Should I get Chipy's teeth fixed or not?

[PingandChipy]

My guinea pig is 5 and a half years old and has the beginnings of malloclussion with his molars. He is not slobbering and he is still eating but at a slower pace. The vet said I can have his teeth done but it has to be under anesthetic. Because of his age the Vet is not sure how his recovering time would be or how he would do under anesthetic.

My options are to go for it and have his teeth clipped under anesthetic or leave him to live his life as is and eventually help him with softer foods, making sure the teeth aren't cutting into his tongue or cheeks and then finally having him put to sleep.

I honestly do not know what to do.

 

[Lolaa]

I would personally get his teeth done now before it causes him any harm, if you trust your vet go ahead and have his teeth done or find a guinea pig specialist that has performed dentals.

I know its not the same but my rabbit needed a dental and she was very ill and it made her recovery longer, its best to get him fixed whilst he is still eating and his gut is still moving and his recovery should be pretty quick xx

 

[flintstones]

I would find the best vet possible and have his teeth done. His teeth will adventurely grow though his cheek or fully entrap his tongue. It's horrible and there teeth grow so quickly.

 

[carrot_and_parsnip]

I would definitely get his teeth done, I've just found out how quickly they can grow and how awful it is for the piggie. Can you contact Laura at the guinea pig helpline, [email protected]
She has been amazing with me, and would be able to tell you of any vets in the area that can do his teeth without any anaesthesia.
It's just at the minute he may seem fine, but overnight they can just suddenly stop eating, and point blank refuse food no matter how soft and it's such a fast decline, but try Laura, she's great! Good luck xox

 

[PingandChipy]

I booked him in for April 5th which ironically is the day I have to go to the dentist. So we'll both have sore mouths that day. I'm praying he'll be okay. It's so scary because of his age. Do you guys know of any pigs who have had surgery this late in life?

I'm freaking out!

oh by the way that avatar of mine, Chipychanga is the pig that is brown.

 

[PingandChipy]

Here are some more pics of him:

Taken about 2 months ago.

after he had a bath and was drying sitting in the comfy chair inside.

Taken during the summer.

When I thought Walnut was a boy. whoops. Luckily no pregnancy. phew!

Eating, eating, eating.

A bit of a dirty cage unfortuantley but still a cute picture.

Chipy almost a year ago in May.

In the sun when Ping and him were friends. Ping is now neutered and lives with my 2 girls. He's only a year old.

Hope you liked them and please say a little prayer or send positive vibes about my old man getting his teeth done.
Thanks!

 

[carrot_and_parsnip]

Oh he's gorgeous! I just noticed you aren't in the UK but do still contact Laura for advice, she's a great support! I would certainly go for it, as if I didn't I would always be wondering what if? Please keep us updated and I really hope it all goes well. It's such a worrying time but all being well is so worth it xox

 

[PingandChipy]

Updated with Pics now!

Thanks, I will let all know what happens. I gave him a bunch of fresh grass today that he really enjoyed. He ate it all!

 

[Glynis]

DUH! Lynn i just sent you a message i completely forgot you're in Canada! I tend to just think of everyone in the UK mallethead
Do a search on vets and then call them re Chipy be armed with all your info too

I would personally get them done, as we had a boy Duke who had on going probs with toofies for 2yrs i think? i had his done in the end fortnightly to get him thru......he went to the bridge at 6yrs 9mths tho he did have other issues in the end.
Maloclussion is a painful thing and it's just terrible to see them literally give up if they can't eat properly :... Seen as he's still pretty happy in himself get it done before it gets any worse.

G x