Sorry to hear this news.... my 2 cents, lol: Getting a dental vs not getting a dental is a double edged sword. Yes the anesthesia could kill him, but with no dental, bacteria can very easily enter the bloodstream and he will become septic and could die just as easily. Both very bad things to have happen.
I've been there... the first option I call 'Death by Dental' (as in pulling a gun on the police is Death by Cop). Sorry for the sick humor.... it's how I deal with the hard stuff.
Normally, I opt for having the dental, bc if they survive, it will improve their health for their remaining years and will give them more time.
If a dental is definitely out, then you just do the best you can for as long as they're around. Antibiotics, special food, home dental hygiene, etc, whatever the vet recommends.
Many Yorkies have crappy teeth. This is a fact of life and we must be prepared for their care. If one of mine needs a high risk procedure, I turn them over to my vet and God, as it's in His Hands overall. That's about all I can do, and Pray.
And just a warning (this next part is kind of yucky) A family member never had dentals done on their dog, he did well and must have had good teeth, till he became ancient, and he started pulling his own teeth out. I get a call: What do we do? Well considering something is wrong that would make him do this, I told them to get a dental ASAP, if not he could bleed to death or die of infection, depending what was going on with him. They said he's too old, a dental would kill him. I said yes, you're probably right, but you can't not do anything, you have to try to help him, either by cleaning his mouth up and restoring him to a state of health, or he could die on the table, and be out of his misery. They opted for the dental. Spent a few days saying goodbye and spending special time with him. Then I took him to the vet for his dental. He did survive it, and lived a year or two longer to our surprise.
I'll be praying for a good outcome, and Peace in your hearts for you and your wife as you make a very difficult decision. |