Has anybody had a dental on their older bulldog?

Submitted by mark on November 28, 2011 - 12:58am

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I am scheduled for a dental on my 8 year bulldog next month. However, I am worried about the possibility of him not making it through the general anesthesia even though he breathes well. He has tartar build-up on his molars. I have not brushed his teeth really ever.

Any thoughts or experiences on what I should do? Can I clean his teeth adequately at-home?

Thanks, Mark

No answer here...but great pic:-)

Submitted by AmyandSophia on November 28, 2011 - 9:50am.

I, too, have a Bully and a German Shep. Nice:-)

__________________

Amy and Sophia

Our vet wants to do Oliver's teeth also and...

Submitted by Kathy Chester N... on November 28, 2011 - 10:56am.

he's almost 8. I brush them every day hoping to keep them in good enough shape that he can avoid the dental surgery.

Yes, many times

Submitted by LynnKing on November 28, 2011 - 1:59pm.

be sure they do pre-surgery bloodwork, it tests to be sure kidney/liver function is O.K.

What you can see through a visual oral exam is completely different from what the vet has access to when the dog is under anesthsia.

Good luck

__________________

Lynn King CPDT-KA

yes

Submitted by RobinandLeo on November 28, 2011 - 2:19pm.

Be sure your Vet puts your dog on antibiotics after the cleaning is done, maybe even before too. The bacteria loosened from the cleaning can get into the dog's bloodstream and ultimately affect his heart.

I lost 2 older Bulldogs to heart problems within 6 months of a dental cleaning or extraction (they were both 10 y/o). Neither dog had even a hint of heart issues prior to the dental work. This was several years ago and now most Vets know of the possibility of a problem - mine didn't and my dogs paid the price.

I had a Cocker Spaniel who could not do anesthesia....

Submitted by Annie Zoey and ... on November 28, 2011 - 3:16pm.

since it was guaranteed she would NOT survive so I did my best however a friend turned me on to Aloe Juice.

She had a Cocker Spaniel who also could not do anesthesia and she started using Aloe Juice on her and it removed all of the plaque on her teeth and kept her breath fresh.

Instructions were to start at a teaspoon a day and work your way up since it is also a natural laxative so too much too soon might lead to loose stools.

I cannot confirm it worked since my girl, Friday, died before I could see results.

at that age

Submitted by judy wilson on November 28, 2011 - 4:16pm.

its important to keep the teeth clean...and it can casue heart and kidney diease.....i would and have put any of my dogs over 6 years on and antibotic the week before dental work....just as a precaution......

My sis' 13-year old pug just did

Submitted by Céline and Ange... on December 1, 2011 - 4:25pm.

And she made it through OK (although it was risky at her age). She had to have a whole bunch of teeth pulled and the rest cleaned, poor thing. But I'm sure she's feeling better now.

Cancelled dental appointment at last minute

Submitted by mark on December 22, 2011 - 7:42pm.

Well, I just couldn't go through with the dental even though his breath is pretty terrible. Brushing his teeth is ridiculously difficult and ineffective. The vet didn't even recommend antibiotics and I had to mention it during the pre-exam. That really turned me off, so I changed my mind. Thanks for the advice.

Heavy Raw Bone did wonders to clean the teeth

Submitted by mark on February 8, 2012 - 12:22pm.

A solution for me has been using a very large bone that cannot be splintered or swallowed. His constant knawing at it has reduced to eliminated most of his plaque buildup. If your dog doesn't have extensive plaque or damage to the gums, try a very heavy bone first. You may need to go to the meat dept. of your local grocery, I mean like a cow's thigh bone.

Best