Thursday, February 23, 2017

UPDATE ON DOGGIE DENTISTRY



It has been a week and one day since Fuzzy had his doggie dental surgery.  He ended up having nine teeth removed.  

He is a little eleven year old,  8 1/2 lb. Pomeranian and has a delicate trachea which is easily irritated so I was worried about the intubation that they did during anesthesia. We dropped him off at the vet's just a little before 9 am. They said they would call and let us know how he was at 2 pm, and he could come home somewhere between 3 or 4 after they were certain that he was wide awake and safe to come home.

At about 1:30 pm they called and said we could come and get him.  He was awake and ready to come home. We left home immediately to go and pick him up and as we got out of the car to go into he vet's we could hear him barking. We were on the parking lot and hadn't even gone inside yet.  I couldn't believe it was him barking, but it was.  Apparently the intubation  hadn't hindered his ability to bark.  No wonder they called us to come and get him so quickly. He was really making a racket.  We have never left him anywhere before.  He was overjoyed that we came back for him.  

Once he was home,  it became clear that he was still feeling the effects of the anesthesia. His normally curled up bushy tail was drooping. He kept licking his lips and front paws.  I imagine his mouth was feeling strange.  He was also pacing and acting agitated.  He was a little wobbly in the hind legs, so we had to block his favorite chair so he wouldn't try to jump up on it. And then he started making a wheezing noise.  That worried me that his trachea may have been swelling. So I called the vet's office to check if there was anything we should do or watch out for.  I even took the name and number of an emergency after hours vet. When I started preparing dinner for my husband and I,  the sound I thought was wheezing was getting worse.  Then Fuzzy started begging for his food.  It turns out he wasn't wheezing after all, but with his throat irritation that was the sound of him whining for his food.  Earlier, when he was making that sound I guess he was whining because he didn't feel good and wanted me to help him.  He had to wait a little longer for his food according to the vet's instructions, but when I gave him very small servings of pureed chicken, smashed boiled potatoes, and  cottage cheese with most of the curds mashed out of it, he ate very slowly, but ate every bit of it, except for a few curds that must have been too hard for his sore mouth. It was a couple of days before he could pick up any of his dog toys without his gums hurting, making him yelp in pain.

By day four he was pretty much back to normal.  Fuzzy always loves to spin. Usually he pirouettes his way out of rooms instead of just walking away. It was day four before he felt like spinning.  One week after having his dental work he is feeling really good.  He has no more of the bad odor that he had before his teeth were taken care of.  He is running, playing, pirouetting, and able to pick up his ball and his toys. His eyes are bright and he is really full of zip. Today he decided my husband had enough sleep and ran down the hall and jumped up and pounced his front paws against the door hard enough to pop it open and wake my husband.


I am thankful that we could afford to have his teeth taken care of at this time. He seems to feel better than he had been feeling. Before the doggie dentistry he never did have problems eating or seem to be in pain, and certainly wasn't lethargic, but the odor coming from his mouth was really bad. His blood work showed high levels of inflammation in his body. I believe it was just a matter of time, and probably not too long, that he would have been having very serious, emergency problems from his teeth.  

It is a big decision to have procedures done on your dog (or cat), especially when they are older or have some medical issue, but for Fuzzy I think it worked out to be a healthier choice for him.


62 comments:

  1. I am so glad things worked out well for Fuzzy. It sounds like he's got a neat personality. I had a Terrapoo who lived to 15. When he passed, it felt like the end of an era—especially since we'd gotten him while I was expecting my daughter.
    Be blessed and enjoy your baby!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  2. So happy for Fuzzy! Thanks for letting us know! Big Hugs!

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  3. Hi Susie :)

    I'm so glad your baby Fuzzy is doing well. Surgery is especially tough on the little ones.

    Thank you so much for your visit and kind words.

    xo,
    rue

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  4. Fuzzy is soooo cute! Glad he is back to being himself. I laughed at you saying he did pirouettes. Our papillon does the same thing! All of our dogs are getting up there in age. I hope they don't get teeth problems It's always something!

