Quote:
Originally Posted by Gew  Audrey had a cleaning a year ago with no negative results, and she did fine. However, my collie who is eleven had one and she was loopy for a day afterwards. Both had had CBC’s prior to the cleaning. Didn’t realize that yorkies needed them so frequently. I better be more diligent about brushing. Will try to brush twice a day.
Thanks so much for your response.
Gew |
Seems like it 'runs in the family', like the gene for fighting dental bacteria is missing a link or something. I've Goggled Yorkies and dental problems and read the many theories but a lot of the thinking back when I researched a bit seems to be the Yorkies tiny muzzles, crowded teeth and apparently a congenital DNA missing link for successfully killing excessive dental bacteria.
I brush Tibbe's teeth about 3 times weekly now using C.E.T. chicken-flavor toothpaste and it was a gradual process getting him used to the cleaning, with much high-voiced, upbeat, fun praise when he tolerated it and of course, his 'paycheck' treat/high praise at the end. I mean who wants to work hard at tolerating a miserable thing and not get a reward and 'pat on the back' at the end!?!?!
Tibbe's 11 now, has early CT and am worried how his next dental cleanings with intubation/anesthesia may affect his throat, not to mention his cardiopulmonary and liver health. Going to have to have a long talk with the vet but his breath is smelling pretty foul after 11 months since his last dental cleaning and his little mouth is pretty 'gamey' looking and smelling. Scared he'll develop another painful, bleeding abscess if I don't get the tartar and gumline bacteria cleaned away surgically. His breath always smells great after the yearly vet cleanings. But also worried how his throat will be irritated by the whole anesthesia process, not to mention tolerating the anesthesia itself.
But brushing alone just won't remove the hardened dental plaque that become hardened under the gumline in many small dogs and leads to gum disease, inflammation/swelling and pain, needless suffering, eventually even infection/abscess, even tooth loss.
Responsibly loving and caring for a tiny dog can mean lots of hard decisions and worry you made the right one.