Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
 ·Comcast
1 edit | Anesthesia for dogs..
My dog is 14-15 years old and she's going to be having her teeth cleaned, and have a small cyst removed from her paw next week (both will be done at the same time). They will use anesthesia on her and have assured me everything will be ok.
I'm afraid she won't wake up. Anyone know the chances? The vet said (and I quote) "Any dog that can walk in here on their own four legs, and assuming their blood work is ok, then anesthesia will be fine."
They will be keeping her overnight, but I'm just worried. |
|
No_Strings
Premium,Mod
join:2001-11-22
The OC
Host:
Wireless Networking
All Things Unix
Qwest
Efficient
D-Link
| Some opinions (not to be confused with actual veterinary training):
Is it a chain vet? My experience has been poor, to the extent of recommending unneeded surgery.
Is the dog in good health and in decent shape? What breed? A 15 year-old Lab is a far different deal that a small breed.
Is a second opinion an option? Ask another vet if she's healthy enough for it.
Lastly, is it worth it? If she only has a few years left, maybe manual brushing will keep her teeth in decent enough condition that the thorough cleaning won't be needed.
|
|
cocothebean
You Are My Nightmare
Premium
join:2002-11-16
Carson City, NV | reply to Rob
It's like anything else Medical, there is no telling what can happen!!!
Most likely if your dog is in general good health it should be fine!!! |
|
MagMan
Life is simpler when you tell the truth.
Premium
join:2003-10-01
Westlake, OH | reply to Rob
If La Luna catches this thread she should know. |
|
Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
| reply to No_Strings
said by No_Strings  :Some opinions (not to be confused with actual veterinary training): Is it a chain vet? My experience has been poor, to the extent of recommending unneeded surgery. Is the dog in good health and in decent shape? What breed? A 15 year-old Lab is a far different deal that a small breed. Is a second opinion an option? Ask another vet if she's healthy enough for it. Lastly, is it worth it? If she only has a few years left, maybe manual brushing will keep her teeth in decent enough condition that the thorough cleaning won't be needed. Thanks. This isn't a chain vet (»www.tcahvets.com/).
So far, she's in excellent health. Other than the cyst, she has no other problems. He did take blood work and we are waiting on the results to see how her kidneys/heart, etc is. Based on a physical examination, she is in excellent health.
The cyst needs to be removed because it's growing. We're also waiting to see if it's cancerous or not.
She's a Fox Terrior/Beagle
Is it worth it? I think it is. I'm just concerned. |
|
james
join:2001-02-26
antarctica | I wouldnt worry too much, especially if it's something that cannot be avoided. Chances are nothing will go wrong. |
|
jadinolf
I love you Fred
Premium
join:2005-07-09
Ojai, CA
 ·DSL EXTREME
| reply to Rob
Not to worry.
I have 25 years of basset hound experience behind me.
When I have my dogs teeth cleaned, I have bumps and lumps removed at the same time. This saves you from having to pay for anesthesia twice.
Never had a problem and all dogs led a good life but not long enough.
Hard to believe but vets know what they are doing....dentists on the other hand........
--
This post printed on 100% recycled bytes |
|
ravencajun
Premium
join:2004-08-12
Wylie, TX
| reply to Rob
In general it is just like for humans, normally everything is fine but when going under anesthesia there can be no guarantees. I have had several animals go under and all came out fine. That included an Afghan hound, they are one breed that do not undergo anesthesia well they are a much higher risk, but he handled it fine.
If you have a good vet,and staff that are familiar with your animal it should be fine. |
|
WakkieRob
join:2008-08-14 | reply to Rob
Just because a dog doesn't eat a chew doesn't mean its got bad teeth unless the vet has told you so. And one of my dogs scally who is a black lab has never liked these chews but you can buy teeth cleaning softer one's.
Rob |
|
WakkieRob
join:2008-08-14
| reply to Rob
If the dog has something wrong with its mouth its itching to get it sorted.
If its cancerus and they cut it out that can't be a bad thing either, either way the blood tests will show that there's nothing wrong or there's big stress levels which mean that it's to late and the cancer has already spread the nose should be a good indication like with our dog who by 4yrs old was riddled with it. Saddly we done the only thing we could |
|
Silentwolf
Vaprotan
Premium
join:2002-07-03
Kingsport, TN
clubs:
·Embarq
| said by WakkieRob :If the dog has something wrong with its mouth its itching to get it sorted. If its cancerus and they cut it out that can't be a bad thing either, either way the blood tests will show that there's nothing wrong or there's big stress levels which mean that it's to late and the cancer has already spread the nose should be a good indication like with our dog who by 4yrs old was riddled with it. Saddly we done the only thing we could Well he said the cyst was on the paw, so I don't think it would go to her nose from there. Now of it was some sort of oral cancer than it might.
