Bad Bad teeth

[Tanya]

As you all know, Josie came to live with me after her owner died and the family didn't want to bother with her. Her breath (which I think I've discussed before) is so bad that I can't tell you. I take her regularly to the vet like a good mom and I ve even asked the vet about the breath. He looks at her teeth and says...yeh, they aren't great but she's an old dog. Ok.

well it's so bad now that if Josie licks you, your arm will smell to high heaven. So, I took her back again and now he says she has terrible teeth and has pus around several of her teeth. Geez! Can you believe it? I've just not been real satisfied with this guy...especially since we lost Punkin...though I think he did all he knew for her. But teeth! Why didn't he tell me this the other times I asked!

Tom knows already, but I'm happy to report I found a new vet who I think will work out better for me. He actually specializes in dachshie back problems. Studies at the teaching hospitals to perfect his technique.

I will schedule Josie for a cleaning once I get paid. Because of her age the vet recommends a blood work up and antibiotics before the cleaning. Is she in danger? I mean as far as anesthesia? Yall know I almost lost my mind when Punkin passed away, I would literally go insane if my Josie left me.

i know I need help!<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm25.gif" border=0>
tanya

[dutchman]

Hi Tanya,

I would listen to your vet. There is some risk for any animal (people included) when anesthetic is used but the amount of that risk is dependent on so many other issues that we can't really begin to try and second guess your vet. Wanting to do the blood work and use some antibiotics all sounds like reasonable steps to me. Not removing abscessed teeth could possible be a bigger long term danger than the risk imposed by the oral surgery. Not having the dental done before was a gamble. Your other vet felt the risk of any of the teeth progressing to the point of developing an abscess was less than the risk of surgery based on Josie's age and general health. I can't remember do you know how old she is? What is her general health like other than her teeth?

At this point you do need to get her current dental problems resolved and the infection cleared up. Your new vet can advise you on the benefits versus risk of going ahead and having a full dental done at the same time the abscessed teeth will be extracted. I'd go with your new vet's advice. Don't panic when they discuss any possible risk remember if you have ever had any minor surgery they always list all the possible bad things that can happen.

Let us know what day the dental work will be done so that we can be sure to deliver some extra rays your direction.

Best Wishes,

Tom and the boys Franks and Tanner

[Tanya]

Thanks Tom. I am for sure having the dental work done and would have done so already had I been advised. I kept asking, but he just said it was ok. I guess I should have pushed the issue. The vet (this is still the old vet) said that she needed them cleaned but he never said anything about extractions. Can I assume the teeth with pus will need to be extracted? Maybe I should just go ahead and move her records to the new vet now. I have yet to move the records to the new vet. Josie we guess is about 10 yrs old and is in fine health.Judging by Josie's teeth, I don't think this dog has ever had her teeth cared for. I feel so bad. I feel like such a bad mom.
Tanya

[wireweiners]

I agree with Tom. Although there is always some risks with anethesia but the newer ones are very safe. Plus they usually don't have to put them out for very long or very deep with tooth cleaning. Do have the blood work done and the vet will probably want to put her on antibiotics before and after the procedure.

[Penny's Aunt]

Most vets seem to be using Isofluorane gas these days, & some are even using the new version, which is even safer. They are not without risk, but a rotten mouth is kind of a guarantee of future bad health, since all that bacteria & scum has to be filtered through the kidneys & liver.

The blood work is a good idea, too. Even if it shows normal, it can be used as a baseline for the future.

And be sure to give the whole run of antibiotics. Quitting partway through can set her up for more problems, as the bacteria can develop a immunity to that antibiotic, making it useless for the future.

Just ask your new vet to get your old records. Usually it is no big deal.

[Wienergal]

Well, this topic is making me a bit nervous, since our little foster, L.B., is having his horrible teeth cleaned (and some extracted) right this minute. PA is right (as always): The newer anesthetics are much safer, and a pre-anesthetic blood test should always be done, but especially in a 10-year-old!

I have to say, though, that I am truly appalled at your old vet's blase attitude about Josie's teeth. Dental infections are almost a 100% probability when the teeth are in very bad shape, as Josie's are. And dental infections are extremely dangerous because they can affect the heart in a very short time. Run, don't walk, away from this guy!!! And do have your new vet get your records--make it easy on yourself!

Good luck!

--Pamela

[Tanya]

Here we go. Josie is starting on her antibiotics today and will be on them for one week before her teeth will be cleaned. I noticed a little swelling in her face yesterday. Josie's teeth are terrible and it bothers me that my previous vet didn't seem concerned. I didn't know bad teeth could cause all those problems. So we are starting the process and will have the cleaned and a few pulled I'm sure next week.
Say prayers that things aren't too bad for my Josie.
Tanya