"Crab Bait" is headed to the vet today.

[MarkFromSea]

I'll call tomorrow about a dental specialist opinion, I'll make additional inquiries. Our appt for the 21 is with a dental specialist that visits this vets office once a month for these type of appts. The vet that saw Gucci today is the vet who would have extracted his teeth if he was a viable candidate for the procedure. BUT, I'll ask more questions tomorrow.

Thanks for your support and even the recommendations aren't that unreasonable. I'll read that reference material.

Today was pretty reasonable, $66. The dental specialist will evaluate CB prior to beginning the procedure... She will decide if he is a candidate for the non anesthetic cleaning at that time. The estimate is just north of $200 but meds and at home supplies are additional.

I'd gladly pay the 600-800 if the risks weren't so high... it wouldn't be like pulling teeth! pun intended! We'd hate to roll the dice and lose him.

Here's the biggest thing that I see. He came to us in such poor physical shape that 1/4 mile walk was a struggle most of the time. Now, 3 miles is very doable MOST of the time. I'd say we're doing something right. Thanks!

[ladyjane]

Here is a link to the thread about my George's dental :

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ds-dental.html

I will tell you that it was well over the $800 when all was said and done because he had some extensive work done but he is doing fantastic. His teeth look better than they ever have before after a dental. He is also eating better (I am sure he was hurting before and that is why his appetite was not as good). He looks terrific! He was very high risk and I was terrified, but I am SO glad now that I did it. The specialist was excellent...very thorough and explained things so well...she really made me feel confident about going through with it. She told me that she will not put a pup under if she thinks they will not make it. That sold me.

[ladyjane]

Here is a link to specialists :

AVDC Veterinary Dentist Directory | AVDC - American Veterinary Dental College

[MarkFromSea]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Here is a link to specialists :

AVDC Veterinary Dentist Directory | AVDC - American Veterinary Dental College

Two of those are less than a block from our current vet, I'll call.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MarkFromSea

Two of those are less than a block from our current vet, I'll call.

Awesome! I doubt a consult could be too terribly much. I think you will be impressed even if you chose not to do it...I know I was.

[wemple2]

I would certainly feel better, if you got the second opinion...I'll pray for your little man...

[Lilah Charm]

Wishin the best for lil 'crab bait' I hope the dental specialist can help, glad for the cooperative support and resource sharing. Keep us updated

[pink66]

I'm so thankful for the great amount of knowledge here-in my opinion ladyjane is an expert on all things pup! Wishing the best for CB!

[Juliealfies mum]

I think you are doing a great job with this little guy, he is benefiting from his walks and getting stronger every day. As for his dental , good luck

[MarkFromSea]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Awesome! I doubt a consult could be too terribly much. I think you will be impressed even if you chose not to do it...I know I was.

I called, they are closed on weekends. I'll shoot for monday.

Gucci seems better yesterday afternoon and this morning.

So, with older dogs, does it benefit the pup to switch food occasionally? He likes what he has now but because of what I've read here, I'm thinking of trying Orijin? dry. free feed... Robyn will still feed him diced chicken... there's no way I could stop her! LOL

That is another important element, now that the vet has recommended against anesthesia, Robyn would really have a tough time changing her mind and allowing it. I'll gather the info and present it to her though.

[lisaly]

One of my Rainbow Bridge babies had a dental when she was sixteen years old because of a tooth infection. Because of an enlarged heart, we had to stop the yearly dentals when Ashley was close to eleven. The dental helped her so much, and we were so glad that she had it. I strongly believe that dental health helps our little ones to be much healthier. I hope you have positive news from a dental specialist.

[MarkFromSea]

I agree.... it's up to the pros to figure out how it'll be done. We don't want to risk losing him by attempting to improve his health. A vet has spoken against anesthesia due to his health...... I'll get a second opinion but realistically.... how would you feel IF you were faced with the same... then just found someone that would use anesthesia... and your dog died... ? Yep, that's where I'm at.... and in this case, it's not my decision alone... so what if I do get convinced to go the anesthesia route, I, in turn convince Robyn and then he dies on the table.... I lose my old pup and Robyn would NATURALLY blame me. I wouldn't blame her for that... That would take some time to repair as well.

He'll get some dental work, we just don't know exactly how yet... 21 Jan, we'll know more.

Thanks for the comments... I appreciate them.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MarkFromSea

I agree.... it's up to the pros to figure out how it'll be done. We don't want to risk losing him by attempting to improve his health. A vet has spoken against anesthesia due to his health...... I'll get a second opinion but realistically.... how would you feel IF you were faced with the same... then just found someone that would use anesthesia... and your dog died... ? Yep, that's where I'm at.... and in this case, it's not my decision alone... so what if I do get convinced to go the anesthesia route, I, in turn convince Robyn and then he dies on the table.... I lose my old pup and Robyn would NATURALLY blame me. I wouldn't blame her for that... That would take some time to repair as well.

He'll get some dental work, we just don't know exactly how yet... 21 Jan, we'll know more.

Thanks for the comments... I appreciate them.

My vet recommended against anesthesia for George because of the problem he had when he had his last dental with her and because of the discovery of collapsed trachea weeks after at A&M....BUT not against a consult with a specialist.

I don't know what your pup has that led your vet to recommend against anesthesia. My concern is why he/she would suggest a highly risky procedure in place of it. With a dental without anesthesia there is a higher risk of aspiration and if lungs are already compromised then that is really a frightening scenario to me. If you provide Robyn with all of this information I think she will totally understand. Besides, you are only going for a consult...at least listen to what a specialist has to say. I have no idea of the health of your pup nor do I know if he can withstand anesthesia; but my guess is he could .. I have seen and heard of many others who were ill and had it. My son just had a 15 year old done at the specialist...I just did not post about it because I wanted to simply get George's story out for you to read and also the links.

[MarkFromSea]

I appreciate the links, I'll explore that route.... but...... whew...... they are all "practicing" medicine.... we're not taking this lightly or going for the cheapest route... I'd just yank his teeth myself if that was the case... so back off a bit... Thanks....

[mimimomo]

Was a full blood panel done? I'm wondering why your vet would say anesthesia is not good for him w/out looking @ blood work. Blood work would give a good indication of how all his vital organs are working & give the vet an idea of how the dog would handle anesthesia. Senior dogs need this done every 6 months anyway.
I know the what if's are scary & there is def some risk involved every time they go under. But, tooth decay is scarier & periodontal disease can cause harm to the major organs & bring on disease.
A 2nd opinion wouldn't hurt & honestly, visiting a reg vet & a specialist is like night & day. I've been to a cardiologist when Momo was a puppy & they were able to take care of the issue on 1 visit. It was expensive, but my repeat visits to the vet (4 different ones) w/no answers for months were more costly & stressful for both of us.