Rob
As for the anesthesia, they tend to give em some ketamine and other goodies that have been shown to work well. The dog is in good health so shouldn't have any problems with it, but there is always a chance.
--
Brad ~ Blog | My Forums | Vanadiel Ranch (FFXI) | Police Forums I run |
|
Owlbet
Night Owl of the Arctic
Premium,MVM
join:2002-09-24
Palmer, AK
clubs:
·MTA Online
| reply to Rob
It is money well spent to have a pre-anesthesia bloodwork test done on your dog. I've had my vet do it for all my dogs for any of their surgical procedures. In Alaska, the test is about $100.00. Your location may vary.
Talk to your vet about it. |
|
robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
1 edit | reply to Rob
Personally I would not have the teeth cleaned on a 14 to 15 year old dog. The vets really push this as a moneymaker. I have quite a bit of experience with dogs as I currently have 8 and have had up to 15. I also have experience with cysts, growths, tumors and cancer in dogs. I believe the vet could biopsy a small cyst without putting the dog under.
I do understand your worries as I have had them many times. There is always a chance of problems -- you need to weigh that chance against the problem. Dirty teeth on a dog of that age is not a problem.
I actually had an experience with a vet who I really respect where my dog had some tumors. Before they talked to me about the implications of the tumors they gave me the "she has terrible teeth and they really need to be cleaned" spiel. She still had all of her teeth and had no problem eating solid food when she died a natural death at 16 a couple of years later. Clean the teeth of a 5 year old dog if you wish, but I don't see the point of taking the risk on one which is 15.
I would use the same logic on the cyst -- does it really hamper her mobility? A 15 year old dog doesn't do much running and jumping. Similarly what are the consequences of finding out it's cancerous? Your dog is really too old to consider amputation if it is a bone cancer. The reason I bring this type thing up is you should always weigh what you will learn versus not knowing. My opinion -- unless the cyst is a problem for the dogs mobility I would not take the risk and just enjoy and cherish the few remaining years you have together. At 14 - 15 your dog is definitely geriatric and even considering that smaller breeds live longer, there aren't that many years left in the best of health. I hate to bring up the financial issue, but you should also consider how much you are willing to spend and advanced treatments quickly go into the many thousands of dollars. Once again, sometimes it's better not to know when the other choices make no sense.
[edit] I missed the part where you said the cyst was growing -- it sounds like you may have to deal with it. It also sounds like it has already been biopsied. If the results come back negative and the dog is going under for the removal of the cyst then it's your call as to the teeth cleaning. If it is cancerous, then cherish your time together and don't put the dog through unnecessary stress. And please don't think you need to put it down right away. Listen to your dog and you will know if it's a problem that love can't overcome on a day to day basis. |
|
dontdoit
@verizon.net | I was about to write almost the same exact thing as Robbin. Great post. I agree 100% |
|
Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
1 edit | reply to Rob
Thank you everyone for your responses.
The more I think about it, the more I am thinking of calling it all off.
Here's why. Her last cleaning was about 3-4 years ago. And it was a nightmare. All night she was up throwing up from the anesthesia. So I think it's important she gets a cleaning. I don't think she's in bad shape, but they say she's in terrible shape. I'm not sure how to gauge that - she eats only hard food and has no problems.
Also, I called back today and they said her bloodwork is ok, but her BUN was a little high, but that they would give her fluids before she went under.
Here's what concerns me, they estimate the surgery and the cleaning to be between $700-$800, but then she says that it can be as high as $2000. It's not about the money, I can pay that, but I don't like how they say between $700-$800 but as high as $2000? I want to know exactly how much. Not down to the exact penny, but if they say between $700-$800, then I expect the bill to be in that range, give or take. Not $2000 or more!
Further, she's old. She has a hard time being a lone. Do I really want her to stay over night in a cage? She was adopted from the human society when she was 1.5 yrs old.
