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Monica

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Hello all. Monday, my teacup yorkie, Brodie, got his teeth cleaned for the first time (under anesthesia). This was our first time doing this procedure. He’s almost 6 now, and although I get his teeth brushed every 2-3 months during his grooms, his breath was :sick: PUNGENT! I had hesitated doing a full clean bc the anesthesia part makes me nervous.
Anyways, he finally got his teeth done. I picked him up late in the afternoon. All was well, he was a bit groggy and licking the air a bit, which was to be expected. I paid and received instructions to withhold food until the following morning, then went on my way. It wasn’t until I was filing away his medical papers that I noticed a tiny line item with the words “4 extractions,” scribbled next to it. FOUR TEETH WERE PULLED AND NOBODY MENTIONED IT TO ME AT ALL!!! :mad::mad::mad:
I was not contacted before they decided to pull out his teeth. What’s worse, they didn’t bother to mention it at all afterwards either!!! I have no clue which teeth were extracted, how this will effect his eating abilities, whether there are stitches, or any after care instructions at all!
Is this common practice? It’s seem negligent to me. My poor little dude is down 4 chompers, and he’s only six years old! :cry: That’s quite young in yorkie years... I’m going to call them in the morning to ask for an explanation. Not sure what else to do, besides move all my boys to a new, better, veterinarian.

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Staceyxxx

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Aww bless wee Brodie, he is one handsome fella! My god that is very unprofessional, yeah I would call for a explanation of why you weren’t informed n given care advice as he may need a soft diet for a few day until his mouth heals! Take care n send my love to Brodie xx
 

Catzzzmeow

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Did you sign anything before the cleaning? When we have had teeth cleaned we signed before the procedure and the paperwork gave an estimate and stated it could be more if extractions were needed. If teeth are bad/infections they usually extract at the time of the cleaning while they are under rather than putting them under anesthesia a second time etc. You mention their breath was really bad and that can be caused by an infection, so I like to think your vet was just doing what was best for your pup. Happy healing vibes are sent to your cutie.
 

Monica

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@Catzzzmeow I signed a form for bloodwork and anesthesia. However, It’s not so much that they pulled the teeth that upsets me, more so that they didn’t tell me about it when I picked him up. This morning Brodie had such a hard time eating his kibbles. We added water and had to wait until it was mushy before he could eat it. We are completely unprepared and unsure what needs to be done to facilitate this change. I don’t know which teeth are pulled (canines, molars, front chompers), and I don’t know what care needs to be taken. I don’t want the stitches broken open, or food getting stuck in an empty cavity where a molar was pulled and causing a secondary infection. :( He won’t let me near his mouth right now.

@Staceyxxx We had brought Kenzo to this vet for his first wellness check, and had a terrible experience. The feline specialist was completely inexperienced with sphynx. He diagnosed Kenzo’s brown ear wax as a yeast infection, even though the swabs came back negative and clean. He then tested fecal matter and, unprovoked, told me he’s “surprised there are no worms, they’re almost always present in cats from kitty mills.” :unsure: (My breeder is the furthest thing from a backyard breeder/kitty mill! She is truly exceptional!)
My doggos have been going there for awhile. The canine vet is a different man, and we have always been content with their treatment. I believe this issue was an oversight by the receptionist and vet tech. I think it’s a sign that all the boys need a new veterinarian. One who knows sphynx, and aren’t so careless in customer service!
 

Staceyxxx

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Bles
@Catzzzmeow I signed a form for bloodwork and anesthesia. However, It’s not so much that they pulled the teeth that upsets me, more so that they didn’t tell me about it when I picked him up. This morning Brodie had such a hard time eating his kibbles. We added water and had to wait until it was mushy before he could eat it. We are completely unprepared and unsure what needs to be done to facilitate this change. I don’t know which teeth are pulled (canines, molars, front chompers), and I don’t know what care needs to be taken. I don’t want the stitches broken open, or food getting stuck in an empty cavity where a molar was pulled and causing a secondary infection. :( He won’t let me near his mouth right now.

