Tooth Cleaning - Plaque + Infection.

[snuffles]

Hi, I am considering taking my new-ish dog to a new dental vet to get her teeth cleaned under anaesthesia.

She has had recurrent infections in the left upper jaw (back) spreading to her cheek - I brought her to the local vet and we managed to keep this under control via antibiotics.

When she started going off her food again, I took her to a dental vet (lots of credentials, affliated with a major teaching hospital, in the media a lot, fancy vet clinic but very commercialised - selling lots of commercial products and your usual Science Diet) for a 2nd opinion and this vet said she needed her teeth checked under anaesthesia - $350. If she needed her tooth taken out it would be more (didn't give me a quote... but indicated major $$$). I was a little perturbed because the vet didn't seem to have any rapport with my dog whatsoever and treated her like a piece of meat. Note there was no infection this time, I was just being paranoid - and the vet charged me a full consult for just taking a 5 second look in her mouth.

The original vet I went to said that she didn't need her teeth cleaned unless it got really bad, and he was trying to save me money. But he did miss the tooth problem when he initially checked her teeth.

Opinions? I really don't like the fancy vet... just a hunch. But what are your experiences with vets? Are they just stand-offish because they are more experienced? And the less experienced ones tend to charge less and talk more to their patients??? confused.

[Clyde]

No I don't find that to be the case. If you didn't like the second vet as a person then simply don't go back. The price they quoted you is the norm and that is with no extractions. You will be looking at $500 upwards if there are extractions. Shop around, although don't expect vets to give you discounted consults because you feel they didn't look in the mouth long enough.

[snuffles]

No I don't find that to be the case. If you didn't like the second vet as a person then simply don't go back. The price they quoted you is the norm and that is with no extractions. You will be looking at $500 upwards if there are extractions. Shop around, although don't expect vets to give you discounted consults because you feel they didn't look in the mouth long enough.

Mm, yeah thought that was the case. I wasn't looking for a discount - just felt a bit like the vet didn't bother explaining anything medical to me, it was a bit like '$$$$' this and '$$$$' that... felt a bit wallet-dry after leaving her place. Was wondering whether this was the norm and whether I am expecting too much from a vet. LOL. This particular vet *is* apparently the best in this field so maybe is getting a little jaded.

But I think I'll stick with the old vet.

Sorry, a bit frazzled today. Apologise for crumpy post. Am bringing her for spaying as well.

[Stitch]

I would have probably made some comment to the vet, like 'is it me or are you having a bad day??"

Some of them seem to lose touch with why they are there in the first place.

I now insist that they answer all my questions fully, or I just don't budge!!

I mentioned a problem I had with a lack of treatment in a certain area with a specialist vet and then I noticed that they changed their procedure for everyone after that!! What I had complained about was rectified and a better procedure started for everyone.

IMO You just don't have to accept bad treatment and you shouldn't leave until you have sorted the issues!

[Staranais]

I wouldn't agree with the first vet that she only needs her teeth cleaned when it gets "really bad". If you can't keep her teeth clean by brushing them yourself, by giving chew toys, or with bones in her diet, then I'd recommend getting her teeth scaled reasonably regularly.

Ignoring periodontal disease until it's "really bad" doesn't necessarily save you money in the long term. Build up of tartar on teeth is bad news for dogs, it not only leads to tooth loss but there's also good evidence that the bacteria growing on the tartar can predispose dogs to problems with their internal organs.

Not saying you have to go to the second vet, just saying that IMO the first vet is underestimating the seriousness of the problem. Maybe get a third opinion?