Calla's Dental Cleaning

[F, Calla & Luca]

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!"

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Poor baby, I'm sure she was stressed. I'm sure glad no extractions were needed. I've done the anesthesia free teeth cleaning with Monty every year and he did just fine. But I've also read that it's not as thorough as cleaning when dogs are under. Since his teeth are just fine (knock on wood), I'm assuming this is all he needs for now. I also hate the thought of putting him under. He's been under for three times now and he ALWAYS comes out with a diarrhea. Hope sweet Calla gets some rest tonight, it was a hard day for her.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks, she's fast asleep.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a day for Calla and you. I'm glad the job is done and she is back home and comfortable. Poor baby.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks, Janie.

[Adrienne]

Glad to hear that Calla is back home with clean teeth, fresh breath and no extractions.  Not happy to hear that she was sent home soiled.  You most definitely should let them know about that... Sending hugs to you and Calla.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks, I just sent the vet an email.

[Amy & Albee]

Glad this is behind you two - nobody likes dental checkups :) Hoping you get a good explanation from the vet regarding Calla. I'll jump on the bandwagon for a new toy too! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so glad that the ordeal is over for Calla - and you!  That seems like a high bill. Ned's tooth extraction and cleaning was much less than $300. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wow.

[GBK]

Glad she is through it and no extractions!  Sucks about her coming home the way she was...  And, Wow, on that bill!  I've seen so many "specials" lately around here for $200.00 plus bloodwork, your bill was crazy expensive.  Hopefully it's the last she will need :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh, I wish.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have added an update with my vet's response.