@Staceyxxx We had brought Kenzo to this vet for his first wellness check, and had a terrible experience. The feline specialist was completely inexperienced with sphynx. He diagnosed Kenzo’s brown ear wax as a yeast infection, even though the swabs came back negative and clean. He then tested fecal matter and, unprovoked, told me he’s “surprised there are no worms, they’re almost always present in cats from kitty mills.” :unsure: (My breeder is the furthest thing from a backyard breeder/kitty mill! She is truly exceptional!)
My doggos have been going there for awhile. The canine vet is a different man, and we have always been content with their treatment. I believe this issue was an oversight by the receptionist and vet tech. I think it’s a sign that all the boys need a new veterinarian. One who knows sphynx, and aren’t so careless in customer service!
Bless ya Monica, yeah I think I would go to another vet. I would feel exactly the same as you, it’s because you don’t know what to feed him for the best n his wee mouth must be sore! He’s lucky he has a good mamma! Hugs xxx
 

Yoda mom

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@Monica , oh my ! I truly believe you have to have a good working relationship with your vet . Maybe time to move on ..

My Aussie recently had a dental - the communication was top notch - the vet acts ultr called to go over the ex rays and let me know he may need 3 extractions . She took photos along worth the dental probe indicating which teeth were more likely this not needed to be extracted if she could save the teeth.

She kept in constant contact calling me on my cell during the procedure and ultimately he had 3 extractions .
When I picked him up she showed me the X-rays and photos of the teeth extracted . Gave me pain meds to go home with and instructions for soft food . As well as a follow up no charge appointment . She gave me a box of Oravet dental chews during the follow up and took lots of ties with me .

I put his kibble in a little grinder and added water and coconut oil for a week .
Now I still make mush and give a few table spoons as a topper on his small size kibble.
Dental brushing with Oratene .

How is Brodie ? Do you have a follow up no charge appointment ?

Amd as far as the kitty mill comment - oh my - and the ear thing -

My vet is not Sphynx specific but goes out of her way to consult with colleagues if doe,thing comes up. I am totally confident in my vet even though not Sphynx cst omly specific vet .

Perhaps you can post a thread for a vet recommendation for your area?

Lots of hugs and healing vibes! Head smooches ! Keep us updated
 

Toa and Ross

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It's really very strange they didn't mention the 4 extractions! Maybe it was necessary but they had to mention it. Curious what they'll say when you call them.

Brodie is a very handsome and cute boy!
 

Monica

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@Yoda mom. Your vet sounds amazing! I’m not even sure they did x-rays on Brodie, and no one consulted me post-op about anything except payment. :cautious: I would love that level of communication for my boys. I feel my veterinarian is very old fashioned... still regarding pets as property instead of family.
I contacted Kenzo’s breeder, and she recommended three offices that I will be looking at for their new provider. My breeder lives only 20 minutes away, and she has dogs as well as her sphynx. I feel confident I will find a good match for my crew in her suggestions! Thank you for your input. I know what level of service I am seeking now!
 

Cinafina

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@Monica I would have been furious too if that had happened to my baby! :mad: I would definitely go to another vet where they communicate and advice and care! I'm on my 3rd vet now, and feel I can actually trust them and their judgement/care. Every time I've been I've researched as much as possible on whatever the issue is I'm visiting for, so that I can challenge or question if I think they're missing anything out. I feel like I might as well go the whole way and get a veterinary degree myself soon! :ROFLMAO:
 

Anita Eccleston

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Hello all. Monday, my teacup yorkie, Brodie, got his teeth cleaned for the first time (under anesthesia). This was our first time doing this procedure. He’s almost 6 now, and although I get his teeth brushed every 2-3 months during his grooms, his breath was :sick: PUNGENT! I had hesitated doing a full clean bc the anesthesia part makes me nervous.
Anyways, he finally got his teeth done. I picked him up late in the afternoon. All was well, he was a bit groggy and licking the air a bit, which was to be expected. I paid and received instructions to withhold food until the following morning, then went on my way. It wasn’t until I was filing away his medical papers that I noticed a tiny line item with the words “4 extractions,” scribbled next to it. FOUR TEETH WERE PULLED AND NOBODY MENTIONED IT TO ME AT ALL!!! :mad::mad::mad:
I was not contacted before they decided to pull out his teeth. What’s worse, they didn’t bother to mention it at all afterwards either!!! I have no clue which teeth were extracted, how this will effect his eating abilities, whether there are stitches, or any after care instructions at all!
Is this common practice? It’s seem negligent to me. My poor little dude is down 4 chompers, and he’s only six years old! :cry: That’s quite young in yorkie years... I’m going to call them in the morning to ask for an explanation. Not sure what else to do, besides move all my boys to a new, better, veterinarian.

