Did you know that dogs have 42 teeth?
That's ok... I don't even know how many teeth I'm supposed to have.
But when I tell people how many teeth Vida had taken out I'm amazed at how many people ask "does she have any left?"
Here you can see a map of what was removed. You can also see that a few teeth were already missing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they would just drop out like that? Oh well.
Those two big premolars on the top had been collecting tartar - and when they examined them the probe went clear across!
Some of the others were bad too, some were loose (like those incisors that had been displaced by the tumor).
I was really glad she kept her canines, they help keep the tongue resting in the mouth (didn't know that, didja?).
Preparation - let's both be calm and ready.
I reduced some supplements to avoid complications with the anesthesia and surgery. Some common things like fish oil and many herbal anti-inflammatories can make it harder for blood to clot, which is not good when you have freshly empty sockets in the mouth. I also stopped the cannabis 24hrs ahead because of the anesthesia.
Flower Essences! I think essences are one the most important things you can do for a dog getting surgery. I brought a small spray bottle of Alaskan Essences Soul Support and misted her with it before we went into the building, and again before she went to the back. It's also very good for owners who are anxious when waiting.
Homeopathics - I used Newton Homeopathic Accident Rescue formula once before she went back to surgery. It covers different kinds of pain, stress, and injury.
Recovery - wake up, walk out, relax.
Flower Essences - Soul Support again. I misted around her to help her both revive and relax. Coming out of anesthesia is anxiety-inducing, and whining isn't unusual.
Homeopathics - I applied Newton's Accident rescue to her paw pads - I brought the liquid so as not to introduce pillules into the mouth, but it does have alcohol, so I didn't want to cause pain by using it orally just after surgery.
Reiki - I had been offering Reiki during her surgery, and continued as she woke up.
Acupressure - The point called Leg Three Mile (aka Stomach 36) can help strengthen the constitution (and help them get walking steadily). Sea of Tranquility (Conception Vessel 17) can calm.
Cannabis - I squirted a small amount of liquid (an oil and glycerin formula made from industrial hemp) into her mouth as soon as she was awake enough to receive it safely. This non-irritating formula was to get started helping with pain and anxiety.
Repair and Restoration
The first evening went well, she took a little broth and slept, only waking once during the night.
For the following week a regular schedule of pain relief, both homeopathic and herbal, kept her comfortable.
Colloidal silver was added to her drinking water, and an oral rinse was made of calendula, comfrey, yarrow, goldenseal and sage (based on a recipe I used when she had radiation treatment).
I put her right back on raw food. I made sure to use calcium powder instead of ground bones so there'd be no pieces to get caught anywhere, and added water to make it lickable.
Within a couple of days her energetic body was so much more balanced - when I looked at her she was physically balanced. There was no longer such excessive energy being consumed up in her head with the hidden pain of her teeth.
Two weeks in we went in for a recheck, and it all looked good except for one lower socket. Then I heard Dr. Pitcairn describe using homeopathic calendula orally for wound repair, so I ordered some in and got her started on that just a few days ago.
It's three-and-a-half weeks and I'm starting to brush again. I have been wiping with gauze wrapped around my finger to help keep things clean, but I think we're both ready to get back to the brush... gently.
I continue to use flower and gem essences to help her heal, and am doing energy work as well. At her age she needs more help getting back in to full balance, and gentle healing from essences and crystals are powerful without being disruptive.
I'm waiting a bit to do extra work to help her body recover from the work of detoxifying itself from the anesthesia so I'm not piling too many herbs in at once.
What have I learned?
Brush! Brush daily.
Get to know your dog's mouth.
Don't discount tartar.
Don't be afraid of well-done anesthesia. Don't get me wrong, you don't want to put that stuff in their bodies willy-nilly, but to avoid taking care of known dental problems because you fear the anesthesia is doing a disservice to your dog.
Vida is playing with her wool balls, fetching her water toy, and trying out different levels of chewable foods. She's still getting to know her new oral terrain, and is feeling much, much better!
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