[Hunter's Mom]

There has been so much need for love and prayers on this forum for those in true need that we did not share with out friends that Hunter was making a second trip to his special vet.

This is the vet that we go to for concerns that could be surgical in nature or require a referral to a specialist.

Over the last 4 weeks Hunter has turned into a puppy. He has been chewing his toys a lot and has been wanting to chew on hands. We were concerned and so 2 weeks ago we did a close check-up on his mouth. His gums had healed beautifully (from his surgery in the spring) and were not showing any signs of infection BUT we saw little bits of teeth poking though his gums and they were yellow and smelled.

So, today we went to the vet for a surgical consult. He said the teeth were Hunter's baby teeth! That Hunter was not "de-manned" when he was 6 months and therefore it is likely that any retained baby teeth did not fall out. Instead, they likely experienced trauma (there was evidence of two back baby teeth during his surgery and they were removed - they were cracked and broken) and broke leaving the roots. Hunter essentially has been living as a shark with two rows of teeth his whole life!

Now that his bad adult teeth are out and the gums have healed his body is trying to reject the 'leftovers'. He does not think that Hunter is strong enough to reject these on his own but we are not going to put him under again to remove them as they do not appear to be bothering him or his gums and are dead so they will not affect his heart. Right now, we just have to monitor and brush.

CRAZY!!! My little guy has had his baby teeth still in his head this whole time:w00t:

Hunter also has the very very early beginning of cataracts in one of his eyes but nothing for us to be concerned about right now.

Everything else looks really great and he lost 0.8 pounds and is down to 9.2!!!! This is a major accomplishment as he was at 12 when we got him and every ounce stresses his knees and heart. We were told no more weight loss.

We were there 30 minutes but since Hunter is snoring away and looks exhausted you would think he went through massive medical exams:HistericalSmiley:

Just wanted to keep our good friends updated on my little shark in maltese clothing!

 

[Lacie's Mom]

Hunter -- first, we want to congratulate our BF on his weight loss. That's fantastic. Your Mom and Dad have really made certain that you will have a long and healthy life. It sounds as if you're now at your PERFECT weight. Yippee

I've seen the retained baby teeth thing in some of my Lhasas where they didn't emerge as they should have. It is usually caused because the gums are too fiberous for the baby teeth to cut through. I learned this the hard way. I had a beautiful male puppy that still didn't have a tooth in his head at approximately 6 months of age. No permanent teeth and no baby teeth. So off we went to a dental specialist. Both sets of teeth were under his gums. They cut "windows" (little slits in his gums above the teeth) and wihin 2-4 days, all of the baby teeth were popping up. All of the baby teeth then had to be pulled so that the adult teeth could come up. Anyway, they probably would have never erupted if we hadn't cut the "windows". So I completely understand about Hunters teeth. May I ask why they've chosen not to pull the baby teeth?

Sorry to hear about the cataract.

Sending prayers for Hunter about the cataract and about his new/old/whatever baby teeth.

 

[Maglily]

I'm sorry to hear that you were so worried about Hunter, of course he is a true concern for us too, the sweet little guy. He is the same weight as Jodi now. I wonder what he thinks of having teeth again and I hope that means he's enjoying chewing (if they enjoy that or just do it) I don't blame you for not wanting to put him under either. Take care little guy.

 

[Dora's Mom]

Sorry his baby teeth are messed up but I'm so glad to hear his gums healed up! And he's at his proper weight too, yay! Sounds like he needs some skinny jeans. :HistericalSmiley:

Dora says, I'll show Hunter how to be a real shark! Rawr!

 

[mom2bijou]

No wonder Hunter has such a babyface. His mouth still has baby teeth. Awww!!

Poor lil guy. I'm glad the vet doesn't find this a huge concern. I'm sure you were shocked to hear this too!

And kudos for the weight loss Hunter!!!!! Erin you know you get my best mommy award all the time. Please give my lil Hunter man a big kiss. xoxo

 

[Hunter's Mom]

Lynn, we aren't removing the broken baby teeth because of Hunter's heart (double heart murmors) and how many times they have put him under in the last 3 years as well as concerns about his jawbone density.

We just had him under in the spring for 42 minutes to remove 9 teeth and some roots. He was under 1.5 years before that for his ears/mouth/x-rays (45 minutes) and 6-8 months before that for neuter (roughly 30 minutes I think).

The bone denisty in his jaw is also compromised so he wants to watch that carefully (I don't fully understand this part but we have really take care of his remaining teeth to prevent the need to remove them and if we can, leave these baby fragments alone to avoid potential harm to his jaw/gums).

We will be following up in 6 months to access the situation and earlier than that if we have any concerns or notice changes in his eating, drinking, chewing, or color/condition of his gums.

