Kiri’s Smile: Specialized Root Canal Surgery at GVC

At German Veterinary Clinic, we are always proud to offer innovative care that sets us apart from others in the region. One recent patient who benefited from our expert dental services is Kiri, a fluffy 5-year-old cat. (Fun fact: he is named “Kiri” after “la vache qui rit”, a brand of cheese that translates to “the laughing cow” because of his black spots).

Kiri visited us in September with a damaged canine tooth, which would have been quite painful and posed a significant concern for his long-term comfort and health.

Kiri came into the lives of his pet pawrents about five years ago, just before the pandemic. A friend of the family had a mother cat who gave birth and wanted to find happy homes for the kittens – and they fell in love with Kiri at first sight because of his “little goatee and his goofy behaviour, he was an irresistible little guy.”

Kiri’s owner describes him as “sensitive, stubborn, and loves his routine.” With that in mind, ahead of his arrival on surgery day, our inpatient nurses ensured a quiet and comfortable hospitalization suite was ready for him to minimize any stress, which is essential for a smooth and relaxed procedure.  

In the past, the only option for cats with damaged or broken teeth was dental extraction. This was the standard practice because few clinics had the expertise or equipment to save these important teeth. However, thanks to our in-house talented veterinary dentist, Dr Adrienn, those days are behind us. Dr Adrienn specializes in advanced dental procedures that few (if any!) other clinics in the region can offer, including root canals, a procedure that saved Kiri’s canine tooth from extraction.

Why are a cat’s canine teeth so important? For cats, their canine teeth are important tools. They use them not only for eating but also for hunting, carrying objects, and defending themselves. Losing a canine tooth can impact a cat’s ability to perform these natural behaviours. That’s why preserving Kiri’s tooth was the best option, and Dr Adrienn was able to do just that through a root canal surgery.

Root canals are complex procedures that require a combination of skill, patience, and specialized equipment. In Kiri’s case, dental X-rays played a crucial role in diagnosing the problem. These X-rays allow us to see below the surface of the tooth and root, identifying issues that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Once Dr Adrienn confirmed the damage, a plan was made with his loving owner to perform surgery.

Dental pain in pets can often go unnoticed. Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, making it all the more important to be vigilant about their dental health and to have regular dental checks. Even a small fracture in a tooth can lead to significant pain, infections, and other health complications. That’s why we take every step to ensure not only the success of the surgery but also Kiri’s comfort throughout the entire process.

For Dr Adrienn, pain management during and after dental procedures is a top priority. A personalised plan for analgesia was made and the nursing team carefully monitored him continuously to ensure he was as comfortable as possible, following our Zero Pain Philosophy, which is at the heart of all our care.

Today, Kiri is back to his perfect self, pain-free and proudly showing off his fully restored smile. His experience highlights just how far veterinary dentistry has come, and we are thankful to be able to offer these services. With Dr Adrienn’s help, we can now preserve our patients’ teeth, giving them better outcomes and a happier, healthier life.

At GVC, we do not just treat pets—we improve their quality of life in ways that were not possible before. Kiri’s journey is a testament to how specialized care, modern technology, and a Fear Free approach can make all the difference.

As his loving owner tells us: “He brings so much joy into our lives and we are so lucky to have him. His happiness and wellbeing are our top priority, which is why we love the German Vet!”

Specialized veterinary dentistry procedures are rare as there are only a very few veterinarians in the region with the skill and knowledge to perform such a complex procedure. It is for this reason that the availability of this procedure is so important for the UAE’s pet care industry and reinforces GVC’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of the UAE’s companion animals.

To find out more about GVC’s extensive veterinary capabilities that include the only Board-Certified Specialist in Veterinary Behaviour Medicine in the region, as well as our dual certified Cat Friendly and Fear Free care, please call 025562024 or visit us today!