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No fun. :( We have minor teeth issues with our (much younger!) dog but so far have resisted putting him under for the full deal. In his case, the teeth issues are exacerbated by food allergy issues, which can be really frustrating to get a handle on. We do monitor it pretty carefully, though.
It sounds like you guys are already doing a huge amount to help your dog's teeth, though---I wouldn't be surprised if whatever is causing the stomach acid might also be what's damaging his teeth in some way, so maybe that's the thing to heavily pursue. It's pretty much the same with dogs as with people---dental hygiene and problems can be caused by (or indicative of) problems with overall physical health. That many problems with a dog who's eating dry food and already having his teeth brushed and scaled regularly (way more than many owners do!) seems like a flag of something else that's still unresolved (though sounds like you're still working with the vet on the food issue, too?)
I'd let them do the extractions if they really feel they need to---rotting teeth can cause infections with really dire consequences, and half the cost is the anaesthesia anyway, so who wants to go through that again! But afterwards, maybe push your vet a little on figuring out what's causing the continuing problems, given all you're doing for him. Poor guy! :(
Good luck---hope he's home and happy soon!
I just ask because while I understand the value of veterinarians, I also fully understand that they are a business. Just because they say your dog needs to get his teeth scaled, and the only way to do that is to put him under, that doesn't necessarily means it's true. Some dogs go their whole lives without having their teeth cleaned and some vets can do a pretty thorough cleaning without putting the animal under.
If your dog doesn't seem to be bothered by his teeth, and if they don't smell absolutely horrific (which they would if they were rotting or infected), I would be asking more questions and for alternatives before I let them do the procedure so many times.
I am also just very weary of having my dogs put under for any reason. Last year my setter ripped her dewclaw almost off. They wanted to put her under for something that literally just took scissors and was a virtually painless procedure. I fought them, it took less than 5 minutes, and the dog was totally unconcerned. There's no way she would have been better off getting put under!
Lastly, is Romie getting enough to chew on? Rawhides and those doggie dental toys can go a long way in the cleaning department. My 5 year old lab's teeth are sparkling because she chews so much. The vet always asks how her teeth are so great. Diet can play a big part in your his tooth health, too. I think cheaper foods can sometimes add to the buildup.
Hopefully Romie's vet really is looking out his best interests and he will be up and running around in no time today!
The vet just called to say he needs SEVEN teeth pulled! I've grown up surrounded by dogs and never had a sinlg issue like this! Romie's only ever been on high-end food since we got him, he gets chew toys, and we brush. I just don't understand!
I was hesitant to give him the OK, but then he mentioned the risk of the dog DYING so of course FI said to go ahead. Grand total for today's visit: $830 an counting...
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! In a case like this, I would definitely get a second opinion! I know it's too late for that now, but just keep it in mind for the future.
Hang in there! :)
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My poor Romie is cursed with terrible teeth. We brush them a few times a week plus anytime he throws up (he also has digestive problems where he vomits stomach acid regularly, still working with his vet on the right food/feeding schedule/meds balance for that). Today is his THIRD time getting the deep cleaning/scaling done in the 4 yrs I've had him. The first time, they had to pull 2 teeth, and it looked like he's had 2 pulled before I ever got him (adopted him when he was 5).
He "goes under" at 11am, and of course I'm worried about that since the anesthesia is the most dangerous part of his appt. I cried when I dropped him off (and the receptionist and vet tech both laughed at me!). They're going to call me if they need to do an extractions (range from $16-$170 per tooth depending! The procedure itself starts at $260!!), but I'm not sure what to do. He never seems like he's in any pain when he's eating (dry food), and he has no problem with his chew toys. I'm debating whether I should just say DON'T pull any and see how it goes?
Has anyone else had teeth issues with their dog? He looked like he thought I was abandoning him this morning when I dropped him off, I feel SO SAD for him=(