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  5. I've found it's always worth having dental issues attended to, they look happier afterwards. Trust Fuzzy has fully recovered - he is a sweet little fellow!

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  6. I've found it's always worth having dental issues attended to, they look happier afterwards. Trust Fuzzy has fully recovered - he is a sweet little fellow!

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  7. What a beautiful post and I am so glad that Fuzzy came though his dental surgery with flying colours. You are such a loving dog mum; it brought tears to my eyes seeing how much you love and care for him. I love all the details that you share including his wheezy whine, so cute! He is a beautiful boy :)

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  8. Beautiful flowers (other posts) and grandson! Our beagle died last spring...but I always worry about the medical expenses. It seems vets charge more than doctors these days. (cute dog name..ha) Andrea

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  9. Glad Fuzzy is doing ok. Have a blessed day and a wonderful weekend. Madeline

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  10. Dear Susie
    Fuzzy is a little trooper!
    Did you have pet insurance? I know it's very costly here!
    Please tell Fuzzy I'm having horrible dental work at the moment - it's inevitable as we get older. I sympathise with him.
    He's a braves little man.
    Shane x

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  11. I'm so glad that everything went so well and that Fuzzy is home and doing well.

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  12. Such a sweet little dog! Glad the surgery went well and Fuzzy is back to his normal self. My little dog, Kai likes to spin, too! I think they are related! They look alike, except mine is white and an American Eskimo. Dental work is never fun. Hope you are enjoying some springtime weather soon. Sending hugs xo Karen

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  13. He is so cute.
    i am happy for him that he got his surgery done so well.

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  14. Happy your sweet dog made it through the dental surgery ok . . .
    Such a worry isn't it.
    I hope he will continue to do well . . .
    Our Snickers is 11 1/2 years old too.
    She has had her teeth cleaned twice.
    No extractions though.
    We almost lost her last year but she has been
    as spunky as ever now for many months.
    Enjoy your adorable Fuzzy . . .

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  15. It's such a worry when your pets are unwell and hard decisions have to be made so I'm glad that it has worked out well for Fuzzy. I used to get very upset when my dogs were poorly and for this reason I think my husband is pleased that we no longer have a pet. (But I would go out and buy one tomorrow!)

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  16. Since you found my blog I had to check out yours and am enjoying it very much.
    I am glad the dental surgery went well for your dog. I miss my cat and sometimes feel guilty for not having him treated, but I didn't have the money for expensive procedures and meds so had to let nature take its course.

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  17. Dentist ... So happy to hear you all came through the surgery fine.
    I must say Fuzzy is so very cute ! what a sweet face. Happy he is feeling so much better !

    cheers, parsnip

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  18. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am pleased that Fuzzie came through his surgery ok, it is such a worry when your pets are noty well.

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  20. How wonderful that it all turned out fine!!!!

    And now he will have many more happy years, with you. :-)

    And such a cutie he is.

    Gentle hugs,
    Luna Crone

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  21. I am so thankful everything turned out well with your little fur baby. It is very worrisome when they are elders. I miss my sweet Jessie. She was such a sweetheart. Blessings 🍁🍡

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  22. Our male boxer has a hard time coming out of the effects of anesthesia and the vet has now had to reduce it a bit when he has dental appts. Furry children are so special. Glad your little one is okay now!! xo

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  23. I noticed you have not post in quite some time. I hope and pray all is well with you. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy new year. Madeline

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  24. I'm glad he is doing so much better and is healing well. :)

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  25. Noticed this is almost a year ago... hope all is well and your pup is doing well.
    Thanks for visiting Virginia!

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  26. I just now saw your comment on potatoes. I did reply. I have been ill. Practical Parsimony.

