 Teeth
I well understand how you feel about the anesthetic cleaning. I hate that, but it is the only way to get the teeth thoroughly cleaned and detect teeth that need extraction. But if precautions such as pre tests and hydration etc are done I have found the procedure safe and effective.
As for the cost, it depends on what is included. I tend to get whatever the vet suggests, and always get the pain and antibiotic meds injected, that prevent me having to administer them to a dog who may not be eating or is stressed. As my dog has an acidy stomach and gets sick if he goes without food for a long time, as in fasting surgery or dentals, he gets a shot of Famatodine the morning of the dental and it keeps his stomach happy. So for all this I have paid as much as $800. If you get a detailed estimate you can decide what you are comfortable doing. Certainly it is worth pre dental blood and urine tests.
Insurance that covers all you suggest you would like is very expensive, and I never did that. Even if it covers dentals and other procedures, they may not cover the cost of the complete treatment you might desire. Any insurance proposal has to be read very carefully, and comparisons have to be with apples and apples. I found it very difficult to do this because of the different coverages and exclusions etc. There are web sites that help with this selection process and also advice from people here who have insurance. |