My 8 year old chihuahua has a loose tooth. At her last vet appointment, the dentist said she had mild tartar, but nothing to worry about too much. Now one of her teeth is loose. (She's already had another big tooth taken out a few years ago.) I'm considering having the tooth pulled, but due to her age she would need a pre-op workup, catheter, all sorts of medicines and stuff. I'm not sure that it's really worth putting her through all that for one little tooth at her age.
Can you offer an advice? Pros or cons of having her put out and undergoing the surgery?
2006-09-15 10:24:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
She does not seem to be in pain and has no trouble eating. I guess, if the tooth needs to come out, I'd rather do it sooner than later. When I called the vet's office, I was told that the procedure would take all day - for the cleaning and the tooth extraction.
What would be the options if she's not able to get the anaesthesia?
2006-09-15 12:03:01 · update #1
Chihuahuas can live to be a very old age...8 years old is young. I would let her go...there is no certainty that the tooth will become more loose and cause her discomfort. I would watch her carfully and if she showed any signs of pain (not wanting to eat), I would atke her to your veterinarian.
Also, the best thing for a dog's teeth is dry food. Try feeding her a constant diet of dry food. The dry food does a good juob of cleaning up the tartar and buildup on dog's teeth.
You can also brush your dog's teeth. You can use a people tooth brush and water. They also make toothpast for dogs....try petsmart or www.drsfostersmith.com.
Good luck, hope this helps
2006-09-15 10:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by andicohoon707 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's always a risk with any surgery, but anaesthetics have come on a lot. If the tooth is already loose, she won't need to be under for long - maybe only a minute or two. If the loose tooth stops her form eating well, she'll only get weaker and less able to cope with the op. If she were mine, I think I'd go for it, but you know her best. How much discomfort is she in?
2006-09-15 10:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by Felida 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask your vet. You might have to take a chance this time to have the tooth pulled. If left untreated it can cause all kinds of other problems, or it might fall out and choke your dog.
If you are not brushing your dog's teeth already, ask the vet show you how to do it. And some dogs like dental bones too. You should be able to find them in pet stores.
2006-09-15 10:29:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dental problems can quickley escalate to more serious problems. The pre-op work-up would give you and your vet a chance to discover any hidden medical issues(if any). Taking care of dental problems now will prevent more serious secondary infections in the future. With the technology vets have available to them, the surgery risks are minimal(assuming the pre-surgery tests are good)
2006-09-15 14:43:31 · answer #4 · answered by pat k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 is young for a Chi and she would most liklley need to have a work up done before going under anestesia.
It should be pulled if the tooth is loose as it may casue her pain or become infected.
2006-09-15 10:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should do okay as far as the surgery and meds go... vets are usually very cautious about these things. As far as if you should have it pulled... consult the vet. If it is causing her pain or difficulty eating then yes... it would be worth it for the well being of your dog.
2006-09-15 10:28:24 · answer #6 · answered by jaysbaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about dogs but my cats 13yrs old and I had to have his teeth cleaned as the tar tar build up was making his gums bleed and he had to go through a pre op and hes fine
2006-09-15 10:54:28 · answer #7 · answered by light_touchuk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry to here about your dog hope it gets well soon but do not worry get the tooth pulled out and then u and your dog will be happy as larry
2006-09-15 11:02:57 · answer #8 · answered by Mark H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the anesthesia of today are quite safe..the risks would be better than the risks of infection from the tooth..Tooth infection can become systemic (blood poisoning) and cause heart failure..
2006-09-15 11:07:13 · answer #9 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