14 year arthritic dog with dental issues - DogForum.net

Kath71 · 02-16-2013, 10:49 PM

We have a shep lab cross that's about 14 years old (rescued back in 2003), he has arthritis in his hips and has been on metacam for the past two to three years. There has been three episodes over the past 8 months when he thought we were going to loose him. Laboured breathing, refusing to stand/walk and stopped eating, after hand feeding and assisting to the outside. He has bounced back. He still has a great appetite and lies in the kitchen when cooking hoping for a little extra. He doesn't go down stairs any more and there are times when his back leg gives way down the one step to the back yard. The issue is dental. His breathe is foul and I noticed white and black spot on his gums, looks like infection. With his age and his lack of mobility, we are afraid what they vet may suggest. Any suggestions

My first post

**JGLI** · 02-16-2013, 11:01 PM

Welcome Kath71, great to have you join us :-) Have you thought about taking your dog to a veterinary dental specialist instead of a general vet? I would not be afraid of what he might suggest, usually specialists are used to dealing with many of the more sensitive cases.

DeeLind7 · 02-17-2013, 12:19 PM

Kath71, welcome to the Forum! JGLI offered some excellent advise. Maybe your vet can suggest a dental specialist in your area. I'm sure your regular vet may want to see him first, to confirm that he needs some dental work done. If nothing else, if he does have an infection, he could at least get some antibotics to get rid of the infection. Please keep us updated.

Monkey · 02-18-2013, 07:31 AM

If it is an infection the vet will likely try antibiotics... Which won't really effect your dog negatively. As long as the dog is of happy mind and medication is working I doubt your vet will suggest anything bad at all.

However the dog may not be strong enough for surgery, but if the dog isn't in pain then its just to let things has it course until whatever happens will happen. Which is a very sad thought, I know by own experience.. <3

Can we get a few pictures of the little greynose?

02-16-2013, 10:49 PM	#1
Kath71 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Southern ontario Posts: 1 Rep: 10 Unique Rep: 0	14 year arthritic dog with dental issues We have a shep lab cross that's about 14 years old (rescued back in 2003), he has arthritis in his hips and has been on metacam for the past two to three years. There has been three episodes over the past 8 months when he thought we were going to loose him. Laboured breathing, refusing to stand/walk and stopped eating, after hand feeding and assisting to the outside. He has bounced back. He still has a great appetite and lies in the kitchen when cooking hoping for a little extra. He doesn't go down stairs any more and there are times when his back leg gives way down the one step to the back yard. The issue is dental. His breathe is foul and I noticed white and black spot on his gums, looks like infection. With his age and his lack of mobility, we are afraid what they vet may suggest. Any suggestions My first post

02-16-2013, 11:01 PM	#2
JGLI Forum Director Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 7,227 Rep: 73 Unique Rep: 38	Welcome Kath71, great to have you join us :-) Have you thought about taking your dog to a veterinary dental specialist instead of a general vet? I would not be afraid of what he might suggest, usually specialists are used to dealing with many of the more sensitive cases. __________________ Help us Help you! Read and understand the Terms of Service, report offensive posts and Forum Reputation. Helpful Tips - in our FAQ Section and Newbie Guide. Connect with DogForum.org members - Add yourself to the dogforum.net member map.chat with us! Things to do - Start a blog. Be sure to visit the DogForum.net photo gallery Let's see YOU! Use your computer to benefit mankind - join the DogForum.org Folding Team.

02-17-2013, 12:19 PM	#3
DeeLind7 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Delaware, USA Posts: 6,933 Rep: 54 Unique Rep: 27	Kath71, welcome to the Forum! JGLI offered some excellent advise. Maybe your vet can suggest a dental specialist in your area. I'm sure your regular vet may want to see him first, to confirm that he needs some dental work done. If nothing else, if he does have an infection, he could at least get some antibotics to get rid of the infection. Please keep us updated. __________________

02-18-2013, 07:31 AM	#4
Monkey Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Massapequa Posts: 9,690 Blog Entries: 23 Rep: 130 Unique Rep: 64	If it is an infection the vet will likely try antibiotics... Which won't really effect your dog negatively. As long as the dog is of happy mind and medication is working I doubt your vet will suggest anything bad at all. However the dog may not be strong enough for surgery, but if the dog isn't in pain then its just to let things has it course until whatever happens will happen. Which is a very sad thought, I know by own experience.. <3 Can we get a few pictures of the little greynose? __________________ I love dogs cause they do not lie. "I'm chillin' with the forum! "I've been fleeced by Draco!" "I've been fleeced by JGLI"

		DogForum.net \| Dog Forums and Community > Dog Discussions > Senior Dogs
14 year arthritic dog with dental issues

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)