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  27. I hope your sweet doggie is all well now. Blessings to you and yours Susie

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  28. Susie...I can identify with what happened to your sweet little pup in so many ways. My Milo had 4 teeth removed when he was about eight. Thankfully the mouth heals very fast. Over the years a few more teeth have fallen out on their own. I guess its part of age. We're told to brush our pet's teeth but that's almost impossible. A few years ago my vet told me it was recommended that I have my little Layla be put under so they could clean her teeth and prevent tooth loss and pain. She was about nine at the time and I couldn't see taking that risk. I think if a dog has pain in it's mouth, they'll let us know.

    I just had back surgery and of all things to give me problems, it was my trachea. It swelled and was sore and I couldn't cough for thief of me. Coughing is so important so that you don't get pneumonia. It took a good two days for it to feel better, even with the pain meds!

    Thanks so much for your visit and sweet comment!

    Jane x

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  29. I am so glad your dog, Milo is ok. I am having a similar problem with my Yorkie.

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  30. so happy for all of you the dental surgery went well and he is home and happy and doing well...

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  31. What would we do without our dogs? My mom had a poodle who lived to be 17 years old. She had to have all her teeth pulled. Expensive!

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  32. Glad he came through it with no problems.

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  33. thank you for your comment today and I am so glad the end of the story was a happy one, I found myself racing through it to find out if he is ok. so happy for all of you he is back to normal and feeling well...

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  34. Glad all went well!!
    Wishing you Good Luck with the surgery on your other knee...
    Thanks again for visiting and for your kind and encouraging comment on my post about my health issues!!
    I hope you are having a great weekend!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  35. Poor puppy. So glad you figured it out and were able to have it taken care of. Our critters need us.

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  36. I'm glad to hear that Fuzzy's dental work was successful and that he is feeling much better.

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  37. Bless Fuzzy's heart.... I hate going to the dentist--so I can imagine how hard this was on him... Glad it is over and Glad he is doing fine....

    Thanks for visiting my blog. I have no idea why Purple Finches are named that!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  38. Awe, poor baby. Animals can't tell us what's bothering them so it's good that you figured it out. And they seem to heal quicker than we do. At least cats do.

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  39. It always amazes me how much dogs (and cats) take pain and trouble in their stride. It’s frequently been said, and I’ll say it again: they take everything as it comes, considering it to be “that’s how it is” and putting up with things we would agonise and complain over.

    Good old Fuzzy.

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  40. Susie - I'm getting caught up with your blog and so glad to hear that Fuzzy is back to his old self. Though it is hard to see them in discomfort, getting their teeth cleaned is really important. Those smaller pups can have such trouble with their teeth.

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  41. I'm so glad Fuzzy is feeling better!

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  42. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Glad to read here about your Pom's successful dental surgery. Haven't seen black Pom before -- very attractive. I had a golden brown male Pom years ago I called Sandy -- a bundle of energy.

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  43. poor sweet Fuzzy, we are on dog 5 of our 35 years together and have been the canine surgery several times. I am so glad Fuzzy is spinning and eating and not making the funny whine. glad you liked Curly, and they don't make a noise of any kind. unlike the frogs

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  44. I'm so glad it worked out well for Fuzzy. Our granddog, Mungo has his set of problems with epilepsy, etc. Our pets are lucky that animal care is improved through the years.

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  45. awesome article.
    thanks for sharing :)

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  46. Hi Susie! I hope little Fuzzy is doing much better by now! I'm slow at coming to comment but I so appreciate you visiting my blog! Please come back by for a visit.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  47. Praying for Fuzzy.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  48. How great that Fuzzy has bounced back after his dental surgery.
    It's obvious that you take wonderful care of him. He's a lucky boy.

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  49. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment...we did figure out that it is most likely a hornets nest but we are going to leave it alone until it gets colder...I too have to admit that recovery from my knee replacement surgery was slower than I imagined but it is so much better than it was before the surgery......
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  50. so glad this went well and he is back to normal. surgery on our sweet pups is always scary and the older they are the scarier. I have blog friend who is trying to make this same decision for her 11 year old dog Skye, I will pass your blog on to her to read.

