Older Doggies

We had Darcy's teeth cleaned a couple of years ago and they told me two front teeth were "dead at the root" and were extracted. They also sold me some Xylitol mouth rinse that burned her mouth (mine, too, I tried it) so I tossed that out. I have brushed her teeth nightly since then with a rubber finger cot and doggy toothpaste. We just do it while watching TV at night. Her teeth look fine and she doesn't mind. Basically, I like to use my own gut feeling on some of this stuff that some vets push and others don't.

Regarding tumors. Mast cell tumors when removed release histamines. Always ask your vet if they are going to administer antihistamines "prior" to surgery. Sadly many pets have survived the surgery only to succumb to shock due to the rapid release of histamines because they were not given antihistamines prior to surgery.

Mast cell tumors can be malignant and benign. So don't think they have to be cancerous for this to happen.

"Because of the histamine, heparin, and enzymes present in mast cell tumors, they can create problems when damaged or removed. Large amounts of these substances can be released into the body and have significant effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions."
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2087&aid=461

I have to disagree with a lot of folks here on this issue.
Bad teeth, tartar build up does cause infections and heart disease.
Large dogs generally don't need dentals like the toy breeds do, of course if your dealing with heart problems or especially CHF I wouldn't do it either.
My Poodles were prone to bad teeth even thought I did brush them. Since they all lived till 17 & 18 years old it was very important to do the dental and not allow the tartar build up.

Fatty tumors I would not bother with as long as they are not interfering with or causing any problems.
You can make sure your little one has the blood work up b4 the surgery and being a dental they can do a quicker anesthesia to get it done rather than the normal way which is deeper.

I had it done that way with my Pom Zachery, he was old, had terrible teeth and was diabetic....so they extracted 5 teeth and removed the tartar and he came through it fine and quickly.
Worth asking about.

Sher

Appreciate your input.....we will have a discussion with our Vet before any action is taken and maybe take as step back to convince ourselves one way or another.

Of course you need to do what 'you' think is best.

But here is 'my' spin on the real old dogs. They are near there end of their life and unless the teeth are causing extreme infections where the infection will cause them to die sooner, I do NOT put my old guys under for teeth cleaning or extractions.

IMHO "JMHO" some vets are just way too quick to tell you you need teeth cleaning regardless of age. Heart and kidneys are just not up to snuff on an older dog. And what is the base line they use for an ok heart and kidney function to go under? No one knows, it depends on each dog and their age, not a number on a blood work up. I just won't do it.

And of course the vet is always first to tell you that bad teeth cause heart problems. Well my dogs are on their last part of their journey and sadly but reality they are going to die before a bad tooth is going to affect their heart enough to make them die, and I just won't take the chance of loosing them to a teeth cleaning.

About tumors. Talk with your vet. I was told by my vet that once you open up a tumor and/or aspirate it to check for cancer cells or to remove it it then spreads like wildfire.

I don't have the technical words for it but when tumors are exposed to air is what the culprit is. When tumors are removed on people it is done so in an environment and with special equipment that no air is exposed to it during removal.

Vets do not have that type of equipment to do surgery with. Nor have I met a vet other than my vet that has admitted to that fact and the consequences.

Again non medical explanation. So, I don't go in or aspirate tumors on old dogs. Unless they are impairing their quality of life. Just saying it's what "I" do. Every pet owner and dog is different.

My advice is don't just do what the vet tells you, ask you vet questions, tons of questions, until you are satisfied, before you decide. :C

Not sure Dr. Doug would agree but Cavalier's(though my association of the breed) are very prone to teeth issues. Whenever I browse the Cavalier rescue site, I'm hard pressed to see any that haven't had teeth removed, generally lots of them. As everyone says....I'll let the Vet decide after blood tests to see if she is up to at least the teeth issue and maybe the fatty tumor if she's out already. Well see... Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

K Charles wrote:
I never brushed any of my dogs teeth and they have always been fine. If they eat the right food I think their teeth get cleaned enough.

You've been lucky and just haven't seen enough dogs to disprove your theory.

There is a HUGE difference individual to individual. Some dogs that rarely have problems (more or less common in some breeds also), then there are some where problems start at an early age and are a life long health issue.

Foods can make a difference, but one size (type of food) doesn't fit all. Again there are big differences individual to individual and diet rarely eliminates the need for dental care throughout the life of a dog or cat.

Marketing dental care has become a more prominent item. Some practices push dental care in a method I feel is more like sales than medical care. There are some that push procedures that I'd consider optional rather than necessary. That doesn't diminish the need for dental care, just makes it seem like they are hucksters rather than doctors.

Doug

I never brushed any of my dogs teeth and they have always been fine. If they eat the right food I think their teeth get cleaned enough.
Our cavalier is 11 and has congestive heart failure, he's been on meds a little over a year now but is doing OK. If he walks to far he sleeps for hours and he doesn't jump any more, doesn't even like to climb stairs. If he is happy, let him be.

Acampingwewillgo wrote:
Its removal of at least one tooth, more likely. She has had dental before, many years ago. I may reconsider again and have the teeth done but leave the fatty tumor. Were just worried in regards to her age and being put under analgesia.

I just had my oldest Collie's teeth cleaned, she is 14.5 years old. If the pain from the bad tooth may cause your dog to quit eating. There is no way I would let a dental problem go. If it becomes infected it can lead to heart problems.

I lost a Collie that had major heart issues. I was afraid of putting him under. This was a major mistake on my part and I still feel guilty for it. Quality of life is another issue of letting dental problems go. If you have ever had a toothe ache you know how painful it can be.

Today's anesthesia is a lot better then years ago. I would listen to my vet.

Old-Biscuit wrote:

jake2250 wrote:

I even bought a tooth brush and paste and brushed his teeth periodically.

I have already set the ground rules with my new vet about my feelings on that and our new fur buddy does get his teeth brushed monthly!!

Do you only brush your teeth 'periodically' 'monthly' ??

We brushed our Border Collie/Mix teeth nightly....regular routine.
Brush our teeth...brush her teeth.

At 14 yrs old her teeth were Clean/good healthy gums/no bad breathe....in other words NO Dental Issues



OP......
Tooth (teeth) NEED pulled.......get them pulled.
Fatty Tissues....????? (if can be done while under for dental OK...but to prolong time under just for fatty tissue------I'd be real hesitate at that age)

Hope all goes well!

Good point!! Last year I was cutting through an alley and almost got attacked by two stray dogs,, Luckily they were brushing their teeth and I could get away!!
But seriously,, really? If my dog ate candy and sugar treats and chewed gum id worry about his teeth! When was the last time you watched a video from Africa and seen lions and Impala and cheetahs brushing their teeth??

Dry dog food, chicken and beef added with no bbq sauce, raw hide chew sticks, milk bones and hard chewy play things,, I believe he gets them brushed more than you think!