Veterinary question

[shellebelle]

Since a lot of GDFers (that's funny to say) have pets, I have a question.

I noticed today that my dog has chipped one of her teeth. I don't know how long it's been that way. The likely cause is from playing catch outside in the driveway, as she likes to snatch the ball up from the cement as it's rolling, and she can be kultzy. We do play ball daily, so this could be an old injury. It does look somewhat fresh though.

It doesn't seem to be bothering her and she's eating normally. I've attached a picture so you can see the damage. Sorry about the blurryness, she doesn't sit well for photo shoots. Most of the tooth is gone and I can see the pulp. Do I need to rush her off to the vet to get some treatment for it or will it be okay?

[vtwin_gary]

i'm no vet but my lab got hit by a car & lost 3 theeth on one side of his head. at the time the vet told me that this should be the least of my worries. he's fine now except he has a hard time keeping his tounge in his mouth. i tried to snap a picture but he's scared of the camera (also fireworks & CARS) i may be able to get one with my phone since he doesn't know it has a camera. if so i'll post it... back to the question at hand if it bothers her take her if not just watch it for a few days.

[morea]

since she is eating ok, she is probably fine, but if you're worried you might want to call the vet ans ask what they think.

[shellebelle]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it. Gary, I'm glad that your dog is doing well. How scary!

She's one tough puppy and has been through a lot of painful things (broken leg, gastric tortion, bad ear infection, etc) so I have to guage her reactions to things carefully because she might be brushing off something that needs attention.

I just played tug 'o war with her and she didn't seem to be in any pain.

[greyghost]

If the gums are over-exposed, then you may want to get your dog to the vet. The tooth may need to be pulled.
If it just has sharp edges, the vet can bevel those off and smooth it out so it isn't jagged.

[defjoe]

I would call the vet, but I don't think it's a major deal. the fact that the pulp is showing would cause me a little concern cause it could get infected. I don't think it will be a huge deal.

[shellebelle]

I dunno, the pulp showing is making me uneasy and my mom says to go get the tooth pulled.

She needs a dental cleaning in the worst way so I might as well take her in for that and have them pull it while she's out. I'm going to call the vet first thing tomorrow to see what they say.

This dog has been so darn expensive but I love her :)

[greyghost]

Dentabones help maintain clean teeth.
A few raw meals a week will help too - chewing on raw meat really cleans their teeth. I recently showed my 4 year old dog's teeth (entirely raw fed) to my friend, who also has a 4 year old dog (eukanuba fed). She was impressed at how clean they were. :)

Just saying how I take the easy way out and don't brush my dogs teeth! lol. I still give dentabones because it makes their breath a lot better after eating fish!!

[defjoe]

kids are more expensive and talk back.

[greyghost]

kids are more expensive and talk back.


That they are, and do.
Which is why I have dogs.

[shellebelle]

Lol, and kids don't ask to borrow the car either.

I would certainly give her some raw items, but her stomach is extremely sensitive. Pretty much everything that wasn't made for dogs comes flying out of either end of her. It's been worse since she had 40% of her stomach cut out last Christmas in emergency surgery :( Plus we can't have a doggy door (coyotes and no fence) so if she's having a bathroom problem sometimes she can't hold it. I know, I know, excuses excuses. Once I'm out on my own and have a doggy door I'll give her some variety.

We have Dentastix, but she snarfs them down so fast they don't do anything. I'll look for the Dentabones at Wally World tonight.