Broken tooth - apparently this is common!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Poor Rocky broke a tooth yesterday and needed to have it extracted. I could have opted for a root canal and a crown, but that procedure would set me back about $2K, so opted for the cheaper solution (which still cost over $500 due to the aneasthesia and morphine shots). The vet told me that dogs often break or fracture a tooth and that they do not necessarily show you they're in pain. Signs of pain include lack of appetite, weight loss, constant licking (which Rocky did), lethargy, and refusal to drink or eat.

 

Thought I would share this, since I would be devastated to learn my dog had been in pain for a while without me knowing. Vet said to check dog's teeth regularly. Here's what the tooth looked like; as you can tell, the pulp was exposed:

 

 

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Thanks for the heads-up. They way Murphy chomps on bones and plays tug-of-war with ropes and things I always wonder if they ever break teeth. Good to know, and will check more often. A big clue would be if he didn't eat or drink as he LIVES to EAT!!!!
So glad you caught this as I bet infection if a very real possiblity if let go too long. No loss of appetite or weight? Sounds like you caught it quick.

[Diane Denney]

Poor Rocky!! I hope he feels better soon.

[Lorraine Bromley]

yeouch!!!!! I hope its alot better when its outta there!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Poor guy. Oh, I know that was painful.Hope he is feeling better. I'm sure he'll do just fine with one less tooth! My little Yorkie had more than 1/2 of her teeth extracted- you'd never know it. She does very well.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

OWW. Thank you for posting. I promise to check teeth today and from now on, especially since I have a chewer. This does sound common as this is the 3rd time I have heard about it in the past month. We just never think it will be our dog. Good picture with great detail. Very informative.

Rocky, I am so sorry this happened to you, but you've got a good mom. Hope you are feeling much better and eating and drinking finally.

[Chris & Boys]

Oh, that looks terrible. My GR did this on a Nylabone. Most expensive Nylabone I bought, and the last one too.

[Joyce & Wilson]

Thanks so much for the heads up! Great pic..didnt know how bad a broken tooth could look or feel...hey, put the tooth under Rockys pet bed..maybe the tooth fairy will come and help defray costs!!!

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

HA! He would probably eat it...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you so much for posting this. I never think to check Guinness's teeth, but I certainly will now. He hates it when I put my hand in his mouth (brushing) but clearly it's important.

[Trowby]

Years ago I was at the vet with our cat. A man was checking out ahead of me with two Great Danes. The bill was $750!
I asked what on earth could be that expensive and the Tech said "root canals.".
The price has gone way up since then.
Hope Chewie is as good as new now!

Trowby and Sage

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

OWWWW! Looking at it makes my teeth hurt!

[Eva]

Sorry to hear about his tooth. I hope he is doing well. Thank you for sharing your story as it does to help educate people along the way. I'll check my doodle's teeth more often.