mrs tornsocks Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 (edited) Our 4.5 month old pooch has an overbite that we are keeping an eye on as he grows and teeths. He's lost quite a few teeth now, although the canines and molars still seem to be babies (I'm a novice owner so can't exactly tell). Our vet has mentioned that the 4-5-6 month period as he loses all his baby teeth will be able to give us a clearer picture of how he might grow but at this stage the overbite seems to be the same, or perhaps a bit worse (approx 10-12mm). Vet has mentioned one option might be 're-aligning' the jaw (ie breaking and re-setting ) under GA. I'm not sure if perhaps this could be done during de-sexing, or whether six months (when we plan to spey him) is still too young. I guess I'm looking for an alternative opinion or two on this so if anyone knows a good mouth specialist, I'd appreciate some tips ! thanks ! ETA. he's a labrador Edited August 16, 2009 by mrs tornsocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 is it causing him difficulties? If not personally I wouldnt bother and just clean his teeth for him to ensure the ones that cannot be used too much in chewing dont get too covered in tartar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs tornsocks Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 is it causing him difficulties? If not personally I wouldnt bother and just clean his teeth for him to ensure the ones that cannot be used too much in chewing dont get too covered in tartar No, you make a very good point, perhaps I'm being a little over-zealous. I guess if it starts to cause him problems, that's when I should call in the experts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted August 16, 2009 Share Posted August 16, 2009 It all depends. I dont believe in surgery for the sake of it if the dog is not in any discomfort and has quality of life. Yes they may look different but if it doesnt bother them then, eh. I think your vet is right to keep an eye on him and how he is growing, just make sure teeth dont start poking into the gum but then offending teeth can be removed instead of his whole jaw redone (which anyway would be done when his growth phase is finished to prevent the need for further surgeries) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs tornsocks Posted August 16, 2009 Author Share Posted August 16, 2009 It all depends. I dont believe in surgery for the sake of it if the dog is not in any discomfort and has quality of life. Yes they may look different but if it doesnt bother them then, eh. I think your vet is right to keep an eye on him and how he is growing, just make sure teeth dont start poking into the gum but then offending teeth can be removed instead of his whole jaw redone (which anyway would be done when his growth phase is finished to prevent the need for further surgeries) At the moment his bottom canines stick into the gum alongside his top ones and do cause an indent, with a bit of redness and very occasional spots of blood. Again, this does not seem to bother him at all. We'll see when the new canines appear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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