Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to do.

[Ry & Scooter]

I just attempted to give Scooter's teeth a light brushing for the first time. He was SO good about it - I used a super soft toothbrush and warm tuna juice. I got to do a good checkout and a light brushing all over. Except... his teeth are FAR worse than I thought they were. His back teeth look like they are literally going to fall out if this continues. There might even be FORLs. I can't tell. I am heartbroken because I cannot in my dreams afford to get him a dental... not even half. Borrowing money is not an option right now. Vets don't do payment plans. My credit card is maxed. I'm not sure what to do. From the looks of things he will need the majority of his teeth, if not all of them, extracted. I'm scared. :cry: Do I have any other options? I think the max DCIN can pay is half... which helps no doubt... but the other half I can't pay on my own...

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Re: Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to

Oh, poor Scooter, and poor you....

Sorry, I don't know of other options.

How much is the dental likely to cost?

 

[Ry & Scooter]

Re: Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to

The vet Scooter regularly sees quoted $400 + $100 for every extraction - DCIN said that is higher than usual for extractions, so I was to price it out elsewhere but I haven't gotten to it yet. I don't know if it will be cheaper elsewhere... all vets are pretty expensive over here.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Re: Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to

I just went through that with Ricky. His teeth were in terrible shape and I am upset with myself that I did not realize how bad they were. He did have a dental and all except for two teeth were removed. I can tell you that he feels a lot better now. He is more energetic and his BG levels are easier to control.

Is there any low cost vets in your area? You may be able to call your local humane society and they can give you some suggestions. They may even offer low cost vet procedures including dentals.

Ricky's dental was not cheap because he also had an infection. But if there is any way that you can get it done, Scooter would feel so much better.

 

[Ry & Scooter]

Re: Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to

No unfortunately they don't. When I first had suspicion Scooter was sick, I called the BCSPCA first and asked if they offered any assistance. They told me the only thing they could do was euthanize him if I surrendered him, but the wait time was 2-3 months. I don't even think they offer low cost spay/neuters.

Another setback is that I don't have a car. I am limited to only a few vet clinics that are within my area that I could afford to taxi to. As a last resort I could take him on the public bus if it is significantly cheaper at a farther out clinic, but he is awful in the carrier (pees/poops/freaks out). I will try to see if I can find someone to help us transport him...

 

[BJM]

Re: Scooter's teeth are REALLY bad and I don't know what to

First things first - can you manage to get him on an antibiotic to control any infection before it goes systemic and to keep it from elevating his glucose levels?

Second - if he'll let you brush and it doesn't seem to hurt him, do it. Also, I've seen my vet gently scrape off bits of plaque with a finger nail, a chip at a time (no marathon sessions!). Again, only if not painful to him or he'll start avoiding you.

Third - some folks swear that letting them chew on raw, meaty bones like chicken wings helps remove some of the gunk. Might help, again, if his mouth isn't painful.

Fourth - maybe you might set up a Chip-In through DCIN or on your own and put out a plea for help.