Vet clipped molars?!

[marinabunny]

We went to a different vet today as Fluffy’s dental issues had seemed to progress and she wasn’t eating her hay. We originally came just for a physical and to get an estimate (other vets were charging 600-1000 for molar grind! Also one of them refused to do it since she wasn’t stable enough). Well, I had hoped we would leave with just an estimate and not another problem to worry about, but while doing the physical the vet took Fluffy to the back and clipped (not filed) her molar spurs off without anesthesia! I had no idea that she would do this and when she came back she was like “yeah I just clipped them off, we got some people to hold her but she was so calm”. Well now I’m worried as heck because I’ve heard all these bad things that happen with clipping teeth- like teeth shattering or fractures or nerve damage into the roots. And I’ve especially heard that molars are not supposed to be CLIPPED, only incisors are. This vet graduated in 2014 and probably does not have much experience. I feel like l made a big mistake coming here, as if Fluffy wasn’t already having enough problems I might’ve just added another one now… Is she going to be ok- or has this potentially caused some damage to her teeth?

[LBJ10]

How is that physically possible? Are you sure they clipped them? If there is a spur that isn’t really big, I think they can just use a Dremel or similar tool to grind it down.

[marinabunny]

I asked the vet if she clipped it or filed it down and she said clipped. I don’t know what tool she used but im guessing she just cut the spur off. She said she had other people holding on to Fluffy and keeping her mouth open… I don’t wanna know what Fluffy must’ve went through..

[Megabunny]

Oh you poor thing. You sound like you might be more traumatized than Fluffy, but this does sound very weird. How is she doing tonight? I’m surprised this young vet even wanted to attempt something like that

[JackRabbit]

Maybe since she just graduated there’s a new technique that they’re teaching now?

[marinabunny]

I have no idea, she’s starting to eat a bit better though her poos are still small. How long is it supposed to take them to recover? If she doesn’t get better I might take her to another vet to have her teeth checked out.

[Bam]

After Yohio’s molar grind he started eating properly on his own after like 10 days. But he stopped eating due to the tiniest of spurs so he has a sensitive mouth.

I agree the clipping sounds odd.

[marinabunny]

I’m so frustrated. Fluffy only seems to be getting worse each day. She still eats but she has become so inactive and her personality has totally changed in just a few months. I have been to so many different vets and everytime she is just given pain medication or critical care which doesn’t help. And when I suggest a stump pyometra or worry about something going on with her internal organs and ask for an ultrasound none of the vets want to do it… they want to try medications first or other tests which have already been done and came back inconclusive.

And now this teeth problem. That clipping did not seem to help. I couldn’t even get them filed because that other vet refused to do it since she wasn’t stable enough for anesthesia. Well now shes even more unstable. I personally think something internal is going on + the dental issue.

I don’t even know what I’m suppose to do. I feel like there is no point going back to the vets, none of them listen to my concerns…. “No she wouldn’t have this because she would be running a fever… no we shouldn’t do an ultrasound we should try antibiotics first…” Like we already tried antibiotics and they DIDNT work. And then they push for $200 blood work which we’ve already done which showed nothing.

I feel like she is wasting away right in front of my eyes and there is nothing I can do about it. She is only 4 years old why does she have to have so many problems Sorry for rambling.

[Lyassa]

If you are willing for a bit of a drive find a veternary school. Go to all the vets that you’ve already seen and get copies of all the tests she had done and bring them.

I’ve heard a lot of vet schools like people bringing them hard cases because it’s good experience for the students. (Thankfully I’ve never had to do it) but my neighbor did once) and their fees can be a lot lower than a normal vet.

[Stickerbunny]

Yeah, I would try to find a university with an exotics clinic. Also, call around the vets and ASK THEM QUESTIONS. A vet should listen to you and run tests you want REGARDLESS of if they think it’s needed, unless it puts the animal at some sort of risk. And request records from your previous vets to SHOW them that these tests were already ran and show nothing. Vets are like doctors, some won’t listen, but there are good ones out there that should. Be firm and be mean if you have to be.

[JackRabbit]

I wonder if you would get anywhere if you emailed any of the univ exotics for advice.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

It sounds like you’ve seen a few vets-do any one of these vets have all the test and treatment results? Honestly I would pick my favorite, have the other clinics fax everything over, book a physical and go in and talk. They are pretty much obliged to do what you ask,(within reason) if you are willing to pay for an ultrasound, there shouldn’t be an issue-so pick the vet you like and think would do one. I see no reason they should be turning you down.

Like others have suggested a vet school would be great, but whomever you choose, call the other clinics you’ve been to and get everything sent over.

The vet who ‘clipped’ the molars-I’d phone and ask why she did it without asking etc, maybe you’ll find more out. And if you aren’t happy with it, I’d report her. https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/

 

What province are you in? Maybe us Canadian members could help you track down a good vet. 

[Megabunny]

You’re awash with advice, and maybe you don’t need one more piece of it, but here’s my opinion FWIW
It would be nice to find out why they did it, so I agree with Kokanee about that. But it also doesn’t sound like she was abused and I would not support up and reporting someone for this. I can’t believe she was THAT traumatized or I’d think they’d have given up and recommended anesthesia. But maybe even talk with the tech who assisted. Come at it as a question, not an accusation. i.e. “I thought I’d read…. It’s my understanding…. I don’t understand why…”
Veterinary work is an art, not a science, when it comes to these critters and don’t get worked up until you get all the facts. Sounds like you’ll drive yourself nuts wondering, then getting an idea in your head, which is totally different from what really happened.
Keep us posted. You’re getting lots of good ideas here. I hope something fits your bun’s needs and she perks up

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