Dog with no teeth. Help!!

[Green Tea]

I agree. Could probably even chew a steak.

But not at the same time as grandpa. It looks like maybe the 2 share more than just a bond.

OP, you said you looked in her mouth when she came home and saw she had no teeth. But she won't let you now. Was the vet able to look today and determine what has happened?

 

[padams]

Update?

 

[celiesky]

Sorry it took so long. It was a crazy day!

I took Simon into the vet this morning. The vet couldn't tell if the teeth were pulled out or fell out, but she said his gums were healing. She also said there was no infection. I also had her check his blood an urine. So far everything looks really good. The vet also told me that dogs with no teeth can eat dry food and live normal lives.

I also went and talked with the old vet. They still had no explanation. They think all his teeth just fell out. I still think its hard to believe that they all fell out over a three day weekend. But I don't know what more I can do. I have no proof he had all his teeth when he came in. I also don't have time to sue these people. I have a full time job and two wonderful kids that have many after school activities. I love my dog and I now know he is healthy and happy. I think that is enough for right now.

I know this is a weird story. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy, then I look at my goofy little dog and I know I am not.

Thank you again for all the help and information.

 

[Abbie]

I'm glad you found out your pup is healthy, that's all that really matters!

As far as the teeth, who knows? Maybe he had lost a few here and there and you never noticed, then lost more over the three day weekend. At any rate, it doesn't make a difference now.

 

[DizBelle]

Perhaps many of his teeth were "ready to come out" and over the weekend he chewed on something that took them the rest of the way.

Did the new vet confirm that the teeth are actually gone and not just broken?

I'm glad Simon is well.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

A dog's canine teeth have roots as long or longer than the actual tooth you see; unless falling out they have to cut and suture the gum so extractions of those teeth would definitely be evident.

 

[GothTink]

A dog's canine teeth have roots as long or longer than the actual tooth you see; unless falling out they have to cut and suture the gum so extractions of those teeth would definitely be evident.

Which begs the question: why can't teh old vet tell the difference...?

I smell something fishy.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

Which begs the question: why can't teh old vet tell the difference...?

I smell something fishy.

I was wondering why the new vet can't say; sutures would be evident.

From what I have read it does sound like the teeth had fallen out making a case for the possible cage chewing scenerio. A notation on the state of the dental arcade should be on the medical record from it's annual examination. Also, if the dog only boarded for the weekend it seems unlikely any procedure was done. Dogs merely boarding at our facility are not examined by our doctor unless requested or become ill.

 

[robinb]

From what I have read it does sound like the teeth had fallen out making a case for the possible cage chewing scenerio.

If the dog chewed the cage and lost his teeth, wouldn't there be blood in the bedding? On the bars? What happened to the broken teeth? I still can't quite believe that the dog walked in with teeth and walked out with most of them missing and the staff knew NOTHING about it!

OP, maybe you can add your vet's name to Pete's PSA about his lousy vet on the Podcast board.

 

[CathrynRose]

This doesn't make any stinking sense.

I don't think you're lying, OP - but I'm just surprised you're not more angry!

If I babysat your child, and you came to pick her up and she had no teeth, wouldn't you be a little more inquisitive about the whole thing??

And for the record - Charley chews each little kibbley nugget. He chews his food.

I should video tape him when he eats peanuts. He looks like a squirrel - holding them between his paws, gnawing out the nut, and spitting out the shell.

 

[doxdogy]

I have a terrier that is a rescue. We know nothing of her background and she definitely has her quirks. One of them is she doesn't want anyone messing with her mouth. Found that one out the hard way. So there are some dogs out there where it is just not worth getting bit. She definitely does not own me. I just don't have any desire to be bit.

I don't know if the story is real or not, but I'm really stuck on the part where they "can't" look in the dog's mouth because the dog "won't let them".

True story or not, it drives me nuts it when dogs own people instead of the other way around.

 

[CathrynRose]

I don't know if the story is real or not, but I'm really stuck on the part where they "can't" look in the dog's mouth because the dog "won't let them".

True story or not, it drives me nuts it when dogs own people instead of the other way around.

You're right. As temperamental as some dogs can be, you should be able to examine them, when necessary. You're absolutely right.

We play "Grrrrr" with Charley when he's laying down. Grabbing his lips, pulling them up exposing his chompers and making the "Grrrrr" sound.

 

[Jockaroo]

I have a terrier that is a rescue. We know nothing of her background and she definitely has her quirks. One of them is she doesn't want anyone messing with her mouth. Found that one out the hard way. So there are some dogs out there where it is just not worth getting bit. She definitely does not own me. I just don't have any desire to be bit.

One thing to remember is that this dog can't bite at this stage. Pinch with the gums perhaps, but the owners should be able to open the mouth and dodge the lone canine.
_____
Since the dog has been to the vet and been checked out, it seems that Simon can enjoy a good quality of life--that is what is important. If he had advanced dental disease it is possible that he had lost teeth for a while unnoticed. (This isn't saying Simon's people neglect him, just he is an elderly fellow and this does happen with aging.) Chewing cage bars may have taken out the rest of the teeth. Dogs frequently swallow the teeth, so you may not see evidence. The dog's 4th premolar (the carnassial tooth) is a beast to extract from what I've been told. It typically needs stitches and the upper roots can extend into the sinus cavity. Nasal bleeding is common when this tooth is pulled. There would be evidence of surgical removal. And I do doubt surgery was performed over a weekend. Just hoping Simon does well and has many, many more tail wags for his family.

 

[walden]

One thing to remember is that this dog can't bite at this stage. Pinch with the gums perhaps, but the owners should be able to open the mouth and dodge the lone canine.
_____
Since the dog has been to the vet and been checked out, it seems that Simon can enjoy a good quality of life--that is what is important. If he had advanced dental disease it is possible that he had lost teeth for a while unnoticed. (This isn't saying Simon's people neglect him, just he is an elderly fellow and this does happen with aging.) Chewing cage bars may have taken out the rest of the teeth. Dogs frequently swallow the teeth, so you may not see evidence. The dog's 4th premolar (the carnassial tooth) is a beast to extract from what I've been told. It typically needs stitches and the upper roots can extend into the sinus cavity. Nasal bleeding is common when this tooth is pulled. There would be evidence of surgical removal. And I do doubt surgery was performed over a weekend. Just hoping Simon does well and has many, many more tail wags for his family.

Well, I can certainly agree with more happy years for Simon!

But seriously, folks. This story was a bit unbelievable. And yes, why not pry open the jaws of a toothless pooch. What's he gonna do? Bite you?

I'm still not quite convinced, but I'm going with the official story.

Lessons for us all.

Brush your dog's teeth regularly, gradually accustom your dog to you examining his/her mouth, have vet check ups annually (or every 6 months for senior dogs), have dentals as recommended by your vet, and freaking fire and possibly sue the kennel who failed to notice that your dog busted his teeth chewing the bars when kenneled.

To the OP. I hope you have learned from this, and I wish you happy times with your Maltese, who can manage quite well with no teeth on dry or moistened kibble and/or soft food.

 

[dcentity2000]

If my dog lost virtually all his/her teeth in someone else's care I would be LIVID without an explanation!



Rich::