Teeth Cleaning/Neutering

Archived Message

Teeth Cleaning/Neutering
by Sera & Snowy
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I tried the archives but can't seem to load so hope u guys can help me out. B4 I learnt abt MO, I read a few books and all recommended on brushing so I asked my vet to recommend a canine toothbrush n paste for Snowy. He told me there was no need to brush cos animals've never had their teeth brushed before so no sense in making them uncomfortable. I used a wet handky to clean Snowy's teeth but recently there is a yellowish film over several back teeth so I'm thinking of having his teeth cleaned when we go in for his annual booster in November. I'll check the process with another vet in the hospital but would like to know how yr vet usually goes abt cleaning your furbabies' teeth. I do believe this process requires anesthesia (don't think Snowy can sit still n let the vet dig into his mouth w/o struggle) so I'm worried. Will cleaning Snowy's teeth pose any risk to his life? If anesthetic is used, is there a particular brand? Does the vet hv to do any other tests b4 cleaning Snowy's teeth?? I'm really worried cos I've gone thr' several recommended vets n I don't really trust them n they're the more reputable ones in Spore; one I found thr 'yellow pages' n he practice at home but the facility was really dirty we went out fast! Can Snowy be neutered at the same time when he has his teeth cleaned? I'm very scared of the risk involved esp. after reading thr so many tragic cases in MO. When Snowy was a few mths' old, he was cut badly near his chest by a groomer n had to hv stitches under anesthetic. Afterwards, Snowy was shaking violently, his teeth chattering n his paws so cold we spent abt 20-30 mins soothing him n ourselves. Truly, I'd rather not hv him neutered n put up with his humping n pray he'll live a good ripe age even w/o neutering than to put his life at immediate risk thr this operation. I know many of you guys will pound me for this but I'm really scared of putting Snowy to such risk. Yet, I know it's good to neuter Snowy which makes it so confusing n though most of u are owners u seem so wise n worldly n hv such gd vets in US I really feel I shd seek yr opinions n see if they tally with my vet's! Really appreciate any comments. Tks! (Sorry for the long input; hope haven't put u to sleep)

DISCUSSION:

Hi Sera - You have asked alot of very important questions and I'll try to help with some of them. First of all, is there any way at all you can go to a Vet that someone you know has recommended. This is very important rather than going to the "yellow pages" even if you just see someone walking their dog - ask them who they use. The advise you got about brushing your babies teeth is just plain wrong, in my opinion. My Vet highly recommends doing this if you are able and stores such as PetSmart or any of the pet only stores carry K-9 toothpaste as well as toothbrushes or finger covers to start your Snowy off with. I admit I don't brush my Bailey's as often as I should but try to at least every two weeks and she also only eats dry food, hard bones and toys etc which all help with the tartar buildup. She went for her yearly check up and did not have to be put "under" to have her teeth cleaned because she had no tartar at all. That doesn't mean that she won't in the future if I do my part correctly but I really dont want her to have the anesthesia. My last Malt did have her teeth cleaned yearly with no problems. One last note - I'm sure if you've been reading on this site for awhile that you must have Snowy neutered for so many reasons that I know others will have plenty more to say. Good Luck!
Robin D.

Hi, Sera,I read your post and have a couple of thoughts. One, is that you need a new vet -- a good one who will give your little Snowy proper care and provide good advice to you. Dogs DO need to have their teeth brushed regularly, and they occasionally need to have them cleaned professionally. Gum disease can lead to serious illness in dogs, including kidney disease. Touquet has had his teeth professionally cleaned twice (he is 3 now), but I brush his teeth regularly to make the intervals between professional cleaning as long as possible. This is because I am not comfortable putting him under general anesthetic any more often than absolutely necessary.

