Teeth cleaning

My little Pekingese is 15 years old and is now suffering from gingivitis; it was recommended that we spend almost $600 to get the teeth cleaned but is she too old for anesthesia? I think she is fine otherwise.

  • Vetinfo

    By: Kara McCarty El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    I'm sorry to hear that your dog is experiencing gingivitis. That can be painful, lead to tooth loss and systemic infections. Although she is fifteen years old if she is in good health age shouldn't be a reason not to anesthetize her. I would have a complete blood count and biochemistry profile checked on her to look for any underlying disease conditions which could complicate anesthesia. If everything looks normal on those tests and she doesn't have any evidence of heart disease she should definitely have her teeth cleaned. By doing so you will be preventing bacteria from her mouth invading other organs in her body and thereby preventing future problems. Your veterinarian will take into account her age when choosing an anesthetic protocol and monitor her closely for any complications. The anesthetics that are available today are much safer than the ones that we had available even a few years ago. I think you will appreciate the positive difference in her a dental will make after it is performed and not be sorry at all.

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