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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Should I get elderly dog's teeth cleaned under anaesthesia?

41 replies

Coconut49 · 12/11/2021 16:21

My 12 year old dog has a lot of tartar on her teeth and the vet has recommended a clean under a general anaesthetic. Apart from the cost (£500), I am concerned about her surviving the procedure. She has heart issues and is on 3 types of tablet. But would it be better to have it done now rather than later when she is older and it becomes a necessity due to teeth needing to be removed or something? I just can't seem to make a decision - if she passes away under the general anaesthetic, I'll blame myself. Has anyone been in this position before?

OP posts:
Bebeschitt · 12/11/2021 17:49

My old boy went under aged 16 for something else and they did a number on this teeth too. I was beside myself all day but he was great. Obviously sleepy that evening and got an extra special bed next to mine so I could keep an eye on him, but he was fine.
He went on to live another 3 years.
I say take your vets advice. It will be an awful day for you but sooner rather than later.

Winniemarysarah · 12/11/2021 17:54

What breed is she?

Rookie93 · 12/11/2021 18:13

My 12yr old rescue dog had his teeth cleaned under GA and he seemed to get a new lease of life. He went on to live until he was 18yrs. I was worried about him going under anaesthetic but he did seem to tolerate it ok. Certainly seemed that having his teeth cleaned did make a positive difference to the rest of his life with me.

Original poster
Coconut49 · 12/11/2021 18:19

@Winniemarysarah

What breed is she?
A Cavalier King Charles X breed
OP posts:
Original poster
Coconut49 · 12/11/2021 18:22

Thanks Bebeschitt and Rookie - that's good to hear. Think I will have to go for it.

OP posts:
LBF2020 · 12/11/2021 21:09

Our 12 year old terrier cross had his done this week. I spotted he had a wobbly front tooth. He had 4 teeth out (all at the front Grin )and and really good clean up. His teeth look like new! The vet said he would need a few quiet days but the next day he was keen for his walk and to play with our puppy as usual. He actually seemed much happier so he must have been quite sore. We were very apprehensive about the anaesthetic too, but now I wish we had done it sooner.
Best of luck for the op.

Floralnomad · 13/11/2021 01:19

Our 11yo dog had his teeth cleaned and one removed under GA earlier this year , he has a few health issues but we had a full blood test done before the procedure to ensure that it was as safe a procedure as it’s possible to be . He was perfectly ok and it was well worth doing.

Anordinarymum · 13/11/2021 01:37

I have had this done a few times with elderly dogs. I listened to my vet. He explained the risks and advised blood tests which were done. Teeth were cleaned and removed and the dogs all were better for it.
If the vet wants to go ahead then I think it will be fine.

Shehasadiamondinthesky · 13/11/2021 01:40

Not dog but cat at 16, she did nearly die but pulled round eventually. I felt it was worth it, I didn't want her old age to be filled with dental pain.
She died at 20 eventually with all her own teeth.

FlowerArranger · 13/11/2021 01:52

@Anordinarymum

I have had this done a few times with elderly dogs. I listened to my vet. He explained the risks and advised blood tests which were done. Teeth were cleaned and removed and the dogs all were better for it. If the vet wants to go ahead then I think it will be fine.
Same here. Get it done, OP.

Dogs can't tell you when they're in pain. If you keep up with dental hygiene, you are preventing potentially painful issues down the line.

LaundryandDirt · 13/11/2021 02:13

My elderly dog has had to have them done twice since 2019, he is healthy otherwise. My other dog had heart issues (CHF) and was also on 3 types of meds, he needed his teeth done but the vet felt it was too risky for him. She gave me antibiotics for him as and when/if he needed them. It was a far better option for him.

madisonbridges · 13/11/2021 02:17

I don't think the ga they give dogs for cleaning their teeth is very heavy, not like when they're cutting them open. It's more to sedate them and keep them still than anything. Having bad teeth can often lead to heart disease in dogs and it must give them a horrible taste in their mouth. Speak to your vet but I think its definitely worth it.

