Kitt Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) Hello, My greyhound Deanna is 13.5 years old. She came to me when she was 10 years old. A few days after I got her, I took her to the vet and she had 29 teeth removed. So, her teeth were in a very bad state before she came to me. Since living with me, she's had a couple more teeth removed. She has her canine teeth and a few other little teeth remaining. She eats bones occasionally and I occasionally brush her teeth. However, it's a losing battle. Recently, blood and pus started to leak from Deanna's nose. So, infection has spread into Deanna's sinus. The vet said Deanna needs to have her canine teeth removed and that it will be complex surgery. Apparently it is difficult to close the gap between the root of the canine teeth and the sinus (something like that). Surgery requires the vet to "shift everything" in the mouth in order to close the gap (my terminology probably isn't correct, sorry). This surgery is often not completely successful, which means that food particles can travel into the sinus. I asked the vet if this would be a major problem that would require PTS, and he said no. We're seeing a specialist dental surgeon on Friday. Has anyone else had a similar experience with their dog? That is - removal of all teeth after infection has spread to the sinus, and closure of the gap leading into the sinus? In case it makes a difference, Deanna appears healthy. She did not have a high temperature when the vet checked. She still plays and runs in the backyard and likes to go for short walks. She has no difficulty eating and does not hesitate to do so. She does not appear to be in pain if I stroke her muzzle, and she does not paw at her face. So, even though it is of course a serious problem, Deanna does not appear to be in any significant discomfort. Of course, I'll definitely go ahead with the surgery, but I was just wondering if anyone could let me know of their experiences with similar surgery. Thanks :-) Below is just a cute pic - nothing to do with her teeth :-) Edited April 10, 2012 by Kitt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 We had an older dog foster greyhound with a similar problem a few years ago, but not as severe. He had a hole in his upper palate due to an incorrect bite. Food particles getting up there into the hole was causing a problem with bad breath and infection. I would describe that as a major problem, and we considered PTS. He was treated at Anvet Kedron, and it was successful. From what I have heard he is still doing well today, although he is pretty ancient now. Good luck with your girl. I think this might be a lot bigger surgery than our dog had, but I don't think you have any choice. If she seems healthy then hopefully she will go through the surgery with no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flick_Mac Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Not sure who you're seeing but Gary Wilson who consults at various places is a good, experienced specialist. He's who I'd probably go to if I needed some serious dental work done on my boys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 No advice, just hugs to both you and your lovely Deanna. And of course, fingers crossed for a swift recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harley Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Sorry no experience in this either, just wanted to wish you all the best. She is very pretty and lucky to have such a caring owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thanks everyone for your replies. Greytmate, I asked the vet whether unsuccessful surgery (i.e., unable to completely close the hole and food particles travelling into the sinus) would result in constant infection and he said no - it would just be inconvenient. But I'll definitely ask the specialist on Friday about the consequences if surgery is not completely successful. Thanks for letting me know about your experience. Flick Mac - I'm seeing Aaron Forsayeth. Has anyone used him, or heard anything about him? Thanks Alyosha. Deanna is always surprising me with how healthy she seems. She has slowed down a bit and can only manage short walks, but she still plays and runs in the yard, and seems very happy. So hopefully that means she will recover well. Thanks Harley - I also think Deanna is quite cute :-) And sometimes I can't believe how much I love her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 Thanks everyone for your replies. Greytmate, I asked the vet whether unsuccessful surgery (i.e., unable to completely close the hole and food particles travelling into the sinus) would result in constant infection and he said no - it would just be inconvenient. But I'll definitely ask the specialist on Friday about the consequences if surgery is not completely successful. Thanks for letting me know about your experience. Flick Mac - I'm seeing Aaron Forsayeth. Has anyone used him, or heard anything about him? Thanks Alyosha. Deanna is always surprising me with how healthy she seems. She has slowed down a bit and can only manage short walks, but she still plays and runs in the yard, and seems very happy. So hopefully that means she will recover well. Thanks Harley - I also think Deanna is quite cute :-) And sometimes I can't believe how much I love her If the hole cannot be completely closed she will have to be on a special diet. No mince or kibble, just big cubes of steak. I guess that is inconvenient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 If the hole cannot be completely closed she will have to be on a special diet. No mince or kibble, just big cubes of steak. I guess that is inconvenient. Thanks Greytmate - that makes sense. And that is definitely something we could manage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted April 10, 2012 Share Posted April 10, 2012 I have been to a seminar that Aaron spoke at and he certainly knew what he was doing! The other vets were also positive about him! Good luck and best wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 10, 2012 Author Share Posted April 10, 2012 (edited) I have been to a seminar that Aaron spoke at and he certainly knew what he was doing! The other vets were also positive about him! Good luck and best wishes. Thanks very much Jumabaar! That is very reassuring. ETA - just curious - are you in the vet industry? Edited April 10, 2012 by Kitt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazyWal Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 She is beautiful :) All the very best for your special girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted April 11, 2012 Share Posted April 11, 2012 I have been to a seminar that Aaron spoke at and he certainly knew what he was doing! The other vets were also positive about him! Good luck and best wishes. Thanks very much Jumabaar! That is very reassuring. ETA - just curious - are you in the vet industry? Student :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 11, 2012 Author Share Posted April 11, 2012 She is beautiful :) All the very best for your special girl. Thanks! :) I have been to a seminar that Aaron spoke at and he certainly knew what he was doing! The other vets were also positive about him! Good luck and best wishes. Thanks very much Jumabaar! That is very reassuring. ETA - just curious - are you in the vet industry? Student :D Excellent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 We saw Aaron on Friday morning. Jumabaar, you're right - he did seem very good. He gave us lots of info and seemed confident about the surgery. Deanna is having surgery with him tomorrow :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harley Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Ooohh, good luck Deanna! I will be thinking of you all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 Ooohh, good luck Deanna! I will be thinking of you all! Thanks Harley! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Good luck. Will think of you guys tomorrow and in the days to follow, and wishing Deanna all the best and a fast and good recovery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Good luck, and please let us know how she goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitt Posted April 15, 2012 Author Share Posted April 15, 2012 Thanks Erny and Greytmate :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polgara's Shadow Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 Good luck Deanna, we ave fingers and paws crossed here for your surgery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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