Gingivitis in an old dog...?

Question

I have a 13 year old dog, she is a bichon frise and is still very playful but has started to go blind and deaf... I’ve noticed over the past 3 years she has started getting little growths all over and also has gingivitis.. I talked to the vet about cleaning her teeth but he thought it would be risky considering her age. Does anyone else have this problem? Can I do anything to help her without putting her under anesthesia?

Answer 1

there's just not much you can do other than giving her rawhide to chew on to help with the gingivitis. We have run into the 'too old' dog with teeth problems also. It was the only advice the vet could give us. It's just old age creeping up.

The lumps under the skin are also from old age. We've had three dogs get them and none have seemed to be bothered by them. The vet told us that unless they became painful for the dog, it was best to just leave them alone.

I've been through the aging process several times with pets. As with adults, the older they get the more they depend on us to help them. Help her as much as you can by giving her things to chew and take them away before they get so small she would swallow it. Their teeth aren't strong enough to finish the chewing process before swallowing.

Answer 2

I used to work for a vet and we would see this problem often in ageing dogs and cats. Your vet is right to not put your animal under anesthesia because your dog may never wake up from it. If there was a problem he may chance it if it was life threatening. As far as helping your pups teeth there are things that you can get at the pet stores called "greenies". They come in all sizes for all sized animals and will help to pull some of the grime off of the teeth. By doing this the gums may get a bit healthier. A better option than the greenies would be to go to your local supermarket and buy marrow bones (found in the meat department). Make sure that there are no pieces attached that your dog will be able to break off and choke on. Freeze the bones (raw) and then give one to your pup to chew on. As it dethaws just throw it back in the freezer and give it back later. When the marrow is gone its time for a new bone. If your dog does not like to chew there are doggie toothbrushes and meat flavored toothpaste for them. Any combo. of the above will help with your pets dental condition. As far as the lumps go if you vet has seen them and is not concerned then they are most likely "old dog lumps" or fatty tumors" that are not attached to anything and not dangerous unless they are hurting the animal. However, just like with humans you should consult your doctor if you have any other concerns. **Note a change in diet (the bones or greenies) will sometimes give a pet the runs. If this happens slow down the amount of time you let your pet chew on them. Good luck, I hope your doggie has a happy long life.

Answer 3

probably not...even if you tried giving her teeth cleaning treats or brushing her teeth they may fall out or chip. Maybe some liquid teeth cleaning stuff that you put in the dogs water? It would take a while to work though. And also depending on if she drinks her water with it in it. You are sadly experiencing normal changes with the coming of age with a senior dog. Maybe some chemo therapy for the growths? If they are cancerous then this would give her some more time with you. So you have been to the vet already about it all, and it seems like the only atternative is to go ahead with it if you want whats best for her. Good Luck!

Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

Answer 4

the problems you're describing are all normal developments for an aging dog. growths can start popping up on your dog at any stage of his life, but it is extremely common in their later years. the bumps are something that your vet hopefully would examine and if they look suspicious, your vet typically will biopsy them to make sure they are not malignant cancer.

as far as your dog's teeth go, letting the crud build up can cause not only gingivitis but severe dental disease and it can also lead to infections other places in the body, like the kidneys and heart. anesthesia is always a risk especially in older dogs, but a good vet will assess your pet's candidacy with thorough examination and also with blood tests that will show whether organs are functioning properly. even if there are some slightly abnormal values, your vet can alter the types of anesthesia used, and add in fluids or medications to make it a safer experience. if your vet has outright told you not to do it because your pet is old, without gathering any of this information, maybe you should consider finding another vet that will look out for you and your pet's best interests

Answer 5

They do offer Non Anesthetic Cleaning, but only some vets offer it. I know thaty my hospital offers it. You also have to take into consideration how bad here teeth are. If the gums are too bad, they may not be able to do a deep cleaning with a non anesthetic. Unfortunately, there are no other options for this typd of problem. You could try using Science Diet T/D which is a prescription diet that you can get from some Hospitals that sell Science Diet. Hill's Science Diet T/D is a dental food, that basically helps break plaque off the teeth, as the dog eats the food. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Your canines have been given gingivitis in view which you do no longer brush its the teeth. rawhides, dental bones, dinner rolls, 'no longer something out of can' do no longer something to strengthen dental well-being likewise, i might positioned pigs ears interior an analogous type by way of fact the above. the only useful factor you're able to do to sell your canines dental well-being is to sweep its the teeth ... a minimum of weekly.. upload: I additionally feed my canines uncooked meaty bones, yet that stuff approximately uncooked diets having magical dental well-being powers is delusion. no longer supported by utilising technology. additionally illogical on its face. you will get some minimum plaque scraping on specific the teeth from the two gnawing ... yet once you sweep your canines the teeth usually, then the bone chewing isn't offering an further earnings, and while you're no longer brushing, all the bone chewing interior the worldwide won't forestall the the teeth decay/gum ailment. ADD2: there is fairly a industry for 'advertising people who do no longer want to hassle with brushing their canines the teeth some product we will declare seems after it for them without attempt" No such product will help sufficient to keep away from something. in hassle-free terms brushing can.

Answer 7

Hi Mike a!
Fresh aloe vera from the plant works well to reduce inflammation and redness. Rub it gently onto the gums with your fingers.

Add Ester-C to strengthen your animal’s immune system, facilitating the destruction of the germs and microorganisms that can enhance gum disease. Mix with plain, organic yogurt for palatability.

Avoid giving your animal foods containing refined sugar, white flour or other harmful ingredients found in most conventional pet foods. These plaque-builders are the chief culprits of gum diseases, causing inflammation and swelling. And contrary to popular belief and marketing, chewing most brands of biscuits is not an effective means of keeping the teeth clean. The problem starts at the periodontal area between the tooth and the gum line.

Jason Homan

Answer 8

You can buy CET treats and let her have one a day. That will help her not get more of a problem.

Use the CET toothpaste and brush her teeth.

visit my favorite site for buying high quality pet products.

www.allivet.com

Best of luck,

Answer 9

I bet you let him lick you in the mouth too dont you?.....