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

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I don't know about the class of malocclusion, but Oscar had one as a small puppy. He ended up having his lower baby canines extracted to help increase the chances of his adult canines to grow in at the proper angles. His baby lower canines were growing straight up, hitting his hard palate (the roof of his mouth), also known as Base Narrow Canines. When his adult canines came in, he still had a bit of a malocclusion, so we used ball therapy to push the teeth into their proper positions. Thankfully, the ball therapy worked and Oscar didn't require an appliance (doggy braces). I've heard of vets taking a 'wait and see' approach before, but if I were you I'd be finding a dental specialist vet to take a look at your puppy's teeth. They've had lots of experience with malocclusions and are the best vets to advise you on the next steps to take. Good luck!

[Karen & Maple]

Like Oscar, Maple also had Base Narrow Canine. It wasn't obvious until about 4 months. She too had her baby lower canines removed, followed by ball therapy. One side is just cleared, but the jury is still out as to the success of one side. Not ready to give up yet, but it's possible she may need to have one tooth shortened and crown applied. Seems 8 weeks is pretty young to tell. My advice-get insurance before this is documented as pre existing if possible. Make sure non routine dental is covered. Petplan covered Maples extractions.

[Mary Hall]

Thanks, Karen. Darn! Would I already too late for the insurance because our vet who told us this is the one in the practice who takes care of teeth. He did give us the name of a specialist in Oswego, IL, to contact for an opinion, and I'll probably contact him tomorrow. Hmm, (big sigh)

[Karen & Maple]

I would still try for insurance. There's a two week waiting period. It might still work.

[Mary Hall]

Thanks, Karen.  I'll look into it.  :)

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Rippley has base narrow canines. We never pulled his baby teeth as it was mild case and they just made slight wedge indentations on the exterior of his upper palate. Most vet literature says best practice to pull them I believe, especially if they are puncturing upper palate. Can lead to infection, lock in place, pain, etc.
with Rippley, his adult teeth are now coming through in about the same spot as the baby. I am hoping they will angle and clear his palate by angling laterally toward the wedge indentation that still remains on his upper palate. We are doing (attempting) ball therapy to assist this outcome, but will see dentist soon if the teeth don't clear. For the two teeth we have been quoted $1500-2000. Oh boy...

[Mary Hall]

Holy Smoke!  That much money to do what...pull them?  I hope we don't get hit with something like that.  It's our boys whole bottom front line of teeth that stick out in front of the uppers... hence "class 3".  Ok... I'm trying not to panic.  We haven't even talked to the specialist yet.  

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Mary, read through your purchase contract with your breeder. A reputable breeder will have a health guarantee that covers these sorts of dental problems. Oscar's breeder covered his 2 extractions (nearly $500) and would have gone up to $1700 to help with any dental appliances he may have needed. I had health insurance on Oscar from very early on, but it excluded dental, so I'm really thankful the breeder stepped up and took responsibility for it.

Oh, BTW, I think Cindy was referring to the cost of any dental appliances that may be necessary. Doggy braces are very expensive!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Thanks Debb - yes, pricing is for appliance. So sorry, didn't mean to worry you - sounds totally different. My breeder's contract specifically excludes "improper bites" so, infer what you will from that warranty. Aargh. Thought I did such great research beforehand, too. Good thing he is wonderful in every other category, so far! Hope you are able to manage without too much cost or pain/trouble. Good luck!

[Mary Hall]

Thanks, Cindy.  I know... I thought I did great research too.  Hmm.

[Mary Hall]

We're only covered for hips and eyes, and thanks for clearing up my confusion regarding the costs involved.  Oops.

[BG and Gavin]

Would this be something that the breeder would help with?  So young - you would think the health warranty would cover something so dramatic at only 8 weeks old?