 

[uniquelovdolce]

:huh: erin , i dont understand.. im a bit slow ..lol , he had what teeth removed before?

im glad it isnt anything serious and that hes doing good , dolce still has a like three baby teeth and the adult teeth there too so this worries me , the vet said just like the others they should soon fall out as the adult ones continue coming out ..

i will also pray for hunters beautiful for eyes!

and way to go on loosing the weight , now if only i can do the same :HistericalSmiley:

 

[uniquelovdolce]

oo we were posting at the same time.. that kind of answers my ques.. and i agree he shouldnt be put under again unless totally neccessary , poor baby

 

[mary-anderson]

Well I'm so glad the vet is'nt to concerned about Hunter. I have to say I never heard anything like this. So Hunter has his baby teeth, I guess he will always be your little baby.:wub: Give the little guy hugs and kisses from his Aunite.

 

[Sandcastles]

OMGosh, Erin - I am so sorry that you have been going through this - and that sweet little Hunter has been in pain - it makes me so sad to even think about it.

I hope that everything works out for him - he is a wonderfully, special little guy. It breaks my heart to think that he has any issues at all.

~Allie

 

[Lacie's Mom]

Lynn, we aren't removing the broken baby teeth because of Hunter's heart (double heart murmors) and how many times they have put him under in the last 3 years as well as concerns about his jawbone density.

We just had him under in the spring for 42 minutes to remove 9 teeth and some roots. He was under 1.5 years before that for his ears/mouth/x-rays (45 minutes) and 6-8 months before that for neuter (roughly 30 minutes I think).

The bone denisty in his jaw is also compromised so he wants to watch that carefully (I don't fully understand this part but we have really take care of his remaining teeth to prevent the need to remove them and if we can, leave these baby fragments alone to avoid potential harm to his jaw/gums).

We will be following up in 6 months to access the situation and earlier than that if we have any concerns or notice changes in his eating, drinking, chewing, or color/condition of his gums.

That makes sense. I remember the surgery he had this past spring, but didn't think about the heart murmurs. I know that you will keep a very close eye on the situation.

Hugs and kisses for sweet little Hunter. :wub:

 

[Tina]

Aw, the poor little guy. You have a very knowledgeable veterinarian.
Those teeth can be trouble some at times. I am always fishing around in mouths when ever I am grooming my bunch. Teeth and ears.

I am glad that Hunter is doing great.









Experience the Magic HOME

 

[Snowbody]

Erin - I can imagine how worried you've been about Hunter. Poor sweetie but determined since he seems to have been eating fine, even with just shark teeth. In fact I guess he was eating too fine, so kudos on the healthy weight loss. I'm coming over to your house. I could stand to lose a few pounds. The good thing is that the vet isn't concerned about the baby teeth...so you're saying they had trauma and split from the roots so basically they do nothing, right? Is there a reason he's chewing a lot? Is it like teething - that these baby teeth are finally popping through? Do you have to be careful of what you feed him -- as far as hard chewies? And any recommendations on toothbrushing from the vet? (since we're dealing with back tooth tarter?)
I know that Hunter has faced health problems but he couldn't be in better hands if he tried. You and your husband are so diligent and looking out for what's best for your boy. I hope things go well and I'm sending prayers too -- I think sweet Hunter could use a few -- it's not easy being a shark in malt's clothing but he does it so well I just love that boy. :hugging:

 

[Lacie's Mom]

I once had a Lhasa Apso, Multi BIS, BISS CH LynnLaine's Card Shark, and we called him "Sharkie", but his teeth were fine. Anyway -- was he a "Shark" in "Lhasa Clothing"? Just wondering.:HistericalSmiley::HistericalSmiley:

Hunter -- Awntie Lynn and your gfs, Lacie and Tilly are still worried about you and sending prayers and hugs your way.

 

[maggieh]

Awww Hunter - we still think you're the cutest little man!

 

[iheartbisou]

Whoa!! That is really crazy about the teeth. Poor little guy!!! No wonder he's been chewing on things.

But it's great that he's lost some of his weight- that's always good news for his little body and joints!!

 

[njdrake]

Erin, I hope Hunter does alright and the baby teeth never cause him any problems. I feel so bad for him! Bless his heart, I don't want anything wrong with Hunter. We want that boy happy and healthy! He's lucky he has such loving parents.

 

[michellerobison]

I'm so sorry to hear sweet Hunter was in so much pain. I'm glad he's going to be on the mend. It's so hard when you're abbies aren't 100%. Kisses sweet Hunter,Kissies back from Amber too.

 

[Hunter's Mom]

I'm sorry to hear that you were so worried about Hunter, of course he is a true concern for us too, the sweet little guy. He is the same weight as Jodi now. I wonder what he thinks of having teeth again and I hope that means he's enjoying chewing (if they enjoy that or just do it) I don't blame you for not wanting to put him under either. Take care little guy.

Thank you! I don't think Hunter realizes he really has teeth. While they are below the gumline and are exposed to us, they are really fragments and can't be used to eat. The vet thinks when they were cutting they likely made him chew but no that they are out they are highly unlikely to bother him - thank GOODNESS!!

Sorry his baby teeth are messed up but I'm so glad to hear his gums healed up! And he's at his proper weight too, yay! Sounds like he needs some skinny jeans. :HistericalSmiley:

Dora says, I'll show Hunter how to be a real shark! Rawr!

