opinions please

[Baileysmom]

I know this is probably more of a health question, but I think more people will see it here and Id really some some opinions as our appt is today :-?
many of you saw my post about aspirin for Bongo my 11 yo shep mix with an infected tooth....... today he goes in for the actual exam. a couple months ago the vet told us he should have a few teeth pulled that were pretty bad - we held off for a few reasons: his age, the money (several hundred $) and the fact that soon after that appt most of the worst teeth fell out on their own. well, now we have this infection (which the swelling in his cheek is doing MUCH better) Im pretty sure they are goign to want to do the "surgery" and pull the tooth and clean and whatever else, and I will come up with the money if thats what he needs, obviously I jsut want to do whats best for him right now. my question is, what else should I be asking the vet? and how do we know if he is ok to go through "surgery" given his age? at the past appt they said he was healthy other than his teeth and some lumps that were said to be fatty deposits and cysts. should we jsut go ahead with it or what ?
my hubby is a little more leery than I am and is concerned with what his quality of life will be without most of his teeth, taht concerns me too - but I think it would have to be better than possibly dying from infections....
Thanks!

[imported_Debbie]

That sucks when your pal needs surgery that costs big $$$, but if it needs to be done you really don't have a choice. :(
But, the only thing I was thinking was did your Vet think he would do O.K with the anesthesia ? Is he going to have pre-operative blood work done ? I would totally rely on my Vet's recommendation for his surgery.
I should think that having the teeth pulled is better than keeping them because if they're infected they aren't doing him any good......He probably can't chew a whole heck of a lot with them anyway.
Good Luck !! :wink:

[Baileysmom]

I agree, I jsut want to make sure Im not missing a quest I should ask or a concern I havent thought about......
he is acting pretty good and is eating well - right now I am mixing his chicken soup kibble with low sodium chcken broth to soften it a little.

[Baileysmom]

Thanks DO, I was hoping youd reply as I knew you would have experience with this...... :wink:
everyones opinions and experience is definetely appreciated though!! and I will let you know what happens this afternoon :(

[Baileysmom]

OK -
we're back and as expected it is a "carnassial tooth abcess" - the 4th molar (the big one :wink: ) is infected...... she wants to take it and maybe more out. the infection is much better and the swelling under his eye is almost gone - the vet says if we dont take it out it will be infected again within a couple weeks (is this typically what happens?)
I tentatively scheduled surgery for this thursday, but will make the final decision with my hubby tonight. We are looking at atleast $400.
the vet says he is pretty healthy given his age and she will do bloodwork before. I know my hubby is very concerned about doing this at his age, and frankly if its "worth it" - I know that sounds REALLY "cold", so I hope you understand what I mean...... it seems most of our dogs have passed on about 12 yrs old due to old age and I think he is thinking this is the beginning of the end in a sense..... I understand how he feels, but I certainly dont want Bongo to be in pain and die from something that can be fixed and let him have a few more happy years......
anyone have any opinions or input?

[Carolk9s]

I strongly urge you to have this tooth pulled and any infection cleaned out. I feel you pain regarding the cost, I spent $225 today at the vet for my older girl. She has a dead tooth, the vet xrayed it, said no abcess or other problem seen so the tooth can stay in for now. He also cleaned her teeth and gave her a general going over while she was under light anesthesia. She is snoozing on the bed behind me now.
The infection would just come back and cause your dog misery if it is not dealt with now. Your baby probably feels pain or at least discomfort in his jaw and around his eye due to the infection.
D.O. is so correct about bacteria in the mouth affecting other body organs, can be quite dangerous.
I know it's costly but I really feel it is the best thing to do for your buddy.

[Baileysmom]

my hubby was asking what would happen if the tooth comes out on its own (or he helps it :wink: one of the other teeth was bad several months ago- though not infected- and he easily helped it out it was so loose....) I said I thought the infected tissue would remain unless the vet does it - is this correct?

[Horsefeathers!]

One of my very ancient dogs had such bad dental decay that his body has basically reabsorbed his bottom jaw and he had no bottom jaw at all (I'd initially thought it had been removed, but the vet said no). Don't shoot me for neglect... he was an old rescue :wink: . The few remaining teeth he had were in absolutely horrid shape. Even at this little dog's ancient age, he did fine with having all (but one) of his teeth removed as well as having no jaw. He ate canned food and eventually ended up just eating softened kibble. He lived about another year or so afterward, but it was definitely worth it to us to give him that extra year with a pretty good quality of life. Then again, from a monetary standpoint, it really didn't cost us since the vet basically "donated" the services for this particular dog. This dog was one of HIS rescues that I fostered and then eventually adopted.

I guess that doesn't do you much good except to say that this little old ancient dog did really well after having all his teeth removed.