In yesterday’s Herald, informative article, excerpt below:
http://www.bostonherald.com/lifestyle/2017/05/dog_s_abscess_leads_to_12_tooth_extractions
The Vet Dr. John De Jong Sunday, May 28,2017
Dog’s abscess leads to 12 tooth extractions
Q “My 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier has led a healthy life free of any problems. Last week, in what seemed like an overnight occurrence, her left cheek swelled up just under her eye. I rushed her to the vet, who told me that she had a tooth abscess and needed blood work, anesthesia and an extraction of the affected tooth. A few hours later, I found out that she needed 12 extractions. She went home on pain medication and antibiotics, and I received a whopping bill for the vet’s services. I know my vet had told me for a few years that she needed to have her teeth cleaned, but was this an unusual occurrence? At what point should I have had her teeth cleaned, and would the vet have needed to extract any teeth earlier? My dog has recovered beautifully and is eating, playing and, I dare say, has better breath.”
A “What your dog developed was something called a carnassial tooth abscess. It is not an uncommon finding in dogs whose teeth have developed a lot of tartar and plaque over years of not having proper dental cleanings by a veterinarian and owners not brushing the pet’s teeth at home. I readily admit that brushing a dog’s teeth can be difficult if the animal puts up a fuss, but if that’s the case, then let the professionals do their job”.
“I would suspect that your veterinarian knew when to advise a cleaning for your dog’s teeth. Had they been done as needed on a regular basis, some or all of the extractions might have been avoided. As the teeth decay and bacteria gets under the gum line, the roots of the teeth become infected in their sockets and the teeth loosen as the infection affects the surrounding tissue. One might note bad breath, swelling of the gums, loosening of the teeth, pocketing around the teeth, root exposure and more. When things get too bad and the infected abscess develops without a place to drain, a swelling can develop on the cheek. In severe cases, it can even rupture, leading to a draining hole on the face.”
“Luckily, it is relatively easily remedied by extracting the teeth and using the kinds of medications your dog was given.”
“Dental health is important in pets and should be taken seriously by owners. You learned the expensive way, but luckily your dog will be fine.”
