Tooth Extraction :(

[ktn]

Hi all,

I adopted old Daisy about a year ago, and she's 10, She was already missing some teeth then, including a canine. I have been a bad mum and not been cleaning her teeth thinking that the occasional weekly chicken necks is enough. The first vet I used didn't seem to think her teeth is a problem (there was a yellow tinge then), but I've recently changed vets and noticed her teeth becoming worse. After an initial dental checkup, we had a big operation today and they've decided that she had to have 6 teeth extracted, including a canine (+ clean). I feel awful for not taking proper dental care. She now has no canines left, and I'd like some opinion on:

* post-operative care (I have anti-inflammatory pills and antibiotics for her) - any tips? I don't think she can open her mouth. She did not eat much when she got back (only licking in mashed wet food). This is just the first night and I feel awful seeing her so miserable and bit of blood drools. I dare not look into her mouth yet and I have no idea how to put the pills into her without stressing us both

* recommended good diet for elderly dogs like her with not much teeth. What can I do diet-wise to preserve the remaining ones? She can't eat hard things since I got her.

* should I start brushing every day? what products do you use? I've read up about this, it's going to be a long process as she doesn't like her mouth touched.

Kat

[Tru Borders]

Hi Kat

Hope your ok. Seeing your fur kids like this is a little sad, but Daisy will feel better in the morning.

Did you get any painkillers?

So I would recommend you keep Daisy's food as easy to eat as possible, so think about things you have seen her eat in the past that she kinda just swallows.

My opinion is this is easier for a dog than canned food as they can pick it up with their tongue and throw it straight down.

My Vet recommended roast chicken for the first few feeds after the op because it is easy to eat and it doesnt get stuck on new stitches.

I also fed Chunkers as i knew my dog basically picked them up and swallowed them. Cut up some steak into small pieces, again, easy for a dog to eat.

keep water readily available, dont play fetch for about a week and hopefully Daisy will be feeling better tomorrow, and back to her old self the day after.

Zayda_Asher and I both went through tooth extractions, hopefully our banter might help you out some

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=164318

[ktn]

Thanks for the response and link Huskyheaven (you know where my stimulus package has gone hehe). I wasn't given painkillers but an anti-inflammatory called previcox. The vet said it will help with the pain (it was actually prescribed for a secondary elbow limping problem I was worried about), and he said that it will also help with the post dental. She was given strong painkillers for the day - I hope this will be enough.

6 teeth and canine - I already feel faint thinking if it were me

Good idea with roast chicken.

[Tru Borders]

If the Vet said the anti-inflams are also painkillers then thats fine (quite often they are combined).

Yep, the Stimulus came in handy for me, for some retail therapy afterwards!!

Its a lot of teeth to have out at once, I dont envy Daisy, but she will be fine, I can say that with full confidence after going through it!

And the roast chicken helps with the glucose level so it will help her come out of sedation better tomorrow..... damn expensive roast chook!!

[puggy_puggy]

She probably hasn't eaten much due to also still being effected by the GA. She would have been given a long acting antibiotic injection at the vets so it will do no harm to start her pills tomorrow. And yes they also get a long acting pain killing injection at the vets.

Mouths have a very rich blood supply and heal quickly. Don't be to worried about how she is right now I am sure after a sleep she will be much better. And getting rid of those rotting teeth will make her feel wonderful.

Soft food for the first few days then basically back to her normal food. See how she goes with chicken necks and other soft bones like lamb ribs. You might be quite suprised.

Some dogs mouths have teeth that are so squashed that they can not self clean, so don't feel like a bad mum.

If you are able to get in there with a finger brush or baby's toothbrush then give them a weekly clean.

[stacyk]

Please also remember that she currently has open holes in her mouth.

Though she will need all soft food for the next few days to a week you will need to ensure it will not go gluggy and fill these holes.

You should be able to give her tablets by opening her mouth by slipping your fingers on either side of the canine teeth (think thats what they are are called, the long ones - if they are still there) and just slip the tablet straight up the middle of her mouth. Make sure you push it right in as you dont want to be have a few attempts with her mouth sore.

I have just had an 8yr done and her teeth were not so flash.

She is once again eating dry food no worries. She was also only given antibiotics & antiinflamatories.

Also she did not eat for 24hrs after her anesthetic but it did hit her pretty hard and she did alot of sleeping.

Good luck, she will be back to normal soon!

[ktn]

Day 2 update - late last night she finally gobbled down all her kibbles (which was very very soft soaked in water by that stage).

She must have been hungry! She looks much better now, bit more tail wagging and zest for life so everything should be ok

[Tru Borders]

Day 2 update - late last night she finally gobbled down all her kibbles (which was very very soft soaked in water by that stage).

She must have been hungry! She looks much better now, bit more tail wagging and zest for life so everything should be ok :cool:

Good to hear Kat

[puggy_puggy]

Good stuff.

[Di*]

Hi all,

should I start brushing every day? what products do you use? I've read up about this, it's going to be a long process as she doesn't like her mouth touched.

Kat

I brush my guys' teeth every night even though they have wings or necks every day. For one dog in particular bones are not enough to prevent tartar buildup. Took a little while to get them used to brushing and it's still not their favourite activity but do-able. I use a soft finger brush and the special dog toothpaste (meat or cheese flavoured--ugh!). Start slowly once her mouth is healed. Begin by just getting her used to your finger in her mouth. Rub toothpaste in this way. Initially work by touch. With time you will be able to open her mouth wider and use the finger brush. Focus on the gum line. With one of mine, who is older, very small and who has very few teeth left I prefer to use the Petkin Tooth Wipes. A more expensive option but easier to maneuver in a small mouth esp. in an older delicate boy.

Confession: I also use my electric toothbrush once a week on the girl who gets bad tartar build up (don't worry we don't share brush heads!!). She hated it initially but copes now. It does the best job but the joy of being splattered with dog saliva and chicken flavoured toothpaste may not appeal to everyone!

Di

[ktn]

Thanks for the support guys, appreciate it lots

Her tooth extraction happened so fast - looking at her chart, she has not much teeth left on the upper jaw. Her lower jaw's teeth are mostly there. The upper one however only has one premolar and one molar per side(!!) and 4 front incisors left. It's very sad - she's lost 7 upper tooth before and now another 7. I should have known older teeth are so precious!

Do you guys think she can ever have bones again, and which type would be best? It's pretty much lower teeth and gums at the top for chewing. I'll definitely start with the brushing.

[puggy_puggy]

Do you guys think she can ever have bones again, and which type would be best? It's pretty much lower teeth and gums at the top for chewing. I'll definitely start with the brushing.

Give her a go on some lamb ribs, make sure you take off any of the sturnum.