Dental care/cleaning

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Fasb's Owner

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So when I had Fasb in for his winter checkup and vaccinations last week, our vet recommended that I schedule a teeth cleaning for Fasb. He's not having any particular problems or pain, but there is a fair degree of tartar buildup. The vet didn't think the situation was urgent, and due to vacation schedules and a few other issues, suggested I schedule an appt for early Feb.

I'm planning on having it done, but I'd like to know what other owners think of the procedure. Not sure if everyone has the same idea of what I dental cleaning is, but the vet is proposing to anesthetize Fasb, then scrape the tartar off his teeth. Then there'd be some post-procedure care, I think. He'd be at the vet for several hours, but shouldn't have to stay overnight.

I trust our vet, but I'd like to hear from other Sheltie owners. Is this a good idea? Is it probably going to make a significant impact on his dental care? Will it hurt him much? Are there other options I should consider?

Fasb eats mostly dry food, with a tiny bit of moist food mixed in a couple times per week (by tiny, I mean just enough to smear in the bowl and for flavoring. I just get a small amount on my finger or a spoon and mix in. Much less than a teaspoon). He's almost 10, but is in good health so far. Due to his age, the vet does want to do blood work before the procedure, to make sure his kidneys and liver are healthy.

Should I go ahead and schedule the appt. or do I need more information? So far. I think it's probably a good idea, but don't quite feel like I have enough information. Mostly, I'm a little concerned about his age (anesthesia) and whether or not this is worth the expense, discomfort, risk to the dog, etc.

Thanks.
 
Yes, I would say your vet has covered all the bases, if he hasn't had to have his teeth cleaned under anesthesia till now you are lucky. Shelties generally seem to have teeth that need cleaning far more often.

Imagine if you didn't brush your teeth for 10 years how bad that would be. They need to clean a little under the gumline as well, to get rid of all the bacteria etc. This low level inflammation and bacteria can eventually affect organs like his heart valves, and kidneys.

The blood work first is an excellent idea. Of course there is always a risk with anesthesia but it's a pretty quick procecure. Expect to have your boy home feeling a little groggy. You'll probably have to give him a course of antibiotics as well, since the cleaning will release some bacteria into his bloodstream.

Asta and Ally have had their teeth done 3 times under anesthesia, and they are 10 and 11 years old. In addition, we brush their teeth twice a week with doggy toothpaste. Should really do it more often, but it does help a lot.

I'm sure everything will be fine.
 
Sharon about covered it all. I work at a veterinary hospital and dentals are routine procedures. We always run bloodwork prior to anesthesia and this you should definately do too. This give your vets a "look" at how her internal organs are functioning and as your dog ages it is a good idea to do this at least annually. The tartar is removed and teeth are polished just like with us and the vet will check the oral health of the mouth as well and xrays are taken because teeth can look ok but under the gumline it's a different story. Dental care can add 3-5 years to your dog's life !! The benefit is worth the risk-I understand how you feel, my girl Sally needs one and so does my kitty...
 
I have seniors. 13, 10 and 8. They've all had dentals. Don't be surprised if he has to have some pulled if this is his first dental in all those years.

And ask your vet if they push extra fluids during the anesthetic. Some do as a matter of course for seniors, others need to know you want that done. It helps them deal with the anesthetic better.
 
Tartar build up

Hi,
Over 45 years my shelties have had anaesthetic to clean their teeth. However, recently I have just put Nala my 10 year bitch with bad breath and equally bad teeth on PlaqueOff which I read about somewhere. It is a seaweed powder and you put a very small amount once a day into her feed (I put it in her lunchtime yoghurt)...it comes with a tiny spoon. It says you should allow 3-8 weeks to see results. Nala has been on only 2 weeks and I can see definite improvements, although the back ones are well tartared and will take longer. Her gums would also bleed but I also see an improvement there. I got mine from Amazon and it cost just over £9.00 (UK). I worry about older dogs getting anaesthetic and you will see from Amazon that people like me think its good stuff. I would recommend giving it a try. Good luck...my young one Mischa is going to get spayed on Friday....mmmmmm. What can you do! Cheers, Dave
 
Brads said:
Hi,
Over 45 years my shelties have had anaesthetic to clean their teeth. However, recently I have just put Nala my 10 year bitch with bad breath and equally bad teeth on PlaqueOff which I read about somewhere. It is a seaweed powder and you put a very small amount once a day into her feed (I put it in her lunchtime yoghurt)...it comes with a tiny spoon. It says you should allow 3-8 weeks to see results. Nala has been on only 2 weeks and I can see definite improvements, although the back ones are well tartared and will take longer. Her gums would also bleed but I also see an improvement there. I got mine from Amazon and it cost just over £9.00 (UK). I worry about older dogs getting anaesthetic and you will see from Amazon that people like me think its good stuff. I would recommend giving it a try. Good luck...my young one Mischa is going to get spayed on Friday....mmmmmm. What can you do! Cheers, Dave
Click to expand...

This is what I use too,ProDen Plaque Off. I get it from Amazon, here in the states. A jar lasts forever even with four and it's saved two of mine from getting dentals. Barkley's teeth were quite bad and it cleared them up in about two months. Best thing for keeping teeth clean I've found!
 
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