Off Topic But Can Anyone Answer?
 

I'm sorry for posting this here, I don't know if it's ok or not, if not, I apologize in advance. This is not yorkie related, but it does have to do with my other fur daughter Dottie, she's a German Shorthair Pointer Mix. Dottie and our boxer boy Elijah were playing a lil while ago, (pretty rough like always) when Dottie suddenly stopped playing and started whining. Upon checking her I found her incisor tooth, (at least that's the one I think it is) it's the one on the side up top, the long one, had busted in half!! She's not bleeding but I know she's got to be in pain. I'm calling the vet in 4 1/2 hours when they open. Does anyone have any idea what they will do? I mean, can it be pulled or will they cap it like they do humans or what? We've never had a furbaby with a busted tooth before. Elijah's tooth is fine. Will they have to put Dottie under to cap it if they do that sort of thing with furbabies? I'm worried, I don't like any of our furkids having to go under but this has to be taken care of. I don't want her getting any sort of infection in it and it going to her heart. I was trying to do a search online of possible things they can do for this but I'm not having any luck in finding any info. Anyone, any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

Ah ha, I did find a place that has corrected me, it's the canines on the side of the mouth, the fang looking teeth. Anyhow, can anyone answer any of the above questions?

How old is Dottie?

She's 7 years old.

I'm not sure what they may do. I'm sorry I'm not going to be much help. Maybe someone with more knowledge than I got will be able to help you. Poor baby! Let us know what the vet says.

I sure will, and thanks for replying. I actually did find some info on it, there's three options from what I've read, one being a root canal, the other being a vital pulpotomy and the other being an extraction. I don't know if the doc will be able to do any in the AM beings it's Saturday and he's only open part of the day, but I'm sure gonna see if he can do something, I don't want her to have to go like this, I know it's gotta be painful as I've had a busted tooth before and it hurt! From wat I read though, that tooth being the one it is has twice the length of a root and the width of the root is larger then the actual width of the tooth I can see! She's got pretty big teeth so if an axtraction is in order, that'll be one big hole! I just hope they can do something about it tomorrow morning.

Oh wait! It's only FRIDAY!!! Hopefully he WILL be able to do something today then, he normally does all his surgeries in the AM, so maybe if I can get her in early he'll be able to fix Miss DooDah all up. Crossin my fingers!

Oh no.. :( poor baby.. im sorry i cant be much help either.. but i would like to know what they do.. please update when you find out!

Ouch! Poor baby. I hope he vet can fix it up in the morning. I have no information or suggestions to offer though, sorry. Keep us posted, okay?

Thanks for your concern and replies ladies, it's much appreciated. I'll surely keep you updated on what the vet says today. I know the last time she ate was at 6:00 yesterday evening, but I know she had water to drink after that, I wonder if he'll be able to do anything today considering she had water later in the evening? Oh I just hope whatever can be done can be done soon cause I don't want her to be in pain.

Good luck tomorrow, keep is posted.

He will most likely Pull the tooth. I sure hope she'l be ok. Poor baby.

most likely they will pull it. It is fine to drink water, but don't let her eat until you go in to the vet

Awww, poor baby:( I hope that the vet can fix her all up today!

Our vet allows animals to have all the water they want before surgery, just no food, so she should be just fine. Praying for y'all!

I hope everything goes well for Dottie! My brother's miniature american eskimo used to constantly chew on my parents' picnic table, and one winter he actually broke off half of a canine tooth as well. He didn't go to a vet though, and the tooth is still there. It looks healthy still and he has no problems with it and shows no pain.

Just wanted to pop in and let you all know that I'm still waiting to get Dottie into the vet. They had one opening for today and luckily I got it, but it isn't until 3:00 this afternoon. So, just as soon as I get back with her I'll let you all know what the doc says. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, replies and concern everyone.

OMG you're kidding me??:eek: How much was busted off? I'd like to share this with you, it's what I found when reading on this subject last night:

Fractured Carnassial Tooth that results in Apical Abscess


Small animals fracture their teeth many ways, from chewing on a cage door, crates or chain link fences. Hard chew toys, ice cubes, or cow hooves may also cause fractures. Auto accidents, aggressive protection training, and dogfights can also fracture a tooth.

All teeth are susceptible to fracture however; in the mature animal the canines are the most common followed by the maxillary 4th premolar and the incisors. In pups less than 6 months old, deciduous canines are the most common.

Just because an animal doesn't appear to be in pain does not mean damage and discomfort are not occurring. Often pets do not complain to us until severe infection has occurred. Animals experience extreme pain when the tooth fractures, as those of you know that have fractured a tooth. Eventually the pulp dies and the pain decreases until an abscess forms. Animals show dental pain many ways:

Veterinary Pet Insurance

* Chewing on one side
* Pawing at their mouth
* Dropping food while eating
* Drooling
* Shying away from being petted
* Refusing hard food or chew toys

Besides pain, infection can result from fractured teeth. Once the pulp is exposed bacteria in the mouth have access to the circulation and may cause damage to heart valves, kidneys and liver as well causing a painful abscess at the root. Even if the pulp is not exposed fracture of the enamel allows exposure of the dentin tubules, which communicate with the pulp, also a means of abscess formation.

If a fracture is detected early, endodontic care can save the tooth. Veterinarians with advanced dentistry training such as Dr. Nossaman can perform root canals. If this treatment is not an option, the tooth must be extracted to relieve the pain and protect infection that will affect your precious friend's quality of life.


I can't let Dottie go like that, I've had a busted tooth before and I know the severe pain I was in until the tooth was extracted. Her tooth busted literally in half, I have like a half an inch of it laying here. I don't know for sure if it matters how much was actually busted off but I won't take any chances with Dottie. Has the vet ever said anything about your brothers furkids tooth?

Nope, I don't believe the vet has said anything since! I wouldn't know since I don't go with him, but he has been in for general checkups since it happened and if something were wrong I'm sure something would have been done by now (he's about 6 years old, and this happened when he was 1 or 2). Basically it's just the tip that's missing. It's a bit shorter than the other side and it's not sharp like the others, it has been rounded down from him chewing on things. He has very healthy teeth and gums so maybe it does depend on how much of the tooth is gone! Maybe where his broke off there was still enough enamal covering to protect from infections.
Anyway, I really hope the vet visit goes well for Dottie! My thoughts are with you!

Ah ha, well then perhaps it really DOES matter how much is broken off. I'm so glad your brothers dog hasn't had any issues with it. I'm pretty sure Dotties is gonna have to be pulled, I can't believe the huge chunk that busted off!:eek:

You will go to the vet with my well wishes.

Our 12 year old Boxer plays with rocks. That is the ONLY "toy" she will play with. Since she was a pup she has played with rocks. She will find one and want to play fetch or put one down on our asphalt driveway and push it with her front feet. Needless to say, poor Boo has worn all of her teeth down to nubs. It has never presented a problem, though, she still scarfs down her dry kibble - the vet has never found any issues with my "rock hound's" mouth, gums, etc.

Thanks for the well wishes ChattiesMom. I'm off to post the results of Dotties visit. It isn't just the lil tails we call our boxers "nubba" now is it, lol. We have two boxer boys here and I love them to pieces.