Molar cavity on 15 year old yorkie
 

My Yorkie turned 15 a month ago. He's had heart murmur for about 4 years, and has had molar cavity over about a year which seems to have started periodontal gum disease. However, he's still going. It's nearly impossible to rinse his molar with anti-microbial rinse. I think it's hurting, but overall it's impossible to rinse or brush his teeth because he doesn't like it.

Other than his dental problem, he's still going. I don't think heart murmur will kill him as he's had it for fairly long, and heart murmur is pretty common among old dogs.

The vet says they'll do heart sonogram to make sure it's safe to put him under anesthesia, but I do not understand how that will help at his age. With the sonogram and dental work, I could be looking at about $800, and even if he does not wake up from anesthesia, I will still be charged the amount.

My Yorkie is a special dog and my family as he's been with me for 15 years, but you develop a bond with any decent dog after many years. My decision is at his age, it's not worth taking the risk to his life, and financial risk. It will make more sense to let him go on as he is until he passes, and when he passes use about $800 to adopt another yorkie.

I breaks my heart, but I don't think it's worth the risk at his age, but just want to get your opinion. Thanks so much.

First, welcome to YT. :)

I tend to agree with you. I think I wouldn't want to put him through the surgery and just let him live out the rest of his life happily as he is.

Ultimately, it's your decision to make but he sounds like a great dog. We'd love to see a picture. :)

I agree with your decision and would do the same

This problem could weaken his heart, so it's not just the tooth and gums that you have to be concerned with.

I can't recommend anything either way except talking to the vet who has been overseeing his heart problem. It sounds like they are doing all the right things to make sure he is safe under anesthesia and they must feel like it is fairly important.

That said, don't hurt yourself financial. Particularly at this age, it's not a great disservice to the pup to leave the tooth in.

I am sorry your little guy. My Nikki was a rescue who was adopted out without badly needed dental care to a lady who couldn't afford it. When I met them Nikki was estimated to be 15 years old. I took him to her vet and after a complete check up and blood work we had the dental done. We knew it was a risk but his teeth were so rotted and he didn't want to eat so there was no choice. He did great but he also had a strong heart. If he is in pain may be see if they can just sedate him lightly and pull the bad tooth out. It may be a lot less expensive and risky and relieve his pain. Just a thought.