and their parents love you even more.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Beckman
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Vet Dental Show

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