Citizen Canine Dog Forum

[wainer]

Hello everyone, I am owned by a 5 years old Toy Poodle named Bobo. We adopted him almost three years ago, and he adopted us right back immediately.

I took him to the vet yesterday because I was concerned over the state of his teeth and apparently they need to remove ALL his lower-front teeth, it seems that this might even include the two big canines.

My main concerns are:

- whether this will affect his quality of life ( They said that it wouldn't, that they do not use those teeth for eating, etc. - on the other hand they mentioned that "he might have problems keeping his tongue in the proper place without his canines..." not sure what that means in terms of how does that affect the dog)

- Should I try and get a second opinion? My dilemma is that I do not want to postpone the surgery if it means he is having any kind of discomfort - but I do not want to remove any more teeth than strictly necessary...

I thank and welcome all opinions!

Victor Alejandro
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Alejandro Wainer
wainer@shawcable.com

[Janet]

If it were my dog I'd seek a second opinion from another vet that you respect (not at the same vet clinic). In my experience some vets are far more likely to recommend surgery than others and it isn't always necessary. You do need to look at ways to prevent further decay of the teeth though. Your dog is young to be having such problems.

I know some older dogs who have lost teeth and their tongues do hang out sometimes but it doesn't seem to bother them.
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"Rescued" is my favourite breed.

[wainer]

Thanks, as you say, preventing further decay will be a most important thing. I brush him regularly and I do take him once a year for a professional clean-up, so I'll need to seek advice on what more to do.
I already have an appointment at Mckenzie for a second opinion - I hope is as you say, and they see a way to deal with this with (at the very least) lees surgery. However, I have a feeling that my vets (Kindred Spirits) are not the kind to go for unnecessary surgery... keeping my fingers crossed!

[saylaveev]

What do you mean you take him once a year for a professional cleaning? Do you mean the Brite Bark? While they can be helpful, they don't go under the gum line which is where your dog is probably having the problems if the vet is seeing issues up top. You should start brusing daily and start getting him some good teeth cleaning items to help.

Sadly, without a complete cleaning you can't undo what's been done but you can slow/stop progression in the mean time. Tartar latches on in 24 hours, which is why you should brush every day.

I think its good to get a second opinion, removing teeth can sometimes be the best thing for the dog. Many dogs have all their teeth removed and live far better lives because of it both physically and emotionally.

I hope get has a successful cleaning!

[Mishka]

My dog who had a lot of tooth issues (numerous extractions) always saw a dental specialist that comes over from Vancouver about once a month- Dr Legendre (spelling may be wrong) - he operates out of McTavish Vet Hospital in Sydney (656 - 9911) - I think their name may be different now but number should be the same. I also believe MacKenzie Vet can refer you. He is fantastic!!!! super knowledgable, very skilled... and he prefers to save teeth/not pull if possible... as far as the tongue, it hangs out when they are sleeping, that kind of thing....

hope all goes well....

[crestedcrazy]

Missing teeth in Chinese cresteds is a common thing it's connected to the hairless gene

I mention that because my Noid is missing most of his teeth always has and he eats fine he can eat kibble although he has a kidney disease so is on a home cooked diet now which is soft.

I know many CC owners who also have dogs with missing teeth and that have their tongues that hang out which is no problem there is no issues with breathing or any other issues the only thing is that the tongue does tend to dry out so you may have to wet it for him.

That also being said even if teeth are missing the tongue will not necessarily hang out, it is a muscle and if the muscle is strong it will stay in place, My Noid's tongue does not hang out nor does my other hairless.

Now all that being said a second opion on your dogs specific needs is always a good idea but if it does come to needing the teethe removed there should be no reason for it to not have a happy healthy life full of good food

Good Luck!
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~Sheri~

[wainer]

Well, I have the pleasure to inform you that it all went exceedingly well.
Bobo had his lower and upper front teeth removed, but the canines all survived. He also lost a couple of premolar in the battle.
He came back home a tad groggy, slept a nap and was up and about playing with the cats the rest of that very same day!
He acts happy and has very good appetite.
SO far he is with a daily painkiller, antibiotics and soft food (he loved the "gastro" diet) but the painkiller ends tomorrow and the antibiotics the following day.
I cannot believe how well he loos and how in stride he took it all. Most of us humans would be whining and begging for attention full time after a similar procedure!

Thanks again so very much for everyone's advice, help and support!

Victor Alejandro
_________________
Alejandro Wainer
wainer@shawcable.com