Tatze’s mouth

[Boogie]

I’m really not sure if all is well.

I’ve done lots of bucket game work and she lets me look in her mouth and spread toothpaste on her teeth.

But she’s stopped chewing yak chews and she never plays tuggy any more. She’s never been a keen tuggy player but has always used it as a ploy with the pups to keep the puppy teeth off her fur.

She had a huge broken tooth taken out last year - I worry that maybe an abscess or something may be in the area.

But she’s never let the vet look in her mouth. We go for six monthly health checks and he can’t even open her mouth, she doesn’t get anxious or scared, she loves the vet - but she just uses her strength and clever maneuvering to stop him looking in her mouth.

So she’s going to the vet on Monday to be sedated so that he can have a good look. If anything needs doing he’ll phone me for the OK.

I really hope I’m not being a fussy Mum. I want nothing to be wrong but I’ll feel guilty for putting her through an unnecessary sedation.

We go away for three weeks soon to Heidelberg and that is colouring my thinking too. I need to know.

 

[kateincornwall]

Sorry to hear this Mags , but at least it will put your mind at rest to know whats what, if anything . I dont think you are being a fussy Mum , we know our dogs better than anyone , so good luck for Monday and hugs to you xxx

 

[Naya]

Fingers crossed that it’s nothing major. Mouths are hard things to look in. Harley lets me look at each side by lifting her gum, but that’s about it.

 

[Cath]

No, I think you are doing the right thing for her. You don't want her in any pain. Its best for her and you.

 

[Oberon]

I think it’s a really good idea to get this checked out. I definitely would do the same. If she’s experiencing any mouth pain for whatever reason it can be addressed and then she can be pain free. You are doing the right thing.

 

[Jacqui-S]

These dogs are such a worry.
Right decision to get this checked out.

 

[Emily]

You're definitely doing the right thing. I struggle with Ella as she's so nervous at the vet that, even the most simple thing to look at (last time it was a rash on her belly) require sedation. Luckily for us, last time coincided with a GA to have her teeth cleaned.

 

[Stacia]

You are doing the right thing. I used to be a veterinary nurse and sedation is usually tolerated well. It is important to know IF there is anything wrong which can then be put right and if all is well, then no need to worry.

 

[MellowYellow]

You are not fussing Mags, you know Tatze better than anyone and if you feel something is not right, then it is best to have it checked out. Fingers crossed it is nothing!

 

[Boogie]

Thank you all for your reassurance - especially from @Jelinga, I didn’t know you’d been a veterinary nurse, my dream job!

If she needs them cleaning would she need a GA or could they do that under sedation?

 

[snowbunny]

Someone I know has an interesting viewpoint on sedation: it is possible (although unlikely) for your dog to react badly to both sedation and GA. If this happens under GA, there will be a crash cart there. Not necessarily true if sedation is used.
I thought I was doing the right thing choosing sedation over GA for Squidge when I had her hips and elbows scanned. If I ever do it again, I’ll use GA, partly because of that and also because she was still distressed by the manipulation under sedation.

 

[snowbunny]

But I agree with the others: totally the right thing to do to get her checked out, for your peace of mind. We’re normally right when we think there’s something off with our dogs.

 

[Emily]

If she needs them cleaning would she need a GA or could they do that under sedation?

Not sure but, if it helps, our vet didn't even discuss sedation for teeth cleaning. It was GA only. We then gave a list of other things to do at the same time (x-rays, nail clipping, check the rash etc.)

 

[Shaz82]

I had the same thing with Maisy when I thought she had swallowed some prickly thorns, she hadn't but after the check up it was such a relief to know she was ok. It must be such a worry for you, I would definitely get the vet to have a look, I hope all turns out well.

 

[M.F.]

Best of luck. I hope there’s nothing wrong.

I do envy people whose dogs let them inspect their teeth, particularly of an open mouth. Snowie’s jaw snaps shut, like an involuntary movement. You don’t want your fingers in there! I have read advice that you should put a thick stick across their jaw so that if it closes, your fingers aren’t taken off. I have used this ploy once—so long ago I forget why—and it worked well, with some unfortunate brute force on my part to look inside Snowie’s mouth. I was probably worried about something stuck up on his palate. At the vet, he’s good at letting them check his gums, etc—they just have the knack and are so quick.

 

[Candy]

I'd be doing exactly the same as you, particularly after the experience of Joy's abscess last year. I do hope it turns out to be nothing serious.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Sounds like exactly the right thing to do, Mags. I hope it's nothing, but Tatze not playing tug and the other warning signs you've noticed definitely warrant the exam.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I would do this too. I'm always suspicious once they've had some dental work done. I would want to see I don't think you are being cautious just sensible

 

[Beanwood]

Absolutely! One less thing to worry about!

 

[Granca]

Yes, definitely get it checked. I hope it’s nothing, but it’s better to be sure.