Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Calla's Dental Cleaning
We have discussed dental cleaning many times and I wanted to avoid it. But Calla had gingivitis despite tooth gel, and some brushing. Things probably were better than if nothing had been done but still her gums were swollen. Her breath had improved too but not enough. I had started a chlorhexidine rinse. That too helped but my vet said she needed a cleaning and I hope that if her teeth are clean I can keep up with them. I hated the idea of anesthesia. My vet told me of a holistic vet where they do cleaning without anesthesia but that seemed unlikely to do much good since Calla would not cooperate and she would get quite stressed.
Today was the day. I was given a form where I could agree to any extractions but I opted to be called first. The good news is no extractions were needed but she had an area that was somewhat eroded and a gel, Doxirobe , was applied to the area in the hope of delaying any need for extraction for some time. I'm hoping for forever. Calla is home, fine and resting. She ate kibble softened with chicken broth. That's the good news ad what really counts.
The bad news is that as I was picking her up the vet tech noticed a bit of feces hanging off her and hurriedly cleaned the spot. The bad news is that when I got her home I realized, luckily before we got in the house, that her rear had matted feces all over. It looked like she had sat in it. Yuck. What a job cleaning her up. She was there from 8 to 5. The first vet tech said she would be walked, I wonder. I will write to the vet, which I planned to do anyway since I had some questions. But I do think she needs to know this. They were the ones who told me to come at 5 so I think Calla should have been checked over, never mind how she got in that state to begin with. She had been walked before the vet and she shouldn't have had to go before dinner. Was she stressed?
The other bad news is that the cleaning cost $632 dollars. You would think they could have returned a clean dog, which she was when I left her.
Oh, and the morning vet tech was mentioning dental diet. If that's the Science Diet Dental Formula it seems like real junk to me.
UPDATE:
I e-mailed my vet about Calla's condition and said that whatever had occurred, it was wrong for Calla to be returned to me in the condition she was. The vet wrote an appropriate response I thought.
"I agree and am very up upset to hear that. I, in fact, had a similar situation with my mother in law's dog...She was supposedly walked after her procedure, yet she was very distressed on the ride home with me and subsequently defecated in my car!
On another note, I was happy that we could use the doxirobe (doxycycline gel) at the base of Calla's tooth. It should help with the minor recession of her gums at that site.
I intend to speak with management about both your and my in-laws's dog's situation. Needless to say I am NOT HAPPY, and am rather frustrated. My clients entrust their animals to me and I expect to be able to provide the service expected. I know that the dental work was as expected and appropriate bc I was directly involved. I shouldn't have to check the bum of all my patients before they leave!
Thank you for reaching out to me and I'll let you know the outcome.
Have a good night!"
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on
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She only said because of the reverse sneezing but I would guess that's the reason.
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Permalink Reply by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on
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I would have been pretty upset about the feces issue. That just shouldn't happen. I mean she should never have been sent home in that condition. Poor girl. It makes you wonder...??
I found that veterinarian dental charges are rising along with their other fees when I had my cat's teeth cleaned two years ago. It was $552.35. Shocking. And of course, not covered by insurance.
So sorry you two had to go through this experience. Hope Calla has a comfortable night.
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She seems fine, thanks.
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Permalink Reply by Donna K & Quincy on
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Glad to hear that Miss Calla is safely home and tucked in a home safe and sound. I foresee a dental cleaning in Quincy's future as well. He doesn't have a lot of tartar on his teeth but he does have a red ring around his gum line the vet doesn't seem concerned but it bothers me. Give Calla an extra hug from us and we expect a photo of her flashing those pearly whites. :>)
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Yes, below the puffiness was a red line at the tooth margin. : ( I want better prevention!
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Permalink Reply by Laurie, Fudge, and Vern on
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F, Give Calla a hug and kiss from me. No dog should be picked up in that condition. I am sorry, but there is no excuse for that and poor Calla should not have had to sit in it. I am on my way to kick some......never mind :) I am glad this is behind you and hopefully, Calla's teeth will stay shiny and bright :)
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From your mouth...
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Permalink Reply by Anne & Mr. Haley on
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I'm glad no extractions necessary and Miss Calla has lily white teeth now.
Haley will need to have his done in the next few months. Last time I had a dog's teeth cleaned was almost 5 years ago and I don't think it was more than $200-$300 and he had several teeth extracted. My sister in Atlanta, GA has a toy poodle and was quoted a price for teeth cleaning of around $1,000!
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Gee, the poodle price makes me feel a bit better.
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me too : )
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: )
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