Need vet that uses drill for molar spurs- Eastern Massachusetts

[Dee]

Hi all,

I need to find a vet to burr Luke’s molar spurs- we live in Millbury, MA, which is right next to Worcester and about an hour from Boston. I love our regular vet, but he clips molar spurs and I know the gold standard of care is to use a dremel drill.  Luke was about 3- 1/2 when he first had his molars done,  and since then he’s needed them done twice. All 3 times it took him about 2 weeks to get back to normal, and this time, even though it hasn’t even been a month, I’m wondering if he might be experiencing some discomfort already. Maybe he has a little point left that’s bothering him. I’m hoping that having his molars burred may shorten his recovery time or lengthen the time between trims. At the very least, it will eliminate the chance of fracturing his molars , which worries me a lot.

Anyway, I’m hoping that some people here can recommend some vets. I’ve already called a few other places asmd 2 of them don’t even do rabbit dentals and the other clips them.

Thanks so much!!! 

[jerseygirl]

Had you contacted any of these listed for Worcester county, Dee?

http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Massachusetts

[jerseygirl]

From that list, this one looked the most promising: http://www.cathospitalandbirdclinic.com/services/
I checked out the others and some no longer have the recommended Doctors working there.

[Dee]

Thank you so much, Jerseygirl! Unfortunately, Worcester Cat & Bird Hospital clips the molars. I was surprised and disappointed because they’re only 15 minutes from my house. I might check them out for an urgent care vet though, because my regular vet is nearly an hour away which is a long way to drive with a very sick rabbit.

I’m beginning to think that most places around here still clip rabbit molars. I’m sure that Angell Memorial must use a drill, but I’m afraid that the cost of this every few months there would be insane. I’m willing to spend whatever it takes to keep Luke healthy and minimize any suffering, but if there is a vet that provides the same service and skill for much less $$, I’d like to find them ?.

Again, I really appreciate your taking the time and trouble to check this out!

[tobyluv]

I see a few listings for MA vets on the House Rabbit Connection site, that aren’t on the list jerseygirl linked to. I have no idea how close any of the vets are to you.

http://www.hopline.org/veterinary-referrals/

Here is the list itself:

http://www.hopline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/HRC_Vets_CT_MA_NY_ME_010118.pdf

[jerseygirl]

Unfortunately, Worcester Cat & Bird Hospital clips the molars. I was surprised and disappointed because they’re only 15 minutes from my house.

I had high hopes as they specifically listed rabbit dentistry in their services.

Im really forgetful lately, so forgive me if you’ve said before- Does Luke have maloccluded incisors causing molars not to wear?

[Wick & Fable]

Have you asked for a quote from Angell Memorial? Unsure what your financial situation is, but Wick’s monthly dental is $178/mo. If it’s any more expensive than that, I’d say it may be a bit overpriced, since Wick’s vet runs a bit higher.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Oh, my, Wick!!! And I thought Bindi was expensive!!!! Good thing Wick is so super cute, I’d say.

[Dee]

Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the late reply- busy week and fortunately Luke started acting and eating normally. I think I’m so hyperfocused on him that I imagine things lol.

Tobyluv,
Thank you for the vet list! There are 3 vets on there that I didn’t know about and are within 30 minutes of me ?. Awesome! I’m gonna call them after I write this post.

Jersey,
I was disappointed to find that Worcester Cat & Bird clipped molars too. I know, it seems odd that they list rabbit dentistry but dont use the latest equipment. Luke has normal incisors, just gets molar spurs. Last time the vet said that one molar was growing higher than the others, prevented his teeth from grinding together. I never knew that happened and wonder if I misunderstood. But that’s all the more reason we need to have a vet who can reshape the molars so they grow right, which can’t be done with a clippers even by my experienced vet.

Wick,
So your bill is $178 and they put Wick under full anesthesia, or just use isoflorane gas? From what I understand, isoflorane is used to keep animals sedated for shorter time, and IV meds are used for full anesthesia. The 2nd time I had Luke’s molars done under anesthesia was about $250, including subQ fluids, Meloxicam, day hospitalization and nail clipping. This last time it was $96 including subQ fluids when it was done with isoflorane and only took a few minutes. If you dont my asking, do you go to Angell Memorial? I met Dr Noonan and a female vet in Boston Angell and they were both wonderful. The only thing that has kept me from calling there is that I thought the price would be exorbitant. Btw, I really admire your dedication to Wick- that is a huge financial and time commitment to have his teeth done every month. Wick is one blessed bunny!

LPT, I second your opinion on Wick being amazingly adorable ?. Definitely worth it!!

I’ll update you all after I find a “dentist” for Luke- thanks again for the help!!!

[Dee]

Jersey, I somehow missed the list you gave me in the beginning of this thread- checking it out now. Thanks!

[Wick & Fable]

I don’t mind at all! I do not got to Angell, I currently go to an avian and exotic vet in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It’s a small office with only the vet, a vet tech, and a secretary, but if you ever move there, I will highly recommend them!!

Wick’s vet uses isoflurane gas. The grinding takes about 10-15 minutes I’d say, then he comes home after having some critical care there. The bill lists “Fluid therapy” for $28, then the “Dentistry” and “Isoflurane” totals to $140. Then there’s $8 for feeding. They do Wick’s nails too, but that’s standard for whenever they have a pet under.

… I honestly did not know $178 was very expensive for a dental haha. I’ve had it so often, so it just seemed normal. Maybe Wick’s new vet will be cheaper.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Author]

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