Retained baby canines?

[Casey]

Anyone's doodle have an issue with retained puppy canines? Stanely's new lower canines are coming in ... but the puppy canines are still there, and they don't even seem to be loose. 

Anyone have experience? We just had him neutered yesterday, and I am annoyed that we didn't discover this potential issue before he went under for surgery. I hate the idea of putting him under again for another procedure. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's fairly common. It's sometimes the cause of what's called Base Narrow Canines, and we've had a few discussions about that here as well. It's often genetic. 

It's really a shame that your vet didn't realize this prior to the neutering. Those teeth really do have to come out; if they don't, the permanent teeth will come in inside the baby teeth, and they will hit his soft palate. That's BNC, and there are all kinds of problems that occur with it. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What problems are caused by retained teeth?

If both a deciduous tooth and a permanent tooth are in the same socket in the jaw, the crowding of the two teeth will increase the likelihood that food and debris will become trapped between the teeth. This can lead to problems such as tartar deposits, tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis, all of which can lead to premature loss of teeth. If the root of the retained tooth has only been partly resorbed, it can become badly infected.

If teeth are malpositioned, they can rub against other teeth, wearing away the enamel and weakening the tooth. Occasionally, a retained deciduous tooth can cause a dental interlock which may interfere with the normal growth and development of the jaw bones.

If the retained tooth is a lower canine, the permanent lower canine is forced to grow on the inside of the lower jaw and its tip usually grows towards the roof of the mouth, causing pain and damage which makes it difficult for your dog to eat.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

First, I would find another vet.  It is pretty unusual to not look in the mouth of a dog as part of a physical before anesthesia.  Second for removing baby teeth sometimes a very light anesthesia  can be used.  Find your new vet.  Explain your worries and let him or her advise you how long to wait before pulling his baby teeth.