In terms of neutering, it is important for the long-term health of your dog. Unneutered dogs run the risk of testicular cancer, not to mention behavioural problems. You and your dog will probably both be happier over the longer term if you have this done. You should probably have the teeth and neutering done at the same time, since anesthetic is required for both procedures. Before you consider having anything done to little Snowy, you should find a really good vet. Interview the vet, check the facilities, and make sure you are completely satisfied before you trust anyone with Snowy. Check references and the Better Business Bureau. Please don't take any surgical action before making absolutely sure that you completely trust the new vet. Sorry to be so long-winded! Please let us know how you make out. Best of luck!
Barbara & Touquet

Sera, I agree with Barbara, I think you need a new vet, I know its hard, but keep looking, find someone who has your Snowy's best interest at heart. What you said about Snowy shaking and being cold after anesthesia reminded me of when I had a Caesarian with my son, after it was all over I, too, shivered uncontrolably, I had about 5 warmed blankets on me and still I was freezing. I was warned this would happen. It was uncomfortable for awhile but it stopped eventually and, to be honest, I would rather have had the shivering than the pain of the incision I had after the anesthesia wore off. So dont worry about the reaction to the anesthesia, its normal and not dangerous. :)
Sandy and Puff

I'm not so big on neutering as some on this forum unless you start having a problem with the pups behavior. Many intact males make great pets. However on the dentals I am adamant. My vet tells me that dogs don't get cavities (cats do) but they have serious plaque build up under the gum that can lead to life threatening illness (heart, kidneys etc.) For this reason even those who have their teeth cleaned at home are going to need a professional job done under anesthesia once in a while. Mine usually need it once a year once mature. You must have a good vet in whom you have trust. If I want another proceedure done while the dog is under anesthesia I ask my vet if it would be safe for that dog. Be sure your dog has blood chemistry tests done and a heart check. And don't kid yourself, the hard food does not keep plague from building up under the gums, only the edges of the teeth do the chewing and not the front teeth (incisors) at all. Most toy breeds have this same problem which large breeds do not. My Maltese have never been big on chewing things after the puppy teething stage anyway, while other breeds such as terriers will go crazy over chews all their lives.
Mary Lou

Somebody help please. Maybe you've forgotten Sera is in Singapore. No Better Business Bureau. My mind has gone completely blank but I'm sure someone out there remembers the name of the new anesthetic used for small dogs, please post it here. There's also bloodwork that should be done ahead of time. Sera, if you happen to come across any Brits out walking their dogs I've heard they're all as pet crazy as we are or more so. Stop one and ask what vet they use or even call the British Embassy. Get Snowy's teeth cleaned the same time you have him neutered and then start brushing even if you have to use a baby toothbrush and plain water. Sticking to dry food will help too. Goog luck.
Dottie S

I too was terrified of putting my little Gizmo thru surgery. I adore him so I was even planning to keep him intact so I could have one of his offspring. BUT - with the good advice of friends in MO, I made the decision & at 6 mos we did it! I did a great deal of research first tho. We had a consultation with the vet the week before. I fully understood how the dog is sedated first, then an intravenous tube inserted in a front leg. The very best anesthetic is isofluorane... it is administered thru the tube at a rate that the animal is 'just under'. Another tube is inserted in the lungs. Heart monitor is a necessity also. When you understand the procedure & have confidence in the vet, the anxiety is lessened. Our vet said he doesnt regularly do bloodwork on a young pup! Needless to say I told him bloodwork WOULD be done or no anesthetic! :) I also hired a technician attached to the clinic to stay with him overnite. Gizmo is extremely submissive & isnt a fighter, I was so worried he would just give up but he came thru strong & healthy! Not only was he neutered, he had dew claws removed, tear ducts irrigated, teeth pulled, ear syringed & medicated, & microchipped! A longer procedure doesnt require higher doses of anesthetic. About the teeth - YES! Your baby cant tell you when plaque is building up! Have the teeth cleaned properly, regularly! Good luck :)
BeeGee

Visit the Largest and Most complete Maltese dog website in the World

Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.
1996-1998© Maltese Only Discussion Created by Jay Bianco All rights reserved