Teeth cleaning

[kirbybirby]

I am hoping to get some more closure on this subject and want opinions on whether a cleaning and/or extraction is necessary. I know the pictures may look rough (especially since I had just finished brushing them) but my yorkie has already been to 2 different vets and they have both told me that it is not an urgent matter right now to get the teeth cleaned although it is recommended. My concerns are not with the tartar, my concerns are with two specific teeth which I have uploaded the originals to show where the teeth are exactly and then enlarged the problem areas. The first tooth looks to be poking through the gum at the top, am I wrong? Is it supposed to be like that? The second tooth looks like it is cracked, is that what it looks like to you? I'm not a tooth expert and don't know if teeth have natural lines like that.

Please don't jump down my throat over this, I just want to make sure that surgery is absolutely necessary. I struggle heavily with depression and my yorkie is one of the very few things that keeps me going. I cannot imagine losing her because she was put under for teeth cleaning.

[CalMis]

Hi KirbyKirby,
Your baby is adorable! My advice is, get the teeth extracted/pulled. Yorkie teeth are so sensitive, and you are doing all you can with the maintenance. Infected teeth can be bad news and lead to infection and further complications. Good luck!

[TxVicki]

From what I am looking at, I certainly recommend getting his teeth cleaned and having a possible extraction. The Vet will also do an xray of the teeth to see under the gum line and what is going on.

[ladyjane]

Your concern should be the gingivitis....if teeth are left like that it leads to heart, liver and kidney disease.

Periodontal Disease: The Perils of Gum Disease in Dogs

I don't know about the need for extractions, but it is clear to me that a dental is needed.

[107barney]

If you want her around for a long time, then get over your fear of anesthesia and get the dental -- she needs it! I would get it done with Xrays if you can. I can tell you that my dog winston is going for a dental next week for less than what you've showed us.

[dottiesyrky]

As others here have said your baby does need a dental. It does look like one tooth has a tip broken off, but only the vet and X-rays will be able to assess and diagnose. I know many moms are concerned with anesthesia , but most dogs deal with it very well. Don't worry, she will be fine.
So please get your girl seen as soon as possible, she is probably hurting. Good luck.

[Wylie's Mom]

Hmmm....not sure what they mean, exactly, by it's not urgent but that's it's indeed "recommended" -- why are the recommending it, specifically? I think that would direct my decision somewhat.

I'd be concerned, though, about the crack and that one tooth coming thru the top there. Also, just fyi, tooth issues are VERY tied to the heart...and if left unchecked, can really do some cardiac damage.

As long as you do the pre-surgical bloodwork and everything looks okay there - your baby will do just great under anesthesia, I'm sure of it. I TOTALLY do understand, though, your fears around anesthesia and I had to face that myself with my babies.

[Shicks]

Oh my goodness, please try and get these fixed. Can be so dangerous. Yorkies's teeth take special care. I had to take my late little boy to a doggie specialist dentist. Yep, lots of problems, surgery, going back often, etc. Also, Yep. You guessed it, lots of money. Well worth it. I learned a great deal on careing for teeth. We lost him at @ seven, not due to teeth, but his breath was still puppy sweet, just like he had just milked.

[Lovetodream88]

Anesthesia is very safe. I'm guessing you had her put spayed so how did she do when that was done? If you leave tarter built up like that and don't get them cleaned it will cause he to lose teeth in the end. Bad teeth can lead to many other issues like heart problems. As long as you get the blood work before hand and your vet follows a good anesthesia protocol it very safe.

[MauiGirl]

I understand your fear of anesthesia, however the risk to her life due to anesthesia is much much less than consequences of dental disease. The healthy thing to do for her is to get those teeth properly cleaned, and they will do x-rays to determine what is best for the 2 teeth you are questioning. Have pre-op blood work done to make sure there are no pre-existing conditions that would make her at risk for the procedure.

We all have a bit of anxiety putting our beloved pups under for procedures, as a matter of fact 2 of mine are having dentals this coming Thursday, and the other is having hers the following Thursday. I will be nervous too, but know that it is the best thing to ensure their healthy long lives.

This link is very informative about doggie dental care, and the portion about deep cleaning makes it clear how extensive it is, and also why it is rather expensive.
A Complete Dental Care Program for Your Dog

[kirbybirby]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the kind responses. I have decided to go ahead and get her in for the cleaning/extraction. I'm just going to have to put my stress aside because this is obviously a very important thing to be done and I didn't realize that before.

The only thing I'm worried about is the tube being jammed down her throat. She is 4lbs and I worry so much about a collapsing trachea as she already has a "back sneeze".

Also, does anyone know what exact blood work should be done?

[Scoobstersmom]

Kirbybirby,


My vet does a general wellness panel to check organ (liver, kidneys etc) function just prior to any surgical procedure or anesthesia. For my older pets, I bring them in a few days prior to the procedure to get full panels done and sent out to a lab. On my younger dogs, the vet will sometimes just do a mini panel (in-office) the morning of the procedure to check for basic organ function. Based on your pet's age and general health, your vet will help you decide which is best for your pet.


For what it's worth, you have made a good choice to get those teeth taken care of. The risk of anesthesia is - in most cases - much less than the risks that come with dental disease.


Diana

[Shicks]

Originally Posted by kirbybirby

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the kind responses. I have decided to go ahead and get her in for the cleaning/extraction. I'm just going to have to put my stress aside because this is obviously a very important thing to be done and I didn't realize that before.

The only thing I'm worried about is the tube being jammed down her throat. She is 4lbs and I worry so much about a collapsing trachea as she already has a "back sneeze".

Also, does anyone know what exact blood work should be done?

Good for you. Tell them to do a complete blood work up (CBC), since she is so small and if she hasn't had one before. Ask for the tiniest tube they have. & smile.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by kirbybirby

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the kind responses. I have decided to go ahead and get her in for the cleaning/extraction. I'm just going to have to put my stress aside because this is obviously a very important thing to be done and I didn't realize that before.

The only thing I'm worried about is the tube being jammed down her throat. She is 4lbs and I worry so much about a collapsing trachea as she already has a "back sneeze".

Also, does anyone know what exact blood work should be done?

Well they don't jam it down there they are very gentel and they have different sizes for different sized dogs. Both mine and my moms dog who both recently had dentals done both have CT and did fine. Sammy's was slightly irritated but he was fine after a few days. I do not believe having the tube down there throat causes ct. Reverse sneezing and ct are not related. I'm not sure what blood work to a ask for because it's my vets policy to do blood work for anything they have to be anesticised for. It will be cheaper to do the blood work before the dental and not the same day.

[Ellie May]

Yes, it does look necessary.

As Taylor said, CT and reverse sneezing are not related. Intubation can increase reverse sneezing immeduately following extubation. They don't jam it down. It is actually a great safety measure to intubate (besides being necessary for a proper dental).

Make sure IV fluids are ran during the procedure.

Pre-op labs include a CBC and chemistry at a minimum. While almost always considered unnecessary for healthy dogs, if you want to be extremely cautious (and spend a ton of money) you can get a urinalysis, bile acid test, chest xray, and EKG.