Successful medical and surgical treatment of dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum in a Saint Bernard dog.

A four-year-old neutered male Saint Bernard dog presented with a 2 year history of nasal philtrum ulceration and recent recurrent arterial hemorrhage from this region. Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum was diagnosed and the patient was started on immunosuppressive medications. Clinical signs continued to recur until surgical resection of the lesions was performed.

Hospital dentistry. Window on total family health care.

A confused and complicated medical history reported by the patient may signal the need for additional medical treatment and behavioral counseling. The issue of dentistry as a primary care health profession is explored, and two cases are presented to illustrate this principle in action.