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This forum is for dog lovers seeking everyday advice and suggestions on health-related issues. Remember, however, that advice on a public forum simply can't be a substitute for proper medical attention. Only your vet can say assuredly what is best for your dog. Don't furget to check out Dogster's Dog Care Guide Book for information about caring for the health of your dog!


Abscessed tooth (or teeth)?

   
Vinny

turkey		 
 
Barked: Wed Nov 4, '09 3:08am PST 
We took Vinny to the vet last night for his vaccine updates and a check up. Everything is good, except the vet says his teeth are pretty bad-mainly his big top molars (the ones with 3 roots). She said at least one is abscessed and had to be removed. She said this would cost at least 500, but probably 700 and up.

She didn't give too much information on this, so I'm wondering what I need to know. Is there risk to my dog between now and the surgery? Having to have about a thousand dollars together for the surgery..could take some time to save up. I know it need to be done ASAP and it must be painful, but if it's another month..could it progress to something much worse?

What kind of risk is there in the surgery itself? What is the recovery like? What should I expect?
Has anyone had this done for their dogs? How did it go?

Is the price reasonable? My mom said when her boxer had almost all her teeth pulled (at a different vet) it cost more like 300 dollars. But sometimes places are cheaper for good reason..?

Any information is really appreciated!
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Fritz

Fritz, cats are- fun when they- run
 
 
Barked: Wed Nov 4, '09 3:58am PST 
There is a lot of risk with an abscessed tooth. The infection can get into your dog's blood stream and kill him.

If at all possible, look onto Care Credit.(or some other credit card) They often have special where you pay no interest if you pay the amount off within a time limit usually a few months. (Care Credit will back bill interest if you don't pay off on time, but they can be a godsend.)

Do a search on dogster, I recently saw a thread talking about pros and cons. It is a good idea to have some kind of Credit available for medical emergencies.

You could also see if you vet will take payments. The sooner the bad tooth is gone the better.

I would think the only risk of the surgery is anesthesia. You will want to have the teeth cleaned and any other mouth problems addressed while your dog being worked on. The fewer times put under anesthesia the better.

Good luck, I hope your dog is better soon.
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Vinny

turkey		 
 
Barked: Wed Nov 4, '09 4:05am PST 
We asked about payment options and the vet said it would have to be paid in whole the day the procedure was done.

I'll see what my mom says, she may put it on her credit card and have me pay her back.
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Delta

Spots are SO in!		 
 
Barked: Wed Nov 4, '09 5:55am PST 
The infection can lead to heart disease so you want it done quickly.

Removing teeth generally isn't bad, but if you have never had your dog under anesthesia before, you may want to shell out for the blood work to see if your dog will do okay under.

Getting your dogs teeth cleaned (dentals) are even expensive for dogs. So I would assume pulling teeth also would be. But it never hurts to call around and see if there are similar, but cheaper prices at a nearby vet.
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Dolly

I'm spoiled but- not rotten!
 
 
Barked: Wed Nov 4, '09 9:17am PST 
Just to let you know, I have a client (I am a pet sitter) a 15 year old Westie, that just had an abcessed tooth and ended up having it removed. He is feeling a lot better! Came through everything just fine!

I would definitely get the pre-surgical bloodwork done, my vet doesn't do surgery without it!
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