Old Dogs / Dental Surgery with Anesthesia

Good luck with your girl @Keesha, hope everything goes smoothly and she doesn't suffer too much pain afterwards. Anesthesia is always scary, just takes a careless assistant to fail to administer it safely for the individual pet. My cat wasn't that old when he had a resorbed tooth in his mouth that needed to be removed, his other teeth were fine, but they did clean all of them. I was a nervous nellie the day before and the day of his surgery, my furkids are my babies. Luckily everything went fine.

My older dog Hans, who passed on before I got my present dog, developed an auto-immune disease in his old age. It affected his blood health and was very serious. The vet said he really needed a complete transfusion, but even that wouldn't be guaranteed to work for him....but, at his age, he wouldn't put him under or do the transfusion. He was on several medications for a long time before he had a serious episode where we rushed him in to the vet. That doctor we had for decades and took good care of all our pets, we trusted him, he's since retired unfortunately. He told us it was time to say goodbye, he wasn't going to recover anymore.
 

So this morning we took our dog in to see the vet who told us she needs to have blood work done for the anesthesia, her teeth cleaned and then have the loose teeth pulled and this will cost $2,000 plus dollars. 😱

I asked why her loose teeth needed cleaning before they got extracted and he said to prevent tartar and bacteria from going into her bloodstream. 🥴

Ok I’m not claiming to be a vet but this just doesn’t make sense to me at all. Cleaning the tartar first before extracting them seems like a waste of time, money and would cause more tartar and bacteria in the mouth that would need sucking out. Plus I have my dogs last molar which the emergency animal hospital took out and they certainly didn’t clean the tooth before they pulled it. It’s covered in tartar.

I’m going to go to another vet for a second opinion because that information just doesn’t make sense to me. It merely sounds like a way to make more money off of us.
 

That seems very high to me. It seems like my dog cost me $500 or so for her teeth cleaned, 2 teeth pulled and bloodwork. However that was a three or four years ago.
 
Jeweltea said:
That seems very high to me. It seems like my dog cost me $500 or so for her teeth cleaned, 2 teeth pulled and bloodwork. However that was a three or four years ago.
Click to expand...
StarSong said:
@Keesha, as I said, this is a profit center for vets. That's outrageously expensive. You're wise to get a second opinion and another price quote.
Click to expand...
Thank you ladies. I will consider other options and / or other vets.
 
Keesha said:
So this morning we took our dog in to see the vet who told us she needs to have blood work done for the anesthesia, her teeth cleaned and then have the loose teeth pulled and this will cost $2,000 plus dollars. 😱

I asked why her loose teeth needed cleaning before they got extracted and he said to prevent tartar and bacteria from going into her bloodstream. 🥴

Ok I’m not claiming to be a vet but this just doesn’t make sense to me at all. Cleaning the tartar first before extracting them seems like a waste of time, money and would cause more tartar and bacteria in the mouth that would need sucking out. Plus I have my dogs last molar which the emergency animal hospital took out and they certainly didn’t clean the tooth before they pulled it. It’s covered in tartar.

I’m going to go to another vet for a second opinion because that information just doesn’t make sense to me. It merely sounds like a way to make more money off of us.
Click to expand...
That sounds weird Keesha. I agree with you that it's likely better to leave the tooth as is, extract and carefully cleanse the gum immediately afterward. Cleaning then pulling does sound like a rip off, and probably not great for the dog either. Glad you're getting a second opinion. I know this must be very frustrating for you, good luck! 🤞
 
SeaBreeze said:
That sounds weird Keesha. I agree with you that it's likely better to leave the tooth as is, extract and carefully cleanse the gum immediately afterward. Cleaning then pulling does sound like a rip off, and probably not great for the dog either. Glad you're getting a second opinion. I know this must be very frustrating for you, good luck! 🤞
Click to expand...
Actually I just booked an appointment today with a clinic who cleans canine teeth with no anesthesia. Our dog has had it done before and she was fine with it plus all the 47 reviews were great including pictures. We’ve decided to take this a step at a time. Get her teeth cleaned which will get rid of most of the tartar and gingivitis. This should strengthen her gums some and hopefully her teeth also. If she has problems with any more loose teeth we will deal with those at that time. The cost is $200 Canadian which is much better than $2,000.

Thank you for your concern and interest
Much appreciated
 
That's great Keesha, always wondered about those no anesthesia cleanings, guess they may give the dog something to relax instead? My husband has been cleaning our dog's teeth for many years. He did all of our Standard Schnauzer's teeth and now does our Labradoodles. He has a dental scraping tool, I forget where we bought it, but he starts them out as pups and gets them used to it, then he does the teeth 3 or 4 times a year. Even when our dogs were old, the vet always was amazed at the health and cleanliness of the teeth and gums.

If something ever happened where my husband couldn't do it anymore, if I couldn't do it properly alone, I would definitely go to a vet who did not put him under.
 
@Keesha, Jazz is scheduled for her dental towards the end of March. She's almost 14. She's 3.5 pounds.

Very small dogs tend to have very crowded teeth and are are prone to dental issues, no matter how much they're brushed, cleaned, given chews, dental hygiene products etc. My two (when Tango was alive) certainly proved that point!

When I rescued them, I purposely chose an exotics Vet, (one who specializes in animals other than dogs and cats....like reptiles, rodents, birds etc. ) because they are experienced in dealing with very small animals. I figured if a vet could routinely do successful spays and neuters on rats and other small animals, they would be experienced enough to administer appropriate amounts of anesthesia to my tiny dogs.

My doc did a full blood panel before Jazz's dental to verify that blood numbers (which gives some indication of organ health) were in acceptable ranges. He also put her on a proactive dose of antibiotics to combat the potential for bacteria to be released into her system when they pull a couple of her teeth he already knows need to come out....which by the way is a lot less expensive than a full teeth cleaning BEFORE the extractions. He will also do an intubation as part of the procedure as a precaution because if something does go wrong during the dental they will have the resuscitation equipment already in place to deal with it.

The dental, including the intubation, anesthesia, at least two extractions but likely more, the full cleaning and scaling, will cost me under $500. Jazz, (and Tango when he was alive) have had this procedure done every couple years. They've come through it like champs each time. Putting an older dog under anesthesia has more risks than doing same with a younger dog, but leaving Jazz's teeth alone puts her at great risk for heart problems, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, unnecessary pain and associated weight loss to name a few things.

I'm shocked at what they want to charge you!!! But I also know that that can be large discrepancies between vets, even in the same town! I'm glad you're getting a second opinion.
 
SeaBreeze said:
That's great Keesha, always wondered about those no anesthesia cleanings, guess they may give the dog something to relax instead? My husband has been cleaning our dog's teeth for many years. He did all of our Standard Schnauzer's teeth and now does our Labradoodles. He has a dental scraping tool, I forget where we bought it, but he starts them out as pups and gets them used to it, then he does the teeth 3 or 4 times a year. Even when our dogs were old, the vet always was amazed at the health and cleanliness of the teeth and gums.

If something ever happened where my husband couldn't do it anymore, if I couldn't do it properly alone, I would definitely go to a vet who did not put him under.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the vote of confidence. That’s a really good idea. I wish I’d thought of that when our dogs were puppies so they could get used to it.
I had forgotten the importance of removing tartar, gingivitis and unhealthy bacteria. It can be very damaging to their organs let alone their teeth.
With the next dogs we get, I’m going to do this and if I can’t find someone who can do it at least once or twice a year. I actually looked up scrapers last night and will probably get one.
Great info Seabreeze.👍
 
Your welcome Keesha. :) My husband also plucks the inner ear hairs when he does the teeth. You probably know the wiry inner ear hairs on Schnauzers, and even Labradoodles to my surprise, can cause discomfort, itching and even infections. He's very calm with animals, I'm always nervous about hurting them. I do the majority of the grooming, always have, but even now I take away the slightest amount of nail when I trim them, as not to make them bleed by cutting the quick.
 
Jeweltea said:
I saw a vet locally who did this too. If mine need it, I will look it. I brush my dog's teeth everyday but they still might need it in the future.
Click to expand...
I wish i can keep up with their dental cleaning. Good luck with your dogs teeth. Thanks for writing.
Ronni said:
@Keesha, Jazz is scheduled for her dental towards the end of March. She's almost 14. She's 3.5 pounds.

