Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Teeth Cleaning in IMHA /AIHA Dogs

Hi Everyone, We took little Millie into the vet last week for another PCV check and med reduction. She continues to thrive, latest PCV at 40, weight is coming off and she's back to her playful, energetic self. 2 years ago, we adopted Millie (she was 9). She had some significantly rotten teeth, gum recession and bone destruction, and as a result, we had 5 of her top teeth removed. Though we clean her teeth regularly with toothbrush and dog toothpaste, we give her Hills t/d and Greenies to chew on, she still has significant build up of plaque. The vet suggested we might need to consider another clean. I am very nervous to put her under for this procedure, I would only do that if her condition was life threatening. I was just curious to know what other owners of AIHA / IMHA dogs do if their dogs need this procedure? Thanks for your advice, Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Hi Samantha. I do not have any advice in regards to an IMHA dog getting a dental, but I have one dog that has the worst teeth and gets horrible plaque buildup. We have tried EVERYTHING and nothing does that great. Well she went to the vet last week and she told me we could not wait any longer and had to do a dental. Well while I was at the grocery store, I saw a large femur bone and decided to try it...it is a large hard bone. Her teeth were so clean afer chewing it almost as if she had just gotten a dental. Of course this will only work if your dog will chew on it. Wendi

Wendi Ohio

I am sooo glad that Millie is doing well. I think of you often. Robin

Robin NYS

Samantha, please see my recent posts regarding Lucy. she is 9 years old and an AIHA/diabetic 3 year survivor. she just had her first dental and dental surgery last Wednesday & is doing marvelous. i was very nervous about this due to her issues, but she did just fine. Susan

Susan OK

Awesome news. Keep up the good work. :)

Mardi Northern Calif

HI, A product recommended to me that works well is petzlife spray, which is available online and at petsmarts or petco (not sure which). A bottle lasts a long time, so does a tube, and it sure helps reduce the tartar etc (as does a rope toy, my dogs teeth cleaning tool of choice). The spray is really great. Kent could not have a dental due to risks of anaesthesia, and the spray helped alot. Christine

Christine FL

Hi Everyone, Thanks for the great ideas. I'm going to give the spray and a bone a try. I've actually never tried Millie with a bone! I might consider surgery when Millie is off meds and has been stable for a little longer. Robin - thanks for your message. We are grateful for every day with Millie. We found out at the time she was diagnosed with IMHA that she has congestive heart disease, so we can never be sure how much longer we have her for, but we treasure each precious day with this sweet dog. I think of you often too. It's so nice to have the support of others who understand what you are going through. Even though we've never met, we all understand the struggles and heartbreak we are facing. Mardi - Thanks for your message. We know we are not out of the woods yet, but I continue to hope for the best. Thinking of you and hoping you are going OK. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Christene, thanks for the Petzlife recommendation. I bought the gel yesterday, thought that might go over better than the spray, do you brush at the same time? Samantha, I am in the same boat as you, Wylie is about the same age, mabye older so I am worried about the dental, luckily she is not on meds, but has a high ALT. Wylies gums are really pink and inflamed, I talked to the vet this week and if this doesn't work we will get her teeth cleaned. I am going to give this a month to see nay improvment. Laurie

Laurie CA

Hi Laurie, It's hard to know what's best to do. No matter what we do to Millie's teeth ( daily brushing included), the plaque still builds up. She's got healthy gums though, no bleeding when brushing or chewing, which I guess means no gingivitis. Millie has other problems (heart and throat), and it's important to me that I keep her well best I can and do everything I can for her (that's in my control). We've only had her with us for 2 years, and sometimes I get upset because I wish we had her for her whole life. It doesn't seem like we've been given enough time with her. Good luck with Wylie, let me know what you decide to do. Samantha & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Hi Laurie, I use the spray for mine, its just easier for me. The gel is probably better, and i think you could easily do a little brushing at the same time. The key, if i understand how it works, is for the gel or spray to stay on the teeth for at least half an hour, hence try not to let them eat or drink for about that long (like people fluoride treatments). Kent did have kidney issues at the end, and I NEVER took away his water - i just hoped he waited a while before drinking, and it did work nicely with him - he didnt have to ever get another dental (2.5 years after diagnosis, no dental and no dental problems). I have used the spray with a chew rope toy on a puppy with bad tartar, and after one month his teeth are pearly white (and still razer sharp). Hope this helps. I do recommend petzlife, i like it, and i have used it on myself once or twice ;)

Christine Fl

Hi, Our border collie Joey had to have an nasal endoscopy done under GA and I was very nervous as you are.All I can say is that if it's necessary and you trust your vet then do it.Joey needs he's teeth cleaned at some stage as he is a beast when I try to do it manually!In view of the health problems plaque can cause and because his PCV is good I will go ahead (with fingers crossed )having this done. Good Luck with whatever you decide - only you know truly how your Millie is now and gut feelings are best, Love and best wishes, Corrie & Joey.

corrie dagenham essex uk

This thread was discussed between 15/09/2009 and 18/09/2009

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