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IDemo

(16,926 posts)
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 12:51 AM Jun 2014

Dental cleaning - is the anesthesia risk worth it?

We have had teeth cleanings done on our other two dogs earlier this year with little problem. One had a gum problem that required a minor surgical correction, but she seemed to do fine on the pain killers and antibiotics afterward.

We had our 3 year old GSD/husky in for the treatment a day ago because his teeth had started getting some gray and yellow coloration and it just seemed like a good idea. The results were entirely different, though. He could hardly get up into the car to come home, and whined almost non-stop all night long. His eyes were nearly shut and he had the general behavior of a 3:00am rum drunk - unable to get himself off the floor, confused about what was going on, and acting basically shell-shocked. We honestly wondered if we were going to lose him.

While he did whine a bit this morning, he was doing better, though even now he is not back to his high energy German Shepherd self. This episode really leaves me thinking I will just rely on the teeth cleaning supplies and leave the veterinary treatments out of it.

No, we haven't spoken with the vet yet but plan to.

Chief, on a much better day:

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Dental cleaning - is the anesthesia risk worth it? (Original Post) IDemo Jun 2014 OP
Not getting it done can be very dangerous JayhawkSD Jun 2014 #1
I understand that it can become medically necessary IDemo Jun 2014 #2
Well, your question was "is the anesthesia risk worth it?" JayhawkSD Jun 2014 #6
I understand hydration is key as well as breed types and anesthesia type. glinda Jun 2014 #7
That is a good point JayhawkSD Jun 2014 #9
Gorgeous dog. nt valerief Jun 2014 #3
YOU always have to check your vet, Anethesia is no joke, hollysmom Jun 2014 #4
:) shenmue Jun 2014 #5
I would research anesthesia drugs before you talk to them Mosby Jun 2014 #8
I always have my vet use only the fast-acting anesthesia. Curmudgeoness Jun 2014 #10
 

JayhawkSD

(3,163 posts)
1. Not getting it done can be very dangerous
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 01:18 AM
Jun 2014

But, "We had our 3 year old GSD/husky in for the treatment a day ago because his teeth had started getting some gray and yellow coloration and it just seemed like a good idea," is not a valid reason to do it.

It should be done when your vet says it is necessary due to the beginning development of gingivitis. And note the word "beginning." Your pet, cat in our case, should have an annual checkup and the first sign of gingivitis should prompt a cleaning. It can lead to bone loss in the jaws and loss of teeth, and can progress rapidly to other infections. It is a gum condition and does not show as tooth color, but rather as an inflammation of the gum line, and it is not easy for a non medical person to spot.

IDemo

(16,926 posts)
2. I understand that it can become medically necessary
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 01:26 AM
Jun 2014

What I'm talking about here however is a plainly irresponsible administration of the anesthetic. There was no excuse for nearly OD'ing our dog for this procedure, or for allowing him to go home when he was obviously not ready. Others online have not been so lucky and have lost their dogs because of this.

 

JayhawkSD

(3,163 posts)
6. Well, your question was "is the anesthesia risk worth it?"
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 11:30 AM
Jun 2014

and that's the question I responded to. Yes it is worth it, because the procedure is necessary and it cannot be done without anesthesia. And you should not wait until "it becomes medically necessary," you should have it done before it does damage.

As to your conclusion that it was "plainly irresponsible administration of the anesthetic," I would not necessarily agree with that. We have had dental work done for our cats probably a dozen times, always at the same place and always by the same people. One cat responded in a manner very similar to what you described. My wife was just about as upset as you are and we discussed it with the vet. Different individuals react differently to medications. They noted the cat's chart and subsequent cleanings have gone better, but she is sensitive and her recovery is always a bit difficult.

Since they hold animals in a crate or cage they were probably not aware that your dog was not sufficiently recovered, and I would be a bit critical of them releasing him early, but to say that it was a "plainly irresponsible administration" is an over reaction. It's quite an understandable over reaction, my wife was ready to go strangle the vet, but...

 

JayhawkSD

(3,163 posts)
9. That is a good point
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 08:12 PM
Jun 2014

After the procedure the animal is kept on IV fluids to flush the anesthetic from the system. Sometimes they need to be kept on that IV for a longer period of time than normal. That is what the vet does with our problem kitty. Usually as soon as the kitty voids it's bladder they say it's is ready to go home. For Molly they keep her on IV until she pees a second time. Makes a big difference.

hollysmom

(5,946 posts)
4. YOU always have to check your vet, Anethesia is no joke,
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 03:20 AM
Jun 2014

But if you put it off like I did, my baby lost 9 teeth this week and it cost a small fortune. one whole side of her mouth got infected. I never got my border collies teeth cleaned but she liked chewing on large bones (very large bones that did not splinter). This dog has a soft mouth and wont even eat hard kibble. So dental problems at 12.

here she is recovering.
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Mosby

(16,168 posts)
8. I would research anesthesia drugs before you talk to them
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 04:41 PM
Jun 2014

From the little I have read there are some old types that some vets use to save money.

They may have also given tramadol for the pain which adds to the sleepiness.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
10. I always have my vet use only the fast-acting anesthesia.
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 10:37 PM
Jun 2014

I think he uses propofol, or a combination of that and something else. But it works great because they go out quickly and recover just as quickly. I have also had a procedure done with this and it really does work well. The pet is not in that drowsy state for a day. I am not sure if I have to pay more or not, but I will never go back to the old anesthesia again.

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