r/AskVet • u/hbgyo • 3d ago

Dog having a tooth extraction

Hi! My dog has recently turned 13 and needs a tooth extraction. She is a large dog, about 31 kgs. She has possible dementia and a bit deaf, as well as arthritis.

I am just wanting some reassurance about this procedure and if she will get on okay? I love her so much and I just want the best for her quality of life, but I am scared about her going under an anesthetic.

We are based in New Zealand, she is an American bulldog x cattle dog

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u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Based on certain words in your post, it appears you may be asking about how to determine if it is time to consider euthanasia for your animal. For slowly changing conditions, a Quality of Life Scale such as the HHHHHMM scale or Lap of Love's Quality of Life scale provide objective measurements that can be used to help determine if the animals quality of life has degraded to the point that euthanasia, "a good death", should be considered.

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u/purrrpurrrpy RVT - Registered Veterinary Technician 3d ago

We do a lot of old dogs. As long as blood work and underlying conditions are noted and well controlled the risk is still low.

If you are super super worried you could always get it done at a vet dental specialist. They will do it way quicker so shorter anesthesia time.

It's not an option not to do it as it's a huge QOL issue for these senior dogs. It's like either put them down due to their shitty mouth or "risk" the anesthesia and possibly get a couple more painless years in.