Dental work in dogs

Debby

Well-known Member
Has anyone ever had a dog or a cat break a piece off a molar and if so, was it very expensive to get it treated?

I was just brushing Max's teeth and he flinched and resisted when I did the one side so I took him into a better light, and sure enough, a tiny spot of pink just where it looks like the point may be broken off. Checking the other side, I'm pretty sure that's what happened so on Monday I'll be phoning the vet to discuss it, but I just thought I'd see if any of you have ever had this happen to a pet. So far I'm reading root canal or pulling it.
 

ANYTHING done to an animal's teeth is VERY expensive... sadly.. I would just have it pulled.. no root canal.. I have paid over $400 for a cleaning and an extraction.
 
So far I've been lucky and not had to have his teeth cleaned even though he's over five years old (because of the brushing), but I hate that you used that 'e' word (expensive). I'm assuming you had it done for your dog right? Was the aftercare and healing of the extraction sight easy and without pain or subsequent infection?
 

My cat had a fang broken off and had to have surgery to remove both upper fangs. She also had her teeth cleaned at the same time, while under. I didn't find it ridiculously expensive, maybe around $500. If teeth are not treated or cleaned it can lead to serious infections, liver and kidney damage and even death. Teeth cleaning was not as expensive, probably around $150 or so. This is much more economical than vet fees if the animal gets very sick as a result of neglected teeth.
 
The last time I did have one of my chihuahua's teeth cleaned if I remember correctly it cost about $600.00 so I'm not excited at all about phoning the vet for this one.

You should see my other dogs teeth! They are disgusting! Because he has a bad heart the vet won't even clean his teeth because it would simply kill him to put him out and he's so neurotic I can't brush his teeth. We simply don't expect him to last and yet he does and has for at least five years since diagnosed!
 
I understand there are special chew treats that help keep the teeth clean, for dogs and cats, but they can be pricey.
 
No advice on surgery Debby. My husband uses a tool to scrape the tartar/plaque off of our dog's teeth several times a year. Our 13 year old dog now, and our other dogs in the past have had excellent comments from the vet in regard to the condition of their teeth. Never paid for a cleaning. You have to get them used to it when they're young though, and keep after it during the year.
 
A little over a year ago my kitty (5 yrs old at the time) had feline stomatitis (common painful dental disease in cats) and (after bloodwork) she had to have all 28 of her teeth extracted. (She now eats softer food). They kept her overnight and put a morphine pack on her back (where she could not reach). She immediately became more active, and her breath has been sweet ever since. The total bill was a little over $300…..all things considered, not bad.
 
You know applecruncher, I'm convinced that in Canada, we get charged way more for pet care than you folks do. $300.00 for pulling ALL her teeth to get pulled including an overnight stay and a morphine patch! You are so lucky. I had both my horses teeth done a couple years ago which included a sedative for each and just to grind away the points cost over $600.00 for a half hours work and like I said, to clean Diesel's teeth the last time it was done, also $600.00.

And SeaBreeze, Max is really good about teeth brushing but Diesel would never accept it. I would say that he reminds me of an autistic child. You know how many of them can't stand being touched? Well he is like that and although sometimes he loves it if you give him a little scratch on his back just ahead of his tail, mostly he gets really freaked out. Everything frightens him and he's pretty much a very fragile little muttie both mentally and physically. So scraping or brushing his teeth is just not something that could ever happen. Even bathing is a mind bending experience for him. He gets so paralyzed with fear that he freezes up and then he gradually tips over and collapses. I think if the water was deep enough, he would probably lie there and drown instead of trying to save himself!

I know which 'chews' you're talking about Cookie but Diesel couldn't chew them and not because his teeth are so bad but just because of his physical/mental issues. I used to try those way back when and the only thing he'd do would be to lick it for a while until Max finally stole it when no one was looking. He's really not like any dog you've ever met.

Seems like prices are all over the map but I guess that's 'the price' of pet ownership right? Oh well, our little Maxie is maybe experiencing some significant pain now so I'll be calling the vet tomorrow morning and see what happens after that. Thanks for the comments and advice.
Well the day is young here, the house is still silent, but the sun is coming up and it's promising to be a scorcher and I hope that you have a lovely day folks.
 
My dog was hit in the mouth by a golf ball by one of the neighbours kids when she was twelve months old. Managed to crack one of her molars.

It cost $Au485 to have it removed.

On her 9th birthday, I took her in for her annual check up and they said she needed a teeth clean, not a major one, just a grade 1 clean - a little bit of yellowing. No problems until then.

Got that done for $Au275.

She has either chicken necks or wings and at least one raw carrot each day. I've heard that the Dentasticks do very little in keeping dogs teeth clean. More of a fun thing than a dental cleaner.
 
applecruncher, that sounds like a low bill for all the work done. I'm glad it was successful especially.

Yes, dental car for pets is expensive. It almost seems to cost more than other veterinary procedures. Not sure why. Luckily this has not been a big problem for my cats that I have had. I would pay it though for their prolonged life and comfort.
 
applecruncher, that sounds like a low bill for all the work done. I'm glad it was successful especially.

Yes, dental car for pets is expensive. It almost seems to cost more than other veterinary procedures. Not sure why. Luckily this has not been a big problem for my cats that I have had. I would pay it though for their prolonged life and comfort.

And don’t think it’s a cruddy low budget vet in some back alley, either. No way. I’ve been going to this vet for 6 yrs. He was recommended by 2 different people. I did some research and the reviews were fabulous. People said “low fees, high care level and lotsa love”. :love_heart: It’s a large building, very clean – 4 exam rooms, surgery center, recovery area, and they also board pets. To be honest they gave me a break on the fee because I’m a long-term client and paid cash (I think they took off about 20% but still…$325 was low) The vet techs love my cat.

nail trims (front & back) $15
rabies and other shots ($27 - $35)
not sure about boarding fees
a couple of the medications have been a bit pricey, but still reasonable
 
Our little Mija needed the plaque removed from her teeth; they ended up pulling 3 teeth as well. I think the tab was around $450 or so.
 


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