Skinny Jean?!?!? Oh goodness - not my Hunter!!!

No wonder Hunter has such a babyface. His mouth still has baby teeth. Awww!!

Poor lil guy. I'm glad the vet doesn't find this a huge concern. I'm sure you were shocked to hear this too!

And kudos for the weight loss Hunter!!!!! Erin you know you get my best mommy award all the time. Please give my lil Hunter man a big kiss. xoxo

Ha ha ha - he is such a babyface! Thank you for your best mommy award but I think we all deserve that award all the time!!!:wub: And, I am only the good mommy that I am because of my friends here on SM helping me along the way - so thank you to all of YOU!!

OMGosh, Erin - I am so sorry that you have been going through this - and that sweet little Hunter has been in pain - it makes me so sad to even think about it.

I hope that everything works out for him - he is a wonderfully, special little guy. It breaks my heart to think that he has any issues at all.

~Allie

Thanks Allie! You are really so kind! We don't think that he was in pain - just typical discomfort with teething. But we appreciate your concern so much!

 

[Hunter's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear sweet Hunter was in so much pain. I'm glad he's going to be on the mend. It's so hard when you're abbies aren't 100%. Kisses sweet Hunter,Kissies back from Amber too.

Thanks!!! Hunter hopes that amber is feeling better too!

Erin, I hope Hunter does alright and the baby teeth never cause him any problems. I feel so bad for him! Bless his heart, I don't want anything wrong with Hunter. We want that boy happy and healthy! He's lucky he has such loving parents.

We hope the very same thing. Of course, if they do cause troubles we will address it right away. But don't worry - he is happy and despite his "issues" is a very healthy boy!

Whoa!! That is really crazy about the teeth. Poor little guy!!! No wonder he's been chewing on things.

But it's great that he's lost some of his weight- that's always good news for his little body and joints!!

His weight loss suprised us! We knew he had dropped to 10 pounds last December and was 10.1 in spring so to hear that he's at 9.2 was a shock. Of course, different scale, different day, different vet tech so it could be a little higher or lower - either way, we are just glad its not at 12! I wish I would be as diligent in my weight and food as I am in his!

Awww Hunter - we still think you're the cutest little man!

YEAH!!!

I once had a Lhasa Apso, Multi BIS, BISS CH LynnLaine's Card Shark, and we called him "Sharkie", but his teeth were fine. Anyway -- was he a "Shark" in "Lhasa Clothing"? Just wondering.:HistericalSmiley::HistericalSmiley:

Hunter -- Awntie Lynn and your gfs, Lacie and Tilly are still worried about you and sending prayers and hugs your way.

100% convinced your Shark was a Shark in "Lhasa Clothing!" Thank you Lynn for being so concerned, it truly goes to show how must everyone on this forum cares for each other's fluffs. I was so happy to be able to answer your question because it meant that I had asked the right questions when we were there....if I couldn't answer your question it would have meant to me that I hadn't made an informed decision. So, thank you again for your concern!

Erin - I can imagine how worried you've been about Hunter. Poor sweetie but determined since he seems to have been eating fine, even with just shark teeth. In fact I guess he was eating too fine, so kudos on the healthy weight loss. I'm coming over to your house. I could stand to lose a few pounds. The good thing is that the vet isn't concerned about the baby teeth...so you're saying they had trauma and split from the roots so basically they do nothing, right? Is there a reason he's chewing a lot? Is it like teething - that these baby teeth are finally popping through? Do you have to be careful of what you feed him -- as far as hard chewies? And any recommendations on toothbrushing from the vet? (since we're dealing with back tooth tarter?)
I know that Hunter has faced health problems but he couldn't be in better hands if he tried. You and your husband are so diligent and looking out for what's best for your boy. I hope things go well and I'm sending prayers too -- I think sweet Hunter could use a few -- it's not easy being a shark in malt's clothing but he does it so well I just love that boy. :hugging:

Thank you so much for your vote of confidence in our car of Hunter! No special instructions for food or treats were given but to continue brushing his teeth as often as he will allow. We were okayed to give him bully sticks and we do, about 2x a month while supervised.

Essentially, the vet thinks that he had mouth trauma as both a puppy and when his adult teeth came in. His baby molar was broken and fractured to the root and all his adult front teeth were broken, rotted, or fractured. It may be an indicator that he was crated as a young pup and suffered from anxiety and chewed on things that were not safe for his teeth. Therefore, when his babteeth broke the roots were left behind. These roots were unable to drop due to inflammed gums with adult teeth in them. When we took out the adult teeth - the baby roots could drop and that's what we are seeing (they look like fragments of teeth)

Aw, the poor little guy. You have a very knowledgeable veterinarian.
Those teeth can be trouble some at times. I am always fishing around in mouths when ever I am grooming my bunch. Teeth and ears.

I am glad that Hunter is doing great.

Experience the Magic HOME

We agree with you 100% I love our specialist vet and we are very thankful to have access to him and that he allows us to use him in the manner that we do (he is 45 minutes from us so he is not our regular vet but we bring our records to him at each visit).