aww… this getting older stuff stinks!
My appetite has been off (probably) because it hurt to chew.
my gums were red and inflamed and I had plaque buildup
so off to to the veterinarian this morning for another dental cleaning
and… the extraction of SIX teeth. Four loose ones, one getting loose and one abscessed.
now I have stitches, a sore throat and feel dreadful
Since I had a full dental cleaning just over a year ago, Mom resolved to (do her best to) brush my teeth everyday so I don’t have to have them professionally cleaned every year and break the piggy bank.
Doc sent me home with an antibiotic and Rimadyl and said the stitches will dissolve in about 14 days and I will feel better.
And, will be even more kissable and lovable (if that is possible).
My family loves me!
Here are some Periodontal Disease signs and symptoms to look for from Pets Adviser:
Bad Breath: The bacteria from decaying food that causes gingivitis and infection in your dog’s mouth also results in abnormally bad breath. We don’t expect doggy breath to be “minty fresh,” but any type of sour, acrid odor is indicative of some kind of disease process in your pet’s mouth or other internal organs. (Yes, cats can have bad breath too.)
Inflamed Gums: Also called “gingivitis,” the disease that causes your dog’s red, inflamed and sometimes bleeding gums is a result of the bacteria that linger in his mouth from food left in his teeth. This bacterium typically gathers under the gum line around the roots of the teeth and can cause an infection that leads to tooth loss, bone degeneration and, in severe cases, possible major organ disease.
Plaque and Calculus: Dental plaque is composed of the food particles and saliva that mix together to form a sticky film on your dog’s teeth. If the plaque is left on the teeth, it will harden into a thick, bone-like formation called calculus (or tartar), which can cover the entire tooth and hide an underlying infection.
Swollen Jaw: Often, when infection gathers around the tooth root and creates an abscess, swelling of the jaw occurs that is visible to the naked eye. There will be a lump either on the lower jaw close to your pup’s neck or on the upper jaw just under his eye socket. Sometimes, if the abscess becomes large enough to burst, it will break through the skin covering it and you’ll see pus seeping onto your dog’s fur from a small hole in the lump.
Trouble Chewing: You may notice that your dog is having trouble chewing his food, or that he’s stopped chewing altogether and is just gulping it down. If you look inside his mouth, you may also see loose or missing teeth where the tooth roots have detached from the bone because of disease. Rotting, infected teeth and gums can be extremely painful, and loose teeth can cause your pet to stop using his mouth to break up his food.
Nasal Discharge and Sneezing: When your dog’s gums become infected on his maxilla (upper jaw), the roots of the teeth can abscess, creating pockets of pus and infection that can reach up into his sinus cavities. When the sinuses become infected, your pup can develop a runny nose and begin sneezing.
Oh no, poor Raider. I hope he feeling much better now. Hugs, Tammy
Oh, poor little fellow. How difficult it should be for him! At least we can express!
This post touched my heart as I read it. I am sure you all feel so sad when Raider is hurting. I do hope by now, he is feeling much better, and his spark is back.
Such sweet photos! I hope he feels better very soon!
It's sad to see our pets grow older and need more medical care (just like us!) He looks so sweet. I hope he perks up soon!
Big hugs for Raider, I was feeling bad for myself 🙁 I only had one tooth pulled. Just think tho' the older you are the more love you have received from your humans!!
Oh poor pup. Hope he feels better soon!
Poor baby! It's awful when they are are in pain and can't tell us. I hope he's feeling tip-top again soon.
Ah, poor pup. We get our dog's teeth cleaned often, but it's not cheap either.
aw poor Raider. I hope you're feeling better soon.
Poor baby! Our 14 year old Yorkie has no teeth left–but she does fine though her tongue hangs out. Feel better soon sweet doggy!
Poor sweet baby.
Poor thing. Our schnauzer has her teeth cleaned every year. I have tried to brush her teeth with little success. Hope your dog is feeling perky soon.
Sending a hug to Raider and hoping he feels a lot better very soon. I'm sure he is so glad to be home. Deb
Raider, Harriet and I send our love and wishes to feel better soon.
Lorraine…what a sweet way to present a PSA! Oh my goodness, those photos are so precious and you can almost feel his/her (I forgot) pain! My Hunter is 12 I know what it's like when they get older…he has some stinky breath so I am pretty sure he could use a trip to the dentist! Thanks for the great info!
Poor Raider! hope he heals quickly and feels better soon. I agree, growing older stinks!