Very small dogs tend to have very crowded teeth and are are prone to dental issues, no matter how much they're brushed, cleaned, given chews, dental hygiene products etc. My two (when Tango was alive) certainly proved that point!

When I rescued them, I purposely chose an exotics Vet, (one who specializes in animals other than dogs and cats....like reptiles, rodents, birds etc. ) because they are experienced in dealing with very small animals. I figured if a vet could routinely do successful spays and neuters on rats and other small animals, they would be experienced enough to administer appropriate amounts of anesthesia to my tiny dogs.

My doc did a full blood panel before Jazz's dental to verify that blood numbers (which gives some indication of organ health) were in acceptable ranges. He also put her on a proactive dose of antibiotics to combat the potential for bacteria to be released into her system when they pull a couple of her teeth he already knows need to come out....which by the way is a lot less expensive than a full teeth cleaning BEFORE the extractions. He will also do an intubation as part of the procedure as a precaution because if something does go wrong during the dental they will have the resuscitation equipment already in place to deal with it.

The dental, including the intubation, anesthesia, at least two extractions but likely more, the full cleaning and scaling, will cost me under $500. Jazz, (and Tango when he was alive) have had this procedure done every couple years. They've come through it like champs each time. Putting an older dog under anesthesia has more risks than doing same with a younger dog, but leaving Jazz's teeth alone puts her at great risk for heart problems, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, unnecessary pain and associated weight loss to name a few things.

I'm shocked at what they want to charge you!!! But I also know that that can be large discrepancies between vets, even in the same town! I'm glad you're getting a second opinion.
Click to expand...


Yes. Small dogs ARE prone to problem teeth. Definitely.
Their mouths are so small. One of the things that made her teeth worst was that I started feeding her human food. We took our dogs to a holistic vet who recommended a 50% meat / 50% vegetables diet and while our dogs health improved dramatically, our yorkies teeth didn’t ; understandably so. It’s soft food with sugars from some of the vegetables.

Choosing a small animal vet was a smart move Ronni. They would be very experienced in dealing with small animals. I’ve never considered that but will from this point on.
Older dogs are certainly at a higher risk for being put through anesthesia and honestly I don’t really want to take that risk which is why I’m so happy I found this canine dental hygienist. She’s had this done successfully before and I got to watch the entire process which I’ll also do this time as well.

I’m glad your two ( Jazz & Tango ) went through this procedure so successfully. Love their names by the way.

Yes our little dog really needs this done. It was so painful for me to see her in such pain. I almost feel embarrassed that I didn’t make a greater effort to look in her mouth but I did immediately take her to the emergency clinic where they removed her molar. It was actually sideways yet still attached. 😢 She was crying and scratching at her face and I felt like such a useless doggie mom at the time .

I was shocked at what they wanted to charge us but I’ve found these vets to really take advantage of pet parents who are emotionally stressed and concerned which I find very snakey in itself.

Anyway I’ve made the appointment and my husband will be retired by then so can come with me for moral support.

Thanks Ronni
 
SeaBreeze said:
Your welcome Keesha. :) My husband also plucks the inner ear hairs when he does the teeth. You probably know the wiry inner ear hairs on Schnauzers, and even Labradoodles to my surprise, can cause discomfort, itching and even infections. He's very calm with animals, I'm always nervous about hurting them. I do the majority of the grooming, always have, but even now I take away the slightest amount of nail when I trim them, as not to make them bleed by cutting the quick.
Click to expand...
You’re kidding? Wow! Your man, cleans dog teeth, pulls the ear hairs. That’s awesome ! I’ve got to spend $100 plus tip to get it done.

Like yourself , I cannot do that to our dogs. I leave that for our groomers. She doesn’t do it every time but probably every second time I take them in. It definitely helps keep their ears from getting infections as well as mites and stuff burrowing in there.

I’m like yourself. I’m too nervous to do that and too emotional. One sad look from them and I freeze with guilt. They know how to play me for sure. Lol. 😂
 

Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top