Also, when I called to get the cost, she started asking me how big the cyst, etc was. I interrupted and told her that I just paid $75 on Wednesday (the whole bill was $285) for the vet to look at her. She needs to speak with the doc and tell me exactly how much the surgery will cost. And that doesn't include PAIN MED. I was floored.
Chances are, I will cancel and get a second opinion. So far, she has displayed NO pain or anything. Her walking is just fine. And the cyst seems to have "flatten" a little with the meds the doc prescribed.
And to top it. She's happy. Do I want to hurt her by putting her under and pain? I think I'm going to let her enjoy her life. She's very happy. She's jumping all over, wagging her tell, she's a happy dog for being 15. When we are able to feed her, she is jumping all over, wagging her tail.
I'm going to call it. I think I'm making the right choice. It's in the best interest of my dog.
--
CheckSite.us | YourIP.US |
|
MooJohn
join:2005-12-18
Milledgeville, GA
·Windstream
| reply to Rob
My vet of 21+ years has cleaned the teeth of our animals (cats and dogs) quite a few times. It's always been on the older ones because their teeth don't self-clean as well as when they were young. Our 15yo cat had it done a few weeks ago. They always do the procedure under anesthesia to minimize the trauma to the animal.
My vet also has a separate boarding area for post-surgery and other animals needing more care than simple food & water. A groggy animal doesn't mind a cage for a day or so while they recover & get their bearings.
Have you used this vet for a while? It sounds like the biggest factor is you don't trust them, both in their opinion and their business practices. Both are vital when they're taking care of your furry family members.
--
John M - Cranky network guy |
|
Maccawolf
Premium
join:2001-02-20
Hillsdale, NJ
| reply to Rob
First, let me just post in advance that this is going to be EXTREMELY hard for me to type as it is still very raw.
Second I would like to say THANK YOU to robbin , who has put things so wonderfully!
In Jan my 18 year old Husky started crying one night. HE had been FINE before hand (or so I thought), but when I brought him to the vet half an hour later, they gave me an option.
Basically, they said they had no idea what was wrong with him and I should leave him there for a "few days" so they could figure it out. I don't think so... It might have been a different story if they actually KNEW what was wrong with him, but I looked at it this way. He's in pain NOW, (and 18)And do I really think it fair to subject him to meds daily for the rest of his life, PLUS, at 18, how much longer can I REALLY expect him to live. Is it fair to even put him through the tests???????
Rob , do as you feel comfortable doing, and know that there are others who have had to make tough decisions where their babies are concerned too.
I miss you Crockett!
--
Mom and Crockett...... I miss you both! |
|
djrobx
join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA
 ·PHONE POWER
 ·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T CallVantage
·Time Warner VOIP
·RoadRunner Cable
| reply to Rob
Monster went in yesterday to have a a couple lumps removed. He's only 5, and he had a previous mast cell tumor, so the doctor said we should just remove them. We got him back last night
I think it was really rough on him this time. He's not throwing up or anything, but all last night he would just sit on my lap whimpering softly and fall asleep again. He's normally so tough, I don't think I've ever seen him so affected. He's still acting pretty depressed today.
I'm sure it'll get better, but in short, you are right to think that the surgery might be hard on your dog, and to question whether it's really necessary or not.
--
Laser eye surgery rocks! I love frickin' laser beams. |
|
FutureMon
OW My Eyes
Premium,ExMod 2002-05
join:2000-10-05
Colorado Springs, CO
clubs:
| reply to Owlbet
said by Owlbet :It is money well spent to have a pre-anesthesia bloodwork test done on your dog. I've had my vet do it for all my dogs for any of their surgical procedures. In Alaska, the test is about $100.00. Your location may vary. Talk to your vet about it. This is just about the only way you can be reasonably sure that your dog will not have issues with the anesthesia. And it can also alert you to other things you may not know about your pet...
- FM
--
Undisputed BBR Karaoke Champion! Care to challenge me? |
|
Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
| reply to MooJohn
said by MooJohn :Have you used this vet for a while? It sounds like the biggest factor is you don't trust them, both in their opinion and their business practices. Both are vital when they're taking care of your furry family members. Maybe. I trust that they will take the upmost care of my dog. To them, she's a patient, to me she's a family member.
I'm just wondering if putting her through it all is worth it, at this point.
I think at this time I'm not going to go through with it. She's happy, and she doesn't show any pain and I don't think it would be fair to her. I really believe it would hamper her health. |
|