madisonbridges · 13/11/2021 02:22

Oh and one other thing. My mum feeds her gorgeous dog crap and he's had to go in twice to have his teeth done. Obviously I'd prefer it wasn't necessary. His teeth are going bad again so I took over my electric toothbrush and gave it a go. He's such a placid little thing. (He'd need to be to live with my mum!) I used liver toothpaste and the plaque really loosened under the brush and I could just flick the plaque off. I've always used a manual toothbrush before but this worked so much better. Maybe the ad claims are true after all.
I'm ready to be told this is the worst thing you can do. 😔

Chesneyhawkes1 · 13/11/2021 02:23

My jrt had this done and a few removed this year. He's 15. Was totally fine after

Original poster
Coconut49 · 13/11/2021 09:18

Thanks all - I will definitely go for it I think as vet has recommended it. Better now than later down the line as many say.

OP posts:
Galacticat · 13/11/2021 09:24

Vet nurse and elderly cavalier owner here.

Anaesthetics are very safe these days. I'd recommend preop bloods done first too.

My dogs have had dentals done with no problems and being typical Cavaliers, have heart problems. So I'd really encourage you to do it.

Needdoughnuts · 13/11/2021 10:02

Listen to the vet. Our elderly Cav had to have a GA for teeth cleaning but the vet wouldn't do it until she was sure that her heart problems were under control. It took two years and then she had the procedure and was fine afterwards.

Original poster
Coconut49 · 13/11/2021 12:49

@Galacticat

Vet nurse and elderly cavalier owner here.

Anaesthetics are very safe these days. I'd recommend preop bloods done first too.

My dogs have had dentals done with no problems and being typical Cavaliers, have heart problems. So I'd really encourage you to do it.

Thank you - that's reassuring
OP posts:
Original poster
Coconut49 · 13/11/2021 12:51

@Needdoughnuts

Listen to the vet. Our elderly Cav had to have a GA for teeth cleaning but the vet wouldn't do it until she was sure that her heart problems were under control. It took two years and then she had the procedure and was fine afterwards.
Her heart issues are well controlled - vet has said she should be fine. I'll contact them on Monday to arrange. Thank you.
OP posts:
victoriaspongecake · 13/11/2021 12:53

Have a look for Animal Trust not for profit vets in your area. They will be cheaper and just as good.

Anonaymoose · 13/11/2021 13:16

Have a look for Animal Trust not for profit vets in your area. They will be cheaper and just as good.

Ops dog will be in much safer hands with their regular vet who is familiar with the dogs medical history.

Dental disease can actually cause heart disease as well as liver/kidney disease due to bacterial toxins from the mouth entering the blood stream.

The majority of pets having dental surgery are elderly, some 17yrs +, it's one of the most common surgeries performed in practice, anaesthetic deaths are extremely rare.

Whitney168 · 13/11/2021 19:00

If you are within travelling distance of Milton Keynes, look up K9 Dental Ltd. on Facebook and make an appointment with Julita … she is fabulous, and assuming nothing is rotten will do them quickly and kindly without anaesthetic (and a darn sight cheaper too, although I know that’s not the main consideration).

I have just driven mine up to her today, both done inside 50 minutes and sparkling.

Capferret · 13/11/2021 19:08

My ddog had hers done 2 years ago (and only 90 euros).
I use pet dental wipes at bedtime to clean the worst debris off.

Original poster
Coconut49 · 13/11/2021 19:10

@Whitney168

If you are within travelling distance of Milton Keynes, look up K9 Dental Ltd. on Facebook and make an appointment with Julita … she is fabulous, and assuming nothing is rotten will do them quickly and kindly without anaesthetic (and a darn sight cheaper too, although I know that’s not the main consideration).

I have just driven mine up to her today, both done inside 50 minutes and sparkling.

That's interesting- I do live near MK. I didn't know they did this without putting under a general. Do they use sedation?
OP posts:
Whitney168 · 14/11/2021 16:52

No sedation, no - just a woman who is very good at it!