Question:
I have an issue pertaining to pet dental care. I have just lost my second dog within the past two years during a routine tooth cleaning and tooth-extraction process. My first loss was a 14-year-old Chihuahua. I was notified that the procedure had been completed and all was well. Within the hour, I was notified again that I had to rush the dog to the nearest emergency clinic -- an hour away -- because my dog came out of the procedure in convulsions. The animal did not survive 24 hours and had to be put down. I lost my second dog, a 14-year-old pug. The continuing poor condition of his teeth, despite numerous cleanings (the last was one year ago), affected his overall health. He also suffered from a lung and bladder condition. He was definitely a high-risk case, and my local vet did the referral. I was very concerned because of my prior experience. The vet said he would view the dental X-rays and then notify me of the procedure to be taken. Later in the day, I was notified that all of his 25 remaining teeth hadto come out because of the disease and bone loss. This was done, and at 5 p.m., I brought him home, still sleepy from the anesthetic. By 7 a.m. the next day, I notified the clinic that I was very concerned because he still showed no signs of waking and his breathing seemed labored. One hour later, I was prepared to take him to our vet when, in one gasp, he appeared to be choking. I bundled him up, jumped in the car, and rushed him to our regular vet about five minutes away! he expired before we could get there. The staff tried to revive him, but could not.
Dental care has obviously become a lucrative field of veterinary care. Isn't there such an ethic as "first do no harm"? What has happened to common sense? The fees for this seemingly routine procedure are very high. While there is a lot of compassion by all the professionals involved, there is never any reduction of the unexpected cost when a catastrophe occurs within 24 hours. Veterinary fees have become unaffordable, even for routine care for the average pet-loving family. Tragically, our shelters are full of pets that have been turned in for this very reason.
I have met six other people who have also experienced this, which suggests death through dental care is more prevalent than the profession is willing to admit.
B.B.D., Alexandria, Va Jun 21, 2009
Answer:
My condolences to you for your tragic losses. You state that prior tooth cleaning didn't really help. So what's going on in this costly veterinary dental field where these high-risk patients die soon after and all you are left with is a hefty bill and a lot of grief?
Part of the problem is that the composition of many processed pet foods can cause gingivitis. Small-dog breeds (and cats) are at higher risk of dental disease. Nutritional deficiencies and kidney disease can aggravate periodontal disease.
A toxic mouth is often associated with diabetes and can lead to the spread of bacteria and inflammatory substances throughout the animal's body -- kidney, heart, liver, lungs and joints. The worse the mouth, the higher the anesthetic risk.
For important preventive measures, check my Web site, www.twobitdog.com/DrFox. Fish oil is one miraculous food supplement, and there are several measures to take to help keep pets' mouths healthy.
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