Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Real Retriever Moby and Barley's Mom's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Napa, California
    Posts
    433
    Thanked: 214

    Next Moby question: I think the pain may be rooted in his teeth

    So - It is really difficult to figure out what is wrong with Moby (actually there is probably a lot wrong with him at his age) but I think the pain is rooted in his mouth (yelped when attempting to eat a frozen Kong, yelped when I put a treat to his mouth, yelped when I was petting his head and ears, freaked out at the yet when he opened his mouth, etc.) The vet originally thought his pain was muscular due to over exertion and his age and arthritis, etc. That does not take into account all the "mouth" issues. So - I called the vet back and told him I really think he has an infected tooth. I am taking him today for blood work to see if he can actually be put under for a dental. (And, yes, I am really worried about the cost - it is going to be a fortune.) Does anyone have experience with this? I do not want him to have any anesthesia due to his age - but - what do I do? What if it gets to a place where he can't eat? I do not feel as though it is his time - but there is a substantial risk with the anesthesia.

    Has anyone had this same sort of dilemma?
    Forever in my heart - Sweet gentle Moby - lover of belly rubs, bacon, and Barbara 9-10-2001 to 11-2-2015

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3,947
    Thanked: 2421
    Why do you think the anesthesia is a substantial risk for him? Is that per your vet? Did blood work come back that indicated that? Or is that just your assumption based on his age? I may have missed a post in the past that pointed to the answer to this question...

    If he is in that much pain and a tooth has to be removed, I think your only option is anesthesia. Even if you opted for euthanasia, which it sounds like you do not want to do and feel he is not ready for, no vet in his right mind is going to euthanize a dog because the owner doesn't want to put him under anesthesia (assuming that the procedure will fix things), unless, of course, you both know for a fact that the anesthesia is most likely to cause him death.

    If you do the blood work and it comes back fine, at least you can feel rest assured that he should be able to handle it. Has he been put under before? How did he handle it? Any problems? If he has been under without issue and the labs come back fine, while it's always nerve-wracking to put them under, I'd do it sooner rather than later. That kind of pain must be pretty awful for him.

    Dealing with old dogs definitely has it's challenges. Give the old guy a pat for me.

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Labradorks For This Useful Post:

    Annette47 (05-18-2015), Charlotte K. (05-18-2015)

  4. #3
    Best Friend Retriever Sue's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    500
    Thanked: 510
    I've had old dogs undergo anesthesia with no problem.

    Jessie had four teeth removed when she was ~13 yrs old, and yes, she had a bit of canine dementia. She also had some porcupine quills that needed to be removed, the year previously.

    In neither case did she have any issues. And the porcupine one was done on a more or less emergency type basis, so no time for bloodwork.

    If there's a problem, take care of it, and rest assured that Moby will probably be fine. There's always a risk, but modern anesthesiology minimizes them completely. Just be prepared for afterwards, the disorientation, not wanting to eat (he'll be on soft food for a while), the whining and pacing as the drugs leave his system.
    Hidden Content
    Abby
    ​Decisions, decisions, decisions


    Hidden Content

    “It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”

    Cheryl Zuccaro

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Sue For This Useful Post:

    Labradorks (05-18-2015)

  6. #4
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    10,985
    Thanked: 6722
    With out older dogs, they all have had dental procedures at 10+ age. I make sure they are thoroughly cleared medically, as best as can be done.

    Dental problems, infections, decay can lead to all sorts of systemic medical problems.
    Hidden Content
    Kissing Bandit

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to POPTOP For This Useful Post:

    Labradorks (05-18-2015)

  8. #5
    Real Retriever Moby and Barley's Mom's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Napa, California
    Posts
    433
    Thanked: 214
    Oh my gosh - so it is not his teeth - he was checked again today. We did an X-ray - which ruled out any masses in his neck or jaw - but his jaw is clearly in pain. The vet thinks it is masticatory muscle myosis - so he is on prednisone and pain meds. Oh boy. I am relieved he does not have dental issues. Glad to hear that other dogs have fared well under the anesthesia - but Moby had a difficult time with the last surgery - and I was hoping not to do that again. We will see what happens next with the boy.
    Forever in my heart - Sweet gentle Moby - lover of belly rubs, bacon, and Barbara 9-10-2001 to 11-2-2015

  9. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Moby and Barley's Mom For This Useful Post:

    Charlotte K. (05-18-2015), Labradorks (05-18-2015), POPTOP (05-18-2015), smartrock (05-18-2015)

 



Not a Member of the Labrador Retriever Chat Forums Yet?
Register for Free and Share Your Labrador Retriever Photos

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •