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Guinea Pig Dentals

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kldougan

New Born Pup
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Hello all, I'm looking for a bit of advice on my little PB.

He has developed a deformed molar on the top right towards the front. What happens is it starts curving in towards the middle rather than sitting straight like the others.

He eats absolutely fine. He's a bit slow to get started on his nuggets but after the initial bites is fine, and he eats veg and hay well. I can tell it starts to bug him though when he starts the piggy gape as if something is stuck. This is how I first descovered he had an issue, as he was gaping all the time and his weight had dropped. At his first consult for it, his tooth was a lot longer than the others and curved inwards.

Now so far he has had 2 dentals under gas anaesthetic to cut the tooth back, but it's that time again where it's started to curve again. Not severe enough though to deter eating at all and his weight is currently the same.
The only other issue with this tooth is after his last consult and filing it's been discovered that it is a bit wobbly.

My vets have recommended that the tooth be removed all together but I'm very nervous and unsure about doing that. As his appetite and behaviour is completely normal otherwise, and I don't want to upset that with potential difficult post operative care. I also don't know how that would affect the opposing tooth. Whether that would need removal too, or whether if left would it then also need filing in the future as there would be nothing to wear against.

His previous 2 anaesthetics he was under for a max of 5 minutes. He's popped round afterwards quickly and been completely fine. Started eating right away once home as if nothing happened. Would it be safe for him to continue having his tooth regularly done under anaesthetic? My vets seemed a bit concerned about doing it in the long run. It's been about 5 weeks since his last dental. Previous to that it was 3 weeks between.
I did ask about sedation but they were quite uncomfortable with that as I don't think they have the right equipment for it.

Would a vet that could do it concious be worthwhile? Or would his tooth be too awkward to do while he was awake? He's also very squiggly which could prove an issue.

Sorry, there's a lot to take in here but I'm very confused about the whole situation and don't know what would be best. Any help and advice I would be very grateful for!
 
Hi Welcome to the forum..

Hopefully one of our more experienced members will be able to advise you.

Can you please add your location to your profile as it helps fellow members give any answers to questions you may have that may be area/country specific and also members may be able to recommend specialist vets in your area. This can be done by clicking on your username, then personal details, then add location......https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...cation-and-creating-an-avatar-picture.107444/
 
Thank you for adding your location. it is generally the pre-molars that overgrow and that may need regular filing, ideally with as little sedation as absolutely necessary. It depends on whether it is due to a misalignment of the jaw, in which case it needs regular lifelong dental care, or whether it can be brought under control with with regular filing at 2 week intervals at first and then with longer intervals until things normalise again, and you only need a yearly check-up.

There are sadly not too many vets in the country who are very experienced with guinea pig dentals; the best to see for chronic dentals would be in Northampton. Well worth if you can make the long trek, as do a number of people in your situation from all corners of the country.
The Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic - Home

We have got tips for syringe feeding dental guinea pigs in the run up and after dental care in our syringe feeding guide.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide
 
Hi,

How far are you away from Northampton..

Cat and Rabbit Care Clinic
Simon Maddock & Kim Maddock
1 Limehurst Road
Northampton, Northamptonshire NN5 6LP
01604 478888

An excellent vet who does conscious dentals.
 
I have heard of this place :) I'm just under 2 hours away from Northampton, but would be willing to travel if they are able to do his tooth.

I have a few specific questions but I guess I would need to contact them for answers. I will ask the OH to ring them tomorrow. It is Simon who does the dentals isn't it?

I wouldn't say PB needs syringe feeding as he does eat very well on his own and is his normal 'throw myself at the bars feed me' self. His weight is kept a very close eye on. I also sit and watch him eat which creeps him out a bit.
He's just getting to that stage where it's starting to bug him a little again.

Thank you for the responses.
 
Good to know :) I've read some very good things about Simon but all in threads from a few years ago. So it's great to know he's still doing piggy teeth!
 
Good to know :) I've read some very good things about Simon but all in threads from a few years ago. So it's great to know he's still doing piggy teeth!
He is doing more and more piggy teeth. I couldn't run TEAS without him. He probably does more piggy teeth in a week than most vets do in a year!
 
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