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Did you ask if he/she (your love) is of sound enough physical shape that she should tolerate the anesthesia well? I know exactly what you mean. One of my kitty-gurls has to have bloodwork every 6 months (which is drawn from her neck) and they always remind me that she will have to be "gassed down" if she does not tolerate the draw well; she is 11 years old. So far, knock on wood, she has been good about the blood draw, but I just hate for her to have to undergo that.
Joey had an extraction a couple years ago and I expressed my concerns about anesthesia and the vet assured me that they do it for cats in low dosages enough to just put them under, but not really ZONK them out. Maybe you could inquire about low dosages. there is a danger with any anesthesia whether it be animal or human but if your furry family member is healthy otherwise there should be no problem.
Attached are pictures from Joeys extraction. Nice fangs for a little 16 pound fella eh?
So far, my doc has not seen a need to deal with my gurls' teeth. He does, indeed check them every year during our "well baby" checkups!
I know he's looking to make that money if he can justify it to me.
Echo226, my Italian Greyhound used to have his teeth cleaned every year, and he also had a few extractions. My advice is to make sure the vet tech gets an accurate weight for your dog before the surgery. One year the vet tech wrote down that he was 12.5 lbs instead of 9.76 lbs and he was given a lot more anesthesia than necessary. He was so out of it for the rest of the day, and I thought something was really wrong. That was the only time he had any trouble after his cleaning/extractions.
One thing that may happen is your dog may be whining and crying for the rest of day after the anesthesia wears off. There really shouldn't be any other side effects that I remember.
An added note is that when Joey goes in for his semi annual check ups the doctor usually scrapes his teeth to clean them a bit just with him layin there being a good boy. He was only knocked out for that extraction.
Thank you everyone.
First, as to her general health, she just had a "wellness profile" blood test and everything is good except an elevated alkaline phosphotate. (sp?) This has been high before and they are just not sure what causes it. It is usually attributed to steroids, or Liver problems & Cushing's disease of which they see no further evidence. I will research it further too.
She also has some small fatty lumps which happens to girl dogs a lot. They are benign but bothersome to ME ... not her. None are compromising any vital organs and removing them is pretty futile, because they usually just get more.
She has a quirky appetite and a sensitive tummy, but lately has been less quirky and eating well. Other than these things, she seems to be extremely healthy. She has springs for back legsand continues to jump and not be bothered by the long-standing luxating patella. If her knee goes out, she shakes it out herself and keeps running and jumping.
Her personality is very playful, loving affectionate and always joyful. People are shocked at her age because she acts like a puppy. She's a Velcro dog, always stuck to us ... usually me. Funny how some dogs think there is a secret exit from the bathroom and have to join you so you don't escape.
As to the cost for the procedure ... my Vet told me $200 base price up to possibly $350 if there are needed extractions. He didn't say anything about thousands, but actually an aquaintance has a doggie insurance plan and she said paying for the policy is better than the thousands it would cost for the dentals. Hmmmmm I better clarify and setting a limit is a good idea.
Thanks for the tip on the weight and also asking about the possibility of a really low dosage. I personally got overdosed with anesthesia ... years ago when I was very thin.I also years ago had 2 dogs spayed on the same day, and one came home totally normal and the other was wacky for about 3 days. In any case, I have seen how when it gets really busy at the Vet office, things can be missed so I will confirm the weigh and write it down!
Thanks all, for your help. And if you think of anything else please let me know. I will check every day even though it's hard to log on and type while I'm wringing my hands! I'm such a wreck. I do love my sweet baby dog and all of you.
About the insurance, if you are thinking about it, read carefully what they cover and how they cover it. Many years ago I bought insurance for Joey and Mona, because at the time Joey had just gotten past his urinary tract blockage issue and I wasn't sure if he would be one of those that would be in & out of the hospital. AFTER I bought the policy, I read the thing very very carefully and found that this policy did not cover anything that was pre existing either having been treated or diagnosed. For example if the dental had already been diagnosed it would not be covered.
BTW - Joeys extraction cost was 313.00 in March 2008.
I personally think I get a better deal just putting back $50 or so per month for aniumal emergencies; currently I'm unemployed and unable to do so, but there is moneu left in the "cat fund' that I will not spend on something else. I doubt I could get BooBoo covered anyway as she is 14 years old. She gets her teeth cleaned every year and takes the anesthesia well (and still has all her teeth!) while Ringo has not needed a real cleaning yet. I think the cost sometimes depends on the vet; some don't charge much to take a tooth out, others charge more than a human would pay! Do ask about this. At any rate, your vet is absolutely correct; gum infections caused by nasty teeth are known for causing heart problems among other bad things.
just1paul ... she is 9 years old and thus too old for insurance now, but it is something people may want to think about if they have a younger dog.
When she was still under 2 years old I did look at a policy and decided against it and I can't remember exactly why but probably for reasons queenb mentioned. I think the plan didn't cover the annual stuff such as heartworm tests and meds or flea and tick preventatives ... or any annual visits.
She has been pretty healthy, thus far and of course as we all get older our medical bills rise.
Thanks again.
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