George needs a dental...
 

The last dental my George had was in November 2011. He had a problem with his oxygen level after the dental. Then about a week later he developed a problem with a leaking salivary gland. He had surgery for that at Texas A&M. During the work up at A&M, they found that he had a severe collapsing trachea...something he has never shown signs of. Here is the link from that time:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...sialocele.html

I made up my mind then that he would not ever have a dental again; but his teeth are SO awful now, that I have to do it or he is going to be very sick. I went to the dental specialist at GCVS yesterday and she assured me that she does pups all of the time with CT. She did do labs on him and an xray that does not show the CT (of course that is common...sometimes they show, sometimes not). BUT...she is very confident so I am going ahead with it on Wednesday, the 18th.

She is going to apply a sealant, OraVet with hopes it will help to keep the plaque down...he has always had really severe issues with plaque formation. After a couple of weeks, I will have to apply it I think she said every three weeks. I noted in a previous thread on dentals that some YTers have used OraVet....I would be interested in any feedback you can give on it.

This is going to give me a stomach upset, but I really, really know that I have to go through with it if I want George to be with me as long as possible. He is estimated to be 14 .. could be older, I don't know, but he is old. He is unable to see or hear but does SO well getting around and is very with it and able to get what he wants! :D He is very vocal when he wants me to hold him. Love this little man! :love:

OraVet is used extensively here. It is very inert and safe, just waxy and annoying. I had read about two owners on YT having problems with it (one the dog would not tolerate and the other thought it was somewhat ineffective).

Ellie had stage 3-4 periodontal disease (before I knew any better). Had oral surgery and then got her teeth brushed daily and OraVet weekly. We avoided dentals for over five years (not because I refused, but her teeth just weren't bad enough to put her under). She had a dental in June (I slacked and stopped homecare) and lost no teeth. Her gums are nice for her history.

I can't tell you if it was the brushing or the OraVet or both that made the massive improvement, but I do know something worked.

Well, then, I will be doing both! Thanks! :)

As the time gets closer I will be sending out prayers and good thoughts in full force. I get it. Scary. Sounds like your vet is confident and that is a good thing.

George will be in my prayers for a safe dental next week.

Thank you. I am usually pretty relaxed about dentals...this one will not be easy on me. I just cannot wait until it is over. His teeth look dreadful....they actually look like he has never had a dental in his life. I cannot let them stay that way.

I hope his dental goes really well, I can tell you're especially worried, and I know I would be too. I bet he'll do just beautifully.

Wanted to mention a preventive I've been hearing a lot about and reading about...you've prob already heard of it and I think Cathy uses it too. It's called Healthy Mouth ...maybe that would help George preventatively, after he gets his dental...? I dunno, but thought I'd mention it. Let me know if you've tried it already and what you think.

BEST of luck and all good things for George! :)

Thanks, Ann...I will ask the dentist about it. I saw her today while I was there with Olivia. She had just gotten George's labs back and had emailed me so I had asked to see her if she had time. His BUN was slightly increased and his lipase was also elevated. Neither of those should be a problem. My main concern though is that he was hospitalized in February for a severe case of pancreatitis and sometimes anesthesia can set that off. While lipase is a fluky enzyme....I still have a concern. Anyway...she talked with the internal med specialist who treats George and he wants him to stay overnight in medical on IV fluids. So...my little man will be there overnight .. I really do feel more comfortable with that plan. Of course the trachea is scary, but she seems very confident that it will not be an issue. Bottom line, I really have no choice. His mouth is awful...I might get some pics...it is hard to believe it could look as bad as it does after a year and a half. It is going to cost a ridiculous amount but if I don't do this he will suffer and get sick for sure.

Thinking of George this evening, and praying for him and you, Linda, that all goes well tomorrow with his dental.

Thanks for thinking of him, Kristin. I am a wreck, but I know it has to be done if I want to keep him healthy.
Just getting ready to make his meals. They requested 3 .. one for after the dental and one later in the day. Then breakfast the next day...and then he will be coming home. :)

Prayers for sweet George and also for you today. Only one night away, and he will be back in his pack with healthy teeth again.

OK...I am a wreck. :( I dropped George off at 7AM. He was the first case...so he was started somewhere around 8:30AM. They will clean his teeth and then do the xrays and call me to discuss the plan for him (she goes over any issues they find to see how to proceed). It has been a while now and I am sure no news is good news; but right now I am having some anxiety. :(

Linda, praying for George and hoping you hear something soon to put your mind at ease.

Any news yet?

No :(

He's fine, maybe they are just cleaning his teeth because he didn't need any dental work. If it makes you feel any better, I never hear from Angell until they say come pick up the sleepy heads.

Thanks. They said they would call after the xrays.

OK....she just called. He is going to be losing 6 teeth. There is one molar she is going to decide on when she gets in there...she is on the fence about it. If she can save it, I will have to bring him back in 3 months. :( Not crazy about that one....this is agonizing. Anyway....she said another hour to hour and a half. I need some major drugs right about now. I did not sleep last night and I am ready to climb walls. :( I don't normally stress like this...but he scared the heck out of my vet in 2011 and this is just scary scary for me.

I have to keep reminding myself that I would rather he die today peacefully in his sleep than suffer and die later because he did not have a dental and the toxins went to his major organs.

Poor George. Sorry to hear he is losing so many more teeth. Continuing to pray. I will be very happy for you, Linda, when this day is over.

Oh, I knew he would lose some. His teeth looked like he had not had a dental in years. I have always been good about getting dentals done on him but after that problem in Nov 2011 my vet did not want to do another one on him....and I swore he would never have one. BUT...he is a healthy approx. 14 year old boy and if he is going to hang like this, I have to get it done. The amount of tartar and plaque on his teeth in 1 1/2 yeas was awful. Actually I thought he would lose more.

Poor George.

No sleep and worrying about George. Tough today I am sure. Prayers for your little guy that things continue to go well today.

She just called and he is fine!! He only lost two teeth! He is in medical icu for the day/night and will be discharged tomorrow morning.
SOOOO relieved!! :) Thanks for all your good thoughts and prayers!!! :)

Ah!!! Good News!!! Been thinking about you and hoping everything would turn out ok!!!

Great news! Boy he's a trooper at 14!!

Yay for George. I didn't see this thread until today, and reading the whole thing gave me a tummy upset.... until finally seeing the last post of good news.

Whew. Don't know how you do it Linda, but hope you are relaxing now.

Prayers and hugs going your way.

Yes! It's about time that you were surprised with some really great news!! I am very happy for George and you.

Now my confidence level about bringing in my boys for dental cleanings has gone back up. :D

WTG George! Mine all have to have dentals this year...I'm procrastinating!:(

Thank heavens and answered prayers!

Evening update was great! He is doing fantastic! :)