My sister took Boo Boo for his annual vaccination, and during the routine overall health examination, the vet confirmed that Boo Boo requires dental treatment.
He explained that Boo Boo will need to be anesthesized during this scaling procedure. The evening before the procedure, Boo Boo will have to fast – no water, no food. How is Boo Boo suppose to understand why he is not being given food and water? We will then have to send him to the vet in the morning where he will be given the anesthetics. He will then be in a state of ‘sleep’, and in the evening, when the anesthetics starts to wear off, while he is still groggy the scaling process will start.
I AM SO TORN AS TO WHETHER BOO BOO NEEDS THIS DENTAL TREATMENT!
There are useful websites proclaiming that the long-term risk of ignoring the pet’s teeth is greater than the short-term risk of anesthesia. They also claim that a pet can only have complete dentistry while under anesthesia. Oral disease in pets will lead to heart, liver or kidney diseases (More details: www.veterinarypartner.com and www.petdental.com)
And websites wanting to sell pet oral care scare me with details like ‘risky anesthesia scaling causes 1 in 400 dogs to die’ and ‘1 in 8 dogs suffer side effects from anesthesia’. These oral care spray and gel claims to remove plaque, tartar and kills bacteria. Before and after pictures shows a difference in 6 weeks. A set of spray and gel costs USD39.95. (More details: www.petzlife.com) This product has also been approved by the Animal Wellness Magazine. And so, I made my sister go online to purchase this product. Shipping costs USD16.00.
Whilst waiting for this product to arrive, I go to a pet store to get him toothpaste. It’s edible PET! toothpaste. It’s beef flavoured. Boo Boo obviously didn’t think it tasted like beef. He wiggled and struggled for the full 8 minutes I tried to brush his teeth. My sister had to help hold him still. And still it was almost an impossible task. No wonder pets need anesthetic for dentistry! When brushing his teeth, I further noticed how awful his teeth are! One of them was loose and shaky too! I think he really needs to go for scaling.
So, the appointment shall be made this coming Thursday.
Boo Boo, please don’t be too mad with us. We love you so, and this decision is made with so much thought and consideration.
And to all pet owners, please remember to brush your pet’s teeth!