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Hello there ! Firstly oh my giddy aunt what a little stunner you have there ! He looks like a puppy ! No one would ever say he was almost 6 yrs old , when our eldest daughter who is now 37 yrs old was around 8 we got her a tea cup Yorkie . They are still quite popular in the uk ..
did you speak with the vet when you went to bring home ? Or was it a nurse or receptionist ( the receptionist some times releases the patients back to mum or dad at our vet )
I feel you should have been told how the procedure went ! Had this been done you would have been told he had had 4 of his little teeth removed .. I think also maybe he wasn’t able to call you to ask your permission to remove Brodie’s nashers because he would have had to be under the extra time and this wouldn’t have been good for him . Did you sign a permission form for the operation ?
But regardless you should have been informed , maybe a soft diet for a few days then he will right as rain ❤️
Give him a little cuddle from me I think he is just too stunning
Xxx❤️❤️❤️
 

Monica

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@Anita Eccleston @Yoda mom Thank you for checking on little Bro! He is doing much better, and has adapted to his new gnashers! I found out the 4 teeth that were pulled were all his front/central, bottom teeth! He still has all 4 canines and his molars, which is a relief to me! Nevertheless, we are still switching vets for all 3 boys (and hopefully our girl-to-be :p). The lack of communication upon pickup was inexcusable in my opinion.

Here is a couple photos of him post-procedure! He’s as happy as ever, pestering Kenzo and eating like a pig again!
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Anita Eccleston

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@Anita Eccleston @Yoda mom Thank you for checking on little Bro! He is doing much better, and has adapted to his new gnashers! I found out the 4 teeth that were pulled were all his front/central, bottom teeth! He still has all 4 canines and his molars, which is a relief to me! Nevertheless, we are still switching vets for all 3 boys (and hopefully our girl-to-be :p). The lack of communication upon pickup was inexcusable in my opinion.

Here is a couple photos of him post-procedure! He’s as happy as ever, pestering Kenzo and eating like a pig again!
View attachment 88982View attachment 88983
Hi again I cannot get over just how young he looks ! Our Joshua looked like an old man before he was 1 yr old but he was more black and Brodie is mainly tan could this be why ? I’ve no idea lol but I know this for a fact he is just lovely and I’ve fallen for him !
Kenzo doesn’t look to bothered ! He probably feels very sorry for the gummy puppy lol
By the way loving Kenzos little bed very cute indeed
I think I would write the vet a very nice letter stating just how your feeling and how you are feeling let down by them . Feeling you weren’t given the correct after care . That it was treated liken to just having his teeth cleaned , at almost 6 yrs and losing 4 peggies his little mouth would have been sore , you could have given him something hard to chomp on as a treat and it could have hurt him more ..
collect all your facts and share them with the vet one of two things possibly could happen
# 1 he / she can let you walk away and lose your custom.
# 2 he / she could compensate you by not charging the fee as a good will gesture
I am sure he / she would sooner sort this than lose 4 patience in to today economic climate
Please keep us up dated and keep sneaking those cheeky little pics of the main man
Xxx❤️❤️❤️
 

Yoda mom

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@Monica grest update and precious pictures!
Where did you get thst awesome cat bed! My Batman would probably love it since his favorite scratcher is a rectangle door hangar with same material I put on the floor and he kicks it and scratches it like crazy
 

Monica

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@Anita Eccleston Thank you for your kind words! Brodie is very small, 5 lbs (1/2-1 pound overweight for his height, lol). We also keep his face trimmed, in what our groomer calls a ‘modified Yorkie-cut.’ I think that’s why he looks so young. :unsure: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dominantly black adult yorkie! Brodie is a blue & gold, but he was black & tan when he was a puppy!

@Toa and Ross Thank you! He’s a cutie!

@Yoda mom Thanks! I got it on Amazon. It’s the Necoichi Cat-Headed Scratcher Bed in regular size. He’s always lounging in it by the fire, unless my daughter is in it. She thinks it’s a chair for her :LOL:

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TatyanaMassey

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Whew just now catching up, Im so sorry that happened to your baby but am so glad hes all better now! I dont blame you for switching vets and wish you luck in your search! I suppose Ive gotten lucky with our vet, from the minute we brought Franklin to him, he admitted he had never seen a Sphynx before but that he had done research and interviewed colleagues for an entire week before our first appointment when he found out he would be seeing one! It brings so much peace of mind when you know your babies are in good hands!
 

Xandria

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HUGS. Brodie is a cutie.

I realize this is a little after the fact, but just wanted to mention that I do sign documents and at the time they ask if I want to be contacted (during the cleaning) if any teeth need pulling. While I know they can get ahold of me immediately, I trust my vet completely to do what needs to be done. No teeth have ever needed extraction, but I'd be as annoyed as you about not being told!
 
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