Warning: Undefined variable $href_target in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/phpGiggle/phpgiggle-config.inc.php on line 44
Dog having problems after having some root canals | Ask A Vet
 

 


Dog ate chocolate?

ask a vet

pain after root canal

Species: Dog
Breed: Lab Mix
Age: 5-8 years
Had major teeth work performed about 3 months ago as we noticed her breath and she whinned when eating. Root canal on back teeth, several chipped etc. Following the procedure she was fine for about five days, then developed what best could be described as looking like a stiff neck. Doesn't want to shake her head vigorously, holds her neck down and just moves her eyes rather than her head to look at things. She won't jump up/down from the bed and is just cautious looking. Vets put her on a treatment of prednisone for several weeks, she was back to normal but when we backed completely off she was back to her cautious behavior.

They tested all bloodwork, vital organ functions etc. all were negative. Valley fever, negative.

We now give her 10 mg. of prednisone twice daily and she is back to normal. However, if we miss even one dose or delay a dose much past 14 to 18 hours she is back to that stiff neck look and obviously in pain.

Our local vet office with six vets, just do not know what is going on. Help!!!!



Warning: Undefined variable $related_questions in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Warning: Undefined variable $related_articles in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Deprecated: strlen(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/related1.php on line 75

Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, poor Bailey!

This is definitely an unusual situation. I'm not sure how much I can help without examining her, but let me give you a few thoughts.

It does seem coincidental that this happened after her dentistry. I can think of a few possible reasons why, but it may be difficult to determine.

First, it is possible that she has some dental pain from the sites of the root canals. From personal experience I know that any root canal (even when done by a great dentist) has the potential for complications. You may want to ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary dentist to assess whether these problems are stemming from dental pain. If so, the answer may be to extract the affected teeth.

In people, we can sometimes get lasting nerve pain after administering local anesthetic for a dental block. While it has not been reported in animals, it is worth asking your vet (or the veterinary dentist) about the possibility of this.

A back or neck problem could cause similar symptoms as well. Unfortunately though these can be hard to diagnose without an MRI. MRI's are usually available in most major cities but can be expensive.

It sounds like it may be a good idea to ask your vet for a referral to a specialist. You could start with a veterinary dentist, or perhaps an internal medicine specialist.

I wish I could add more to help. I really hope she is feeling better soon.

Dr. Marie.



Warning: Undefined variable $displayed in /usr/home/drmarie/public_html/askavetquestion.com/answer_np.php on line 253
Do you have a pet website? Interested in learning more about SEO for Wix?


Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.

Want to receive pet coupons, vet advice and info on new pet products in your inbox?

* indicates required

We'll only send you great stuff, never spam. Unsubscribe any time.

Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Does it make sense for such a low dosage of prednisone to quickly bring her out of these symptoms? It is amazing how just several hours after we give her the 10 mg. she goes from what seems to be a lot of pain to running around and wanting to eat everything.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Prednisone can be a good anti-inflammatory drug so if there is pain present (no matter if it is dental pain, neck pain or back pain) then it really can be helpful.

It's not a long term solution though. We need to find out why she is having pain!





Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

I just had one additional thought. It is worthwhile to ask your vet about a condition called trigeminal neuritis. This is a condition that causes extreme pain in the jaw area and does respond usually to prednisone.

It really is not common, but worth looking into.

Dr. Marie.



Search for similar questions:

ask a vet

Popular questions...

lump on ear In the last couple weeks a bump on the tip of my dogs ear has shown up. We have been... (12494 views)

Rash on belly. My 15 month old pit bull/great dane mix has recently started developing a "bruise"... (90466 views)

Itchy cat. My cat is male, age 5 and generally very healthy. A while ago I noticed him biting... (10239 views)

Cat hardly eating. my cat has recemtly been in the catery. since returning she has hardly eaten and is... (14323 views)

Mesenchymal tumor Need some input. My dog (she's 6)had developed a small lump/bump on her head above... (11746 views)

Cat is dying. I took in a stray that was living in a garage since his was little for years and was... (14224 views)

Vomiting and diarrhea every two weeks. I adopted my yorkiepoo from a local shelter in 12/2012. From that time until a few... (14453 views)

Can dogs get colds? Lady is currently still at a pet store but she is a sweet puppy and we've had our... (10562 views)

Grade 4 heart murmur. I brought my cat to the vet because his ear was bothering him the other day. Now it... (21345 views)

Lump on dog's foot. Hello, my 12 month old female boxer has a small pink lump on her toe/paw. I noticed... (30868 views)

See all questions...

Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.