Pet care: Senior dog's dental pain requires urgent care

Q: I’ve had my dog Max since he was a baby, 15 years. Lately he’s refused dry food and he shies away when I touch his face. His breath is horrible. His veterinarian showed me his red swollen gums and four loose teeth and recommended a dental procedure. I am so worried he won’t survive it. I can’t bear the thought of losing him.

Dr. Nichol:  You are not alone; there are a whole lot of us who love our pets intensely. We’ll do anything to protect them. And now, Max is suffering. He needs more good time with you. The infections and inflammation in his mouth threaten to shorten his life — a far greater danger than anesthesia.

Older pets can develop problems in their livers, kidneys, hearts, and other organs, but age, by itself, is not a risk factor. If a thorough physical exam and lab panel show Max to be in good condition, he should do just fine.

Your boy isn’t human, but if he were, a sedative and a local anesthetic would allow his doctor to carefully extract his loose, painful teeth. But dental instruments must be sharp in order to work properly. Your little guy cannot be allowed any movement until the last suture in his gums is placed. General anesthesia will be essential.

Modern veterinarians are well trained in short-acting IV induction, followed by safe gas anesthesia. Blood oxygen, respiratory rate, and heart rhythm will be monitored by a trained nurse. I’ve treated many pets like Max. They feel so much better when the pain and swelling are gone.

It’s part of our job to recognize which pets may be prone to complications. I’ve referred those who worry me to the specialists at Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of New Mexico. When necessary, they bring in a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist so that geriatric pets’ lives are in the best hands.

Max also needs to enjoy an active social life. Dangling teeth and breath that would stop a freight train make it difficult to attract pinochle partners. 

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.