Robert Bingel Webboard User Reg: 01-28-2014
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I just noticed that Zeus my 3 1/2 year old GSD has a broken left canine. It is about half of the length that is showing. I know that canines do get ground down on some dogs. Other than the obvious, looking for infection and abscess is there anything else that could arise or that I should be aware of?
I don't know how or where this happened. The only thing I can think of is it broke while playing tug.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
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If you look at the broken end of the tooth can you see a dark/bloody central area? (I'm guessing you can).
The risk here is that opening in the tooth is now a direct route for bacteria to enter the tooth root, jawbone, sinuses, and skull.
It also probably hurts like hell, even though most dogs are very adept at masking any signs of pain.
This merits a trip to the vet. It may require extraction (which won't be cheap), or there may be some ways of saving the tooth--I don't know. But this isn't a "wait and see" situation. IMO
Robert Bingel Webboard User Reg: 01-28-2014
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Quote: Tracy Collins
If you look at the broken end of the tooth can you see a dark/bloody central area? (I'm guessing you can).
The risk here is that opening in the tooth is now a direct route for bacteria to enter the tooth root, jawbone, sinuses, and skull.
It also probably hurts like hell, even though most dogs are very adept at masking any signs of pain.
This merits a trip to the vet. It may require extraction (which won't be cheap), or there may be some ways of saving the tooth--I don't know. But this isn't a "wait and see" situation. IMO
I checked the tooth carefully for what you describe. There is no sign of dark/bloody area/center. We did some gentle tug play today to see if he favored it. He showed no sign of it affecting his play. Ill watch him eat tonight to see if he favors that side.
Michael Soldwisch Webboard User Reg: 02-21-2012
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Loc: Michigan
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He needs at least a root canal, after that kind of injury! No question! Otherwise you deal with infection and a lot more vet costs later ... (unless you plan on putting the dog down later - I hope not)
Adding my 2 cents to the chorus that this requires immediate veterinary attention. My previous GSD had a similar injury (lower left canine snapped off half way down) and we salvaged the tooth with a root canal and metal cap. Leaving it will result in serious risk of infection and very painful abscess.
Try to find a veterinarian who specializes in dental work. Saving the tooth instead of extracting it is beyond the skills of the average vet.
Edited to add: examining the photo again it looks like he has some areas of eroded enamel on his other teeth. Does he play with tennis balls?
Lori Hall Webboard User Reg: 06-12-2007
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That happened to Kasey and they had to do a pulpectomy - like a root canal. Please don't just wait and see, the vet dentist said this is painful for them - think how it would feel if it happened to a person.
Brianah Maloney Webboard User Reg: 10-22-2013
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Oh, my dogs teeth are like that. My dog used to attack thing like cement walls and glass ECT when i first got her she was bad.. She does fine with her half teeth.
Definitely go to the vet ASAP to see if they need to be removed or not!
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Broken Canine Tooth
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My dog used to attack thing like cement walls and glass ECT when i first got her she was bad.. She does fine with her half teeth.
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