Class 3 malocclusion

[Mary Hall]

Yesterday we learned our 8 week old mini goldendoodle has an under bite.  Our vet said he could possibly outgrow this as his upper jaw lengthens.  Our question is:  Have any of you had a dog with this that out grew it or did you have to have oral surgery or some other remedy?   

A class 3 involves more teeth than the other two classes, so we are concerned.

Thanks 

Mary

[Mary Hall]

No, only hips and eyes.  

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Even thought your warranty is limited to hips and eyes, I would definitely ask the breeder to cover all of the costs associated with your puppy's dental issues.  Clearly, the breeder was well aware of the problem with your pup's bite, and should reimburse you for your unanticipated expenses.  Have you already asked?

[Mary Hall]

Hi Laurie,

Our breeder was told about this problem, but we still haven't received a response from her.  Not sure what to think about that.

However, I just spoke to a dental specialist after emailing him a picture of Cowboy's teeth, and he made me feel better.  He said that right now his bite is only going to be classified a class 1 crossbite.  It doesn't appear to be causing him any discomfort (he doesn't act like it does either) and he's contacting our local vet, an acquaintance of his, so that together they can keep a close eye on Cowboy as the adult teeth come in.  If there is no bite trauma with the adult teeth, we won't need to do anything.  Yay!  We don't care if his teeth align perfectly simply for appearance sake.  We only want him to be comfortable and able to chew his food.

So, what we do now is wait and enjoy this smart little guy.  He has only been with us since Friday, and already he's understanding the relationship between ringing the bell hanging from the doorknob and going outside....not that he's housebroken, just that he's starting to "get" it.   :-))

Thanks much for your concern.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Just saw this reply after I wrote mine--sounds like we are on the same page--good...

We did have a pup with base narrow canine once (a different circumstance than your pup) and the person who bought the pup wanted $300 to pay for filing down one canine so it would not hit the roof of the mouth--we sent her the money and later on I asked her how it turned out--she said he was fine and she did not have to do anything! But she did not return the money!! :) 

[Ginny Nightingale]

OK--so first I want to say that there is no reason to be concerned at all--many many dogs have an underbite--it will not affect them in life unless there is a tooth that hits the roof of the mouth or if the teeth collide and the dog can't close his bite all the way--but usually the teeth adjust as they come in--I have seen some messed up bites (including half underbite and half normal in the same mouth!) but the dog is fine and no one is concerned. 

It is really too early to tell where the adult teeth will end up but there is really no need to see a specialist (who might even suggest braces $$$$!!) Just make sure your baby does not have a tooth piercing the roof of the mouth and in this circumstance i doubt it. 

I am sure the breeder knew the underbite was there and should have told you--and should have also told you that it would most likely not be an issue--that way you would not be alarmed when the vet pointed it out...and Class 3 is just for their records--you should not let that SCARY term concern you--it will be OK, really!

[Karen & Maple]

My 'warrantee' covered all genetic issues. BUT my breeder REFUSED to acknowledge that it was genetic, or even that the diagnosis was legit. Even though Mapes upper pallete was being punctured. She knew that if she acknowledged this, she'd have to stop breeding these dogs that she paid something like $10,000+ for. Not to mention all the pups at $2,500 each. She had her vet support her. Of course he makes a killing as well, early spay / neuter every pup of hers. He recommended a 'wait and see approach'. Wait for what?! Crazy. Sure, I could have fought her, sued. I'm just not the type. Plus my vet wouldn't say for sure that it was genetic. I love my Maple so much, but hind sight is 20/20 regarding this 'reputable' breeder. Unfortunately, I think most are the same.

[Ginny Nightingale]

In my very very humble opinion, she should have settled with you--meaning you should have received a discount equal to what treatment would cost--but most breeders do not cover tooth issues unless a serious problem arises--in other words, they don't guarantee straight teeth or perfect bites--and your case of the puncture would be the only thing that she should have given you a discount for IF treatment was warranted---

However, puppy teeth are only there 4-6 months and if there is no bleeding at the upper palate and it is only a dent, it is not a problem. Once those teeth come out and the adult teeth come in, then it has to be looked at again to see if the teeth are in the wrong position and that is when the treatment should have been covered by the breeder. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The problem is that, according to the veterinary dental literature, leaving the baby teeth there often prevents the adult teeth from coming in properly. That's why it is often recommended to pull the baby teeth, so that there is room for the adult teeth, which are already there underneath the baby teeth. 

I also think that if teeth are hitting the roof of the mouth hard enough to even make a "dent", it would be kind of cruel not to do something about that. That has to be uncomfortable to live with for 4-6 months, if not outright painful. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

It is not painful --the pups are fine with it--you can tell that the roof of the mouth is soft enough to give a little without an issue--And many people do pull the teeth but there is no proof that it is necessary.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We've had this discussion before, and I'm afraid we will have to agree to disagree. I simply cannot understand why anyone would take a chance on whether it is necessary or not, especially when all of the veterinary literature says it is, or on whether or not the dog is in pain, except to avoid spending money. I don't believe in gambling on health issues, IMO that's not the area to cut corners if there is even the tiniest chance that my puppy was in pain or even discomfort, when there is a simple fix. I do understand though why breeders seem to be the ones downplaying these issues, and who advise waiting and watching.  

[Mary Hall]

Hi Ginny,

That's where we are right now.... waiting to see how the adult teeth come in.  As I learn more about it, I'm less "freaked out" by this than I was 4 days ago.  (Actually, all of you ladies responding to me have helped enormously.  :)  Thank you.)  If, as he matures, there is a problem, we will deal with it then but only if that "problem" causes mechanical issues and/orpain.  At that time, if our breeder chooses to do nothing, well, I guess that's our loss and we'll be just that much wiser if ever there is a next time. 

[Mary Hall]

I'm so sorry you had a bad experience, Karen.  Unfortunately, it seems that whenever a lot of money is involved, unethical people will take advantage.  That's true in any field.  Your Maple is a lucky pup to have you as "Mom".