If your beloved dog passes away after dental surgery, it’s natural to have questions about why it happened. In this guide, we’ll delve into the potential reasons behind your dog’s unfortunate outcome.
Dog Died After Dental Surgery – Causes at a Glance
According to a study involving 100,000 dogs, there is a mere 0.05 percent probability of a dog passing away after a dental operation. Surprisingly, the cause of death is typically not attributed to the dental surgery itself, but rather to anesthetic intolerance. Complications that arise after the procedure can also play a significant role.
When a dog succumbs after dental surgery, it’s often due to a combination of risk factors and underlying reasons.
Pre-existing Illness
Before any operation, a dog undergoes a detailed examination to identify potential risks. However, there’s always a chance that an undetected illness could emerge, leading to unexpected complications or even death during or after routine dental surgery.
The Size of the Dog
Small dogs have been found to be at a higher risk of mortality during or after dental surgery. Their size can lead to an overdose of anesthesia, resulting in a tragic outcome. Similarly, very large and heavy dogs may face challenges in accurately dosing the anesthetic drug.
Inadequate Post-operative Surveillance
Studies show that most dog fatalities after dental surgery occur during the wake-up phase. Failure to provide vigilant post-operative supervision can lead to a critical deterioration in the dog’s health, ultimately leading to its demise.
Important Note: It’s crucial to never retrieve your dog while it’s still under anesthesia. Roughly 50% of deaths occur during the wake-up phase. Even if monitoring comes at a cost, prioritizing your dog’s life is paramount.
Wound Healing Disorder
Complications such as hematomas, infections, or burst seams pose a significant threat after dental surgery and are often the leading cause of death. Unfortunately, wound healing disorders are frequently undetected initially, allowing infections to develop and prove fatal.
The Dog’s Age
Elderly dogs face an elevated risk during dental surgery, primarily due to their weakened immune systems.
Risks of Dental Surgery in Dogs
Every operation carries inherent risks. Prior to dental surgery, a treating veterinarian conducts a harm-benefit assessment. Risks associated with dental surgery include:
- Bleeding
- Wound infection
- Nerve damage
- Anesthetic intolerance
How Can the Risks of an Operation Be Minimized?
During the pre-operative consultation, your vet will provide guidance on minimizing risks. It’s imperative to follow their instructions diligently, as your dog’s life may depend on it. Additionally, consider the following:
Reduce Movement
Ensure both you and your dog engage in low-key activities on the day before and the day of the operation. This prevents overloading the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as keeping stress levels low, ultimately reducing the risk associated with anesthesia.
Inform Your Vet About All Important Things
Communicate any observations about your dog in the days leading up to the operation, no matter how seemingly insignificant. These details can be crucial in the decision-making process regarding your dog’s suitability for anesthesia.
Dog Died After Dental Surgery – What You Can Do Now
If your dog passes away after dental surgery, it’s normal to experience grief and frustration. Here’s what you can do:
Discussion with the Treating Veterinarian
Before any operation, your veterinarian should inform you of the associated risks. If this doesn’t happen, seek legal advice. Talking to your vet post-operation can provide valuable insights into why your dog passed away.
Note: Clarifying questions and facts are crucial in coming to terms with the incident.
Burial of the Animal
Many find solace in giving their beloved pet a proper burial. This ensures that their memory lives on, albeit in a different way.
Online/Offline Grief Counseling Sessions
Seeking support and having someone to listen can greatly help in processing grief. Social media groups offer a platform to share your feelings anonymously.
Tip: Not everyone may fully grasp the depth of your emotions. Remember, not everyone forms the same profound bond with animals.
Conclusion
While it’s heartbreaking, dogs can sometimes pass away after dental surgery. Anesthetic intolerance or complications post-operation are often the culprits. Thorough pre-operative examinations, careful preparation, and attentive post-operative care can significantly minimize risks.
If you’ve experienced the loss of a dog after dental surgery, please accept my condolences. I understand the pain you’re going through and would appreciate your thoughts on this sensitive topic.