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  51. That face!!! What a doll baby!! It's always unnerving when our little furry ones face these kinds of things. Glad it all went so well! He looks amazing for that age - obviously well loved and cared for!

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  52. Your dog is so cute! And isn’t it wonderful that there is such a thing as doggy dentistry to make him comfortable and healthy.
    Thank you so much for your thoughts about knee surgery. It helps so much to hear about the successes and I was especially excited to hear that you cannot even feel that your knee has been replaced. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience.

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  53. Hi dear Susi

    my first visit to you beautiful place and i loved it so much
    such a lovely family with happy sweet faces shining with all the goodness in world :)
    so nice to meet you
    i enjoyed the sharing here ,sorry for your such old pet is having tooth problem ,nine teeth removal is quite a deal ,hope he will do better under your kindness
    more blessings to you !

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  54. Your doggy is so cute. It must be hard when you see your beloved dog having to go through dental problems. That is such a cute picture of your grandson on your side bar. I became a grandmother recently, and there's nothing like it, is there?

    Wishing you peace and joy this Christmas season, Susie.

    ~Sheri

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  56. I hope Fuzzy is 100% better now. Thank you so much for your visit and wonderful comment.

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  57. Thank you for coming to my blog, and leaving a comment!!!! And for (still) thinking, that our over-the-eating-table red glass old fashioned lamp, is pretty. We have had it, since we moved into our first home. And still love-it-to-pieces!

    I am so glad that your doggie dentistry worked out so well. Seems he must have been in some sort of discomfort, before it. But now, he is happy again. And showing you so!!!!!!

    πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’•

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  58. And!!! -clapping hands- You blog, as I blog.

    Neither of us, reply to comments, on our own blog!!!!!!!

    Wonderful..!!!!

    It has seemed to me, that I am the _only_ one, who does not reply to comments, on my own blog. -sigh-

    My way, is to go to the blogs, of those who comment on my blog, and read and comment on theirs. What I call *The Old Fashioned Way* of blogging. -smile-

    Seems when Blogger offered the "Reply To Every Comment," bloggers just used it. Perhaps without ever thinking, was it a good idea, to do so?

    I don't have it. I don't want it. -smile-

    Just had to say this, because it struck me!!!!

    πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’•

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  59. Awe he is so precious. Glad he came through his procedure so well. And thank you for your kind words.

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  60. Oh, my goodness! That poor boy! I had oral surgery last week, and it is no fun, I can tell you! So glad that it is over for him and he is feeling better (I am too!). :-)

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  61. Let me share this on your lovely blog, A neighbor of mine developed dementia & diabetes, then her husband died, no children or family nearby. I am thankful our closest neighbor, an African American woman, introduced Dr Itua Herbal Medicine, A traditional herbal doctor in which we purchased a herbal product for her through his Dr Itua online herbs store. A former social worker stepped in and led the way to place the widow in a care facility. We visit nearly every week until she finishes drinking Dr Itua herbal medicines, if possible. The two of us take simple games, puzzles, and matching cards to do with her, staying about 2 hours. Jenga, Trouble, puzzles 100pcs or less, 20 cards to match (total-not 40!). The fishing game where the fish open and shut their mouths as they go around is lots of fun! We sit and chat with her until she gets well again, then we pull out a game and the three of us laugh together as we play. We take a variety of things to do so that we won't get bored. She finished Dr Itua herbal medicines and she's fine now and doing better with the help of Dr Itua herbal medicines, Dr Itua cures different illnesses with his herbal medicines. Anyone having a sick person should reach Dr Itua email drituaherbalcenter@gmail.com Dr Itua Cure Alzheimer's,Cancer,Parkinson,Hiv,Herpes,Hpv,Kidney disease,Diabetes,Hepatitis, We hug and hold hands a lot. Having two of us go together really helps. But I can go alone, my neighbor cannot, as she saw so much of this during her years as a social worker. I hope this specific list helps others in this situation.
    Thanks.

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