Thinking of another rescue - need advice

[keepmotoring]

We are thinking or another rescue who is 6 years old. We have gotten a rescue from this group before.

This dog just had most teeth pulled and had to have a permanent pin in her jaw. Since we have never dealt with any thing like this, what problems may arise in the future?

If anyone has any advice, please let me know. Thanks Jan

[dspencer]

Thank You so much for rescuing and for considering another rescue.

[doxiemom11]

We have also had rescues with very few teeth and the last didn't have two teeth that could mesh together to chew. We also gave soft food and found a few softer treats that he could chew. Our current is almost 13 yrs old with teeth worn down almost to the gumline. We soften her kibble with water as she also doesn't drink much,and that helps hydrate her too.

[Scottiemom]

keepmotoring, I hope you are able to give this poor baby a home. Sounds like she was rescued from a horrible situation. She should fit in with other rescues. She needs a lot of love.

Dale

[Acampingwewillg]

This topic caught my eye due to the caption, "Thinking of another rescue"....the wife and I were on an extended 3 month long trip to Texas with a month spent in Branson, Mo. We have always had rescue's and we had three with us on the trip(2 older King Charles Spaniels and a young Mini Schnauzer).... my wife loved to browse Thrift Stores so while in Branson, we visited the Humane Society Thrift Store which of course had the Humane Society Adoption Center next door. Long story short, we came back home with a 4th rescue, Georgie, a puppy Scottish Terrier Mix. All one big happy family!! 🙂

[keepmotoring]

Dr. Doug, thank you so much!! My vet has never had to pin a jaw so your help has been very appreciated. I continue to pray on the right decision. At least now feel I am more informed so it will help my husband and I make the decision that is correct for us. Jan

[dturm]

My go to antibiotic for oral issues is Clindamycin. It's also usually good for bone infections so it's a win-win for this situation. Most times it's appropriate to culture these and get a sensitivity also so we know the best antibiotic choice. In the absence of a culture/sensitivity I choose Clindamycin (animal brand name Antirobe - but it's available in generics).

Sometimes the pins just fall out, I have also removed the pins that have backed out and are loose by just pulling with fingers only. But usually they are still firm and it's painful to pull them and require HEAVY sedation or anesthesia. It's IMPORTANT to know that the bone is healed before removing the pin.

Working with a vet (preferably the one that pinned it) is important, and serial X-Rays are usually needed to evaluate bone healing.

[Dp26]

We have had some where we had to give antibiotics nearly constantly to control infection. We do what we have to do for current comfort of the dog.

Excited to be rescuing another pack next weekend... Traffic should be easy with many watching "foosball".

[keepmotoring]

Dp26, my vet is all about pulling teeth. I had one dog that had GME, an auto immune disease, that live for 9 years after she was diagnosed. Unheard of. We did all pulling of teeth early, which helped along with chemo and pred. I have another new to us rescue that last Friday had 12 teeth pulled because she has just been diagnosed with heart issue and while she is still healthy my vet wanted to get all the teeth out that could cause problems in the future. No teeth doesn't bother me. As said, pin in jaw with a lot of infections that will hopefully heal, does.

[Dp26]

No teeth is happy dog. Teeth issues affect smell, so bad teeth is terrible for dog. Our experience is with rescued greyhounds, who receive no dental care from those who race them. We have one who raced until 5.5 yrs. When she came to us, you could see under her molars. The teeth needed to be chipped at to try to knock the crud off. Once we got jer healthy, out they all came. The canines were the worst as the bone was soft amd damaged. Infection up through sinus. She healed well, loves to sniff, and to this day, prefers dry kibble. Dogs are not vain. No pain is the goal. If in doubt, pull it out! Also makes for some great photos of tounge flopping about.

[keepmotoring]

Dr. Doug, what meds should she be on for treating the infections? I know she is on antibiotics. If pin works it's way out, is this painful and needs more surgery? I know I should be asking my own vet, but she is working right now and I know you have retired. I did contact her last night about this rescue.

Thank you for helping me through this decision. Jan

[magnusfide]

No advice except to say listen to Dr. Doug. God bless you for rescuing another in need.

[dturm]

I pinned the lower jaw in several animals over the years. While the aim is to leave the pin in permanently, that seldom happens. Usually with time the pin works it way out. The major issue is bone healing. Because of the diseased teeth there is usually severe infection, often in the bone too. That is a poor environment for bone healing. The pin really isn't an issue, it's the bone healing that is supposed to happen.

That being said, once the diseased teeth are removed and the infection treated, most heal with time.

[keepmotoring]

No teeth doesn't worry me because we have had other rescues like this. Just had one of our rescues have 12 teeth pulled last Friday. It is the pin in jaw that worries me. Apparently she was a backyard breeder dog only, no vet checks. The matted hair around her mouth was holding a lot of teeth in. She had trench mouth, never heard of this. Her jaw was broken so that is the reason for the pin.

The rescuer says her vet said the pin will last forever. Just need advice about the pin. Thanks for the replies.

[Klbc]

Our senior pug has had to have most of her teeth removed. We give her soft dog food mixed with chopped can dog food. We also have found soft treats she likes in small pieces. She is doing good otherwise.