Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.

We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. We also work closely with local specialty practices when special diagnostic procedures are required. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, and indoor climate controlled boarding kennels, outdoor day kennels and a very large exercise yard. Our special feline boarders are housed in their own area of the hospital away from all dogs.

At Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your companion for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

Our Doctors
Dr. Curt Ritchie
Dr. Ritchie is a 1992 graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BS in Animal Science. He is a 1996 graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Dr. Ritchie worked his first 4+ years as a mixed animal veterinarian at the Denham Springs Animal Hospital. In December of 2000, he and his wife Dr. Jennifer Ritchie, purchased the Perkins Road Veterinary Hospital. He now concentrates on canine and feline only medicine, surgery and advanced dentistry. Dr. Ritchie's interests are in small animal dentistry, surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, preventative medicine, dermatology and pain management. Dr. Curt is currently in a residency program to become board certified in veterinary dentistry. Dr. Ritchie is a member of the AVMA, LVMA, AVDS, BRAVMA, VIN and AAFP. When Dr. Curt isn't working he loves spending time with his family, golf and watching all sports especially the purple and gold!



Dr. Jennifer Ritchie
Dr. Jennifer Hetzler Ritchie, a New Orleans native, completed her undergraduate studies as a prevet major st Louisiana State University. She earned her DVM from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 where she met her husband, Dr. Curt Ritchie. Dr. Jennifer worked at several small animal hospitals following graduation until she and her husband purchased the Perkins Road Animal Hospital in 2000. She takes pride in their excellent staff and the high quality of medicine and surgery practiced at PRVH. Dr. Jennifer believes in an "open door policy" which encourages clients to tour the facility, visit their sick pets or boarding animals. Along with practicing veterinary medicine, Dr. Jennifer has developed and teaches companion animal medicine at Louisiana State University. Her special interests include internal medicine, pain management and dermatology. Jennifer's favorite pastime is spending time with her husband and daughters. She also enjoys running, gardening and swimming.



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Periodontal Disease

This is a completely preventable disease!!!
Periodontal disease is the most common health problem seen in small animals. It affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 years. However, there are generally no outward clinical signs of this disease process, and therefore, therapy typically comes too late in the disease. This causes dogs and cats to suffer silently for many months to years. It consists of two stages – gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gingiva, is reversible. Periodontitis is infection of bone, not teeth. It is inflammation caused by microorganisms that result in progressive destruction of periodontal tissues that leads to attachment loss. It can be seen as gingival recession, periodontal pocket formation or both. Mild to moderate periodontal pockets may be reduced or eliminated by proper plaque and calculus removal. However, periodontal bone loss is irreversible (without regenerative surgery).

Plaque
Plaque is the culprit of all periodontal disease. Plaque is a biofilm made up almost entirely of bacteria adhered to a pellicle attached to the tooth’s enamel. Minerals in the saliva turn plaque into a hardened substance called calculus. Plaque and calculus may contain up to 100,000,000,000 bacteria per gram. Bacteria in the biofilm do not act like free living bacteria, and in fact are up 1000-1500 times more resistant to antibiotics. It is hidden plaque (under the gum line/in the gingival sulcus) that causes disease and destruction of oral soft tissue and bone.

Severe Local Consequences
Oral-nasal fistulas – created by the progression of periodontal disease of the maxillary canines, results in communication of the oral and nasal passages, creating a severe infection: clinical signs may include a chronic nasal discharge, sneezing and occasionally anorexia and halitosis. However, if a deep periodontal pocket is discovered before a fistula is formed, periodontal surgery may save the tooth.

Class II perio-endo abscess – occurs when periodontal loss progresses towards the tooth root and gains access to the endodontic system(root canal and pulp chambers), surgical extraction is likely

Pathologic Fracture – typically occurs in the mandible due to severe periodontal loss and weakened bone, carries a guarded prognosis due to inadequate amount of normal bone in the area needed for healing
Oral cancer – the chronic inflammatory state with periodontal disease has been linked to oral cancer

Osteomyelitis – dental disease is the number one cause of osteomyelitis, which is an area of dead, infected bone


Severe Systemic Manifestations
It is well documented that inflammation from the gingiva and periodontal tissues allows the body’s defense to attack the invaders which also allows these bacteria to gain access to the body. Recent animal studies suggest that these bacteria negatively affect the kidneys, heart, liver, brain and lungs. There are also studies that strongly link periodontal disease to an increased insulin resistance, resulting in poor control of diabetes mellitus as well as increased severity of diabetic complications.

The Complete Dental Treatment – COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment)

The presence of plaque/gingivitis, periodontal disease and broken teeth are all indications for a dental treatment to be performed. A dental prophylaxis on the other hand is a dental treatment that is limited to patients with NO established periodontitis, therefore it is a treatment aimed at preventing the formation of periodontal disease.

Steps in COHAT:
1. Complete Oral Exam
2. Radiographs – you CANNOT diagnose periodontal disease without dental x-rays
3. Develop a treatment plan
4. Removal of subgignival and supragingival plaque and calculus
5. Polish all enamel
6. Lavage the gingival sulcus
7. Homecare advice/instructions at time of discharge

Procedures performed if periodontitis is present:
1. Root planning – open vs closed
2. Perioceutic placement to reduce pocket depths, promote gingival healing and re-attachment
3. Guided tissue regeneration to restore lost bone
4. Surgical Extractions

Prevention
1. Regular COHAT’s
2. Daily brushing – gold standard
3. Diet – Hill’s t/d
4. Treats – Greenies, Tartar Shield, CET Hextra (NEVER allow your pet to chew on ice, cow hooves, bones or hard plastic treats!) – these are the #1 caused of broken teeth
5. Oravet – weekly applied dental sealant


Click here to find diets and treats that have the VOHC seal of approval for reducing plaque and tartar.