I brush my dogs' teeth several times a week (try to do it everyday but sometimes I forget), but my oldest dog has always resisted teeth brushing as I didn't start brushing her teeth until she was 6 years old. However, her breath has recently become horrible, so I really looked in her mouth and found that her fartherst back molar is quite decalcified and actually loose.
She had her regular vet do her physical last year and she said that while there was a little calculus build-up it wasn't worth putting her under to get her teeth cleaned. Last week she went and got a check-up with a different vet at the practice, who failed to even notice this problem..
She is not showing signs of discomfort, no changes in eating. I am concerned about this leading to kidney/liver problems, and would like it to be removed. Thing is, she is 11 y/o, so I'm really worried about the risks that come with anesthesia.
What should I do?
2006-09-24 06:00:05 · 7 answers · asked by lickitysplit 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She is a Boston Terrier, so she is smaller, and at an age where she's old enough for there to be risks with anesthesia, but not so old that she couldn't easily live 3 or so more years.
2006-09-24 06:01:48 · update #1
Yes- she is definately going to the vet. I'm just wondering if (assuming pre-op blood panels show she is otherwise healthy) it were your dog, would you take the risk of surgery to avoid potential problems in the future?
2006-09-24 06:21:03 · update #2
This is just my opinion but I wouldn't risk the surgery, at least, not the surgery involved in getting her teeth cleaned. I would try to avoid but still consider having the offending tooth pulled.
My preferred path would be to treat her with antibiotics, topical if possible, and plan/hope that the gum around the tooth firms up as the infection clears up. Since her breath has recently become horrible, that's an excellent indicator that she is indeed suffering from an infection. It could have been caused by something (like a pocorn kernel? a bone shard?) getting lodged in her gum. Anyway, the less treatment the better in my book...or at least, never more than is absolutely necessary - we often exacerbate what Nature can best take care of on its own.
Gums are to teeth as soil is to mountainside trees. Once this has been resolved, consider giving her toys/food/treats that will help toughen up her gums. She'll enjoy them and they'll do her more good than frequent toothbrushing. Your vet will be able to make some informed suggestions...
Good Luck.
2006-09-24 06:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by Jess Wundring 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Having the deep cleaning is the best option but it is only a temporary fix. I have a rott/chow mix and he is 12 years old his breath is mind blowing. I have done the deep cleaning for 5 years now and it works but not for long. I just made the appointment to have his teeth removed. They can still eat and it really is like an elderly person getting dentures. No, I am not saying that my dog is getting dentures but due to the bacteria and the mouth infections and horriable breath I am going to have the teeth removed. It is not cruel and will give my dog a better quality of for what ever time he has left with me. He is in great shape and very healthy except for the mouth and teeth. He has had the same vet since he was a puppy and I know that putting him under could be dangerous, But I trust his vet completely and I know if he feels that there is something going wrong when he is doing the procedure he will do whats best for my dog.
2006-09-24 06:42:00 · answer #2 · answered by slanteyedkat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet and make sure they inspect this tooth. If it needs to come out that's the best thing to do for her. Because of her age, the vet will do a pre-op blood work-up and let you know then if she has any other problems. They'll also be able to tell you what her risks would be for surgery. That's when you can make an informed decision as to what's best for her. And yes, you're right, if her tooth's bad, it could lead to serious health problems.
2006-09-24 07:17:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
some breeds (in the process the domestic dog degree) can swallow or lose their tooth by way of fact they are like us people. different dogs that are older (senior) can lose tooth by way of tarter boost via the years. the superb ingredient to do to maintain your dogs's tooth healthful is to pass to a puppy keep of any form (petsmart, petco, veterinarian's workplace, shelters, etc) and there would be a splash eco-friendly bone interior the form of a toothbrush. that is style of like a rawhide bone, yet as they bite on it, that is going to sparkling their tooth interior the approach. wish this facilitates!
2016-10-01 07:47:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless the area around the tooth looks red and inflamed, I would let nature take it's course. If it does look red I would take the dog back to the vet, point out the problem directly and express your concern.
2006-09-24 06:05:33 · answer #5 · answered by Love Lite 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the Vet and have her teeth clean. Tell them about the tooth. If it bad have it removed.
2006-09-24 06:09:19 · answer #6 · answered by whataboutme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give extra strength fodder and calcium .That does not help : visit your veterinary surgeon .
2006-09-24 06:35:24 · answer #7 · answered by speelseegel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