Dog ate chocolate?

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Carnassial tooth slab fracture.

Species: Dog
Breed: Mixed 30 lb (German
Age: 2-5 years
Hello Dr. Marie!

Thanks for offering this service! My 3 year old dog has absolutely no medical history and is in great shape, but lately her breath has been particularly offensive. I decided to brush her teeth with some Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste which is when I noticed something wrong with her teeth. I'll include links to the photos below and well as email them to you.

http://i.imgur.com/4MvXzNT.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wJzUlpW.jpg

The line you see going across (halfway down) the tooth is a crack I believe and the dark half nearest the gums seem loose. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, except when I touch the tooth. Also, the smell is definitely coming from here.

What do you think this is? She has an appointment to see a vet on Friday but I'm worried about her!

Thank you!

Best,

Michael


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Michael,

I've included the photos here:

dental problem

slab fracture on carnassial tooth

You have taken excellent photos.

Now, I can't give you an actual diagnosis over the internet but I can tell you that this could be something called a slab fracture. This is where part of the tooth gets sheared off. The most common reason for this would be chewing on something hard like a bone.

If you are noticing a smell then there may be some infection present which is common with a slab fracture.

The good news is that this is a treatable problem. But, it does require extracting the tooth under a general anesthetic. The roots of this tooth are healthy which means that the extraction can take a fair amount of time. (Unhealthy tooth roots are loose and come out easier.) What this means is that it can be an expensive procedure.

It really should be done though. If we give antibiotics it will clear up the infection temporarily but the pain of the fracture will always be there.

She is likely ok to wait until Friday to see the vet as long as she is still eating and seems happy.

I hope that helps!

Dr. Marie.





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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:

Wow, thank you so much for that information Dr. Marie! I truly appreciate your prompt and detailed response. I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. I moved her appointment up to Wednesday so that we can start on antibiotics if needed ASAP. Again, thank you! It's nice to have access to an expert opinion and I'll share your site with my family and friends. Take care!


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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.