When Sampson had his annual exam in October of 2014, Dr. Soutter told us he had a dead tooth. She really wanted to have it removed, but I kind of put it off because, my dogs going under anesthesia really freaks me out.
Then he had his annual check up this past October and we talked about that tooth again. It doesn’t seem to be bothering him, but Dr. Soutter is concerned that eventually the tooth could give him problems, or even cause an infection in his bone.
That was all I needed to hear, so I booked his dental appointment for today. He’s being dropped off between 8:00 and 8:30 and I’ll be a wreck until I pick him up, which can’t come soon enough for me.
My nervousness comes from his age (11 1/2) combined with the anesthesia. But I’m also really sad, because of the tooth that needs to come out.
It’s slightly to the left of his front teeth and he has such a beautiful smile.
What do you do to keep your mind occupied when one of your pets is having surgery?
Prayer is a great occupier of time. Sending healing prayers for you, Sampson and his surgery team.
Awe poor Sampson! Just remember that the vets put lots of animals under anesthesia every single day. They know what they are doing! I’ve seen dogs his age go under for major abdominal surgery and they came out with flying colors. He’s just going to get a pesky tooth out and his other teeth shined up. I’m sure he’ll do great!
~hugs~
It’s impossible not to be a wreck, even when you know he’s in good hands and you know he’ll be fine and you know this was the best choice. So just embrace being a wreck and put one foot in front of the other till the time passes and he’s back home safe and sound. We’ll be a wreck right along with you… Plus we’ll know for sure that our boy will be fine.
Lots of valium!!!!
Love and hugs to you and your pups. I’m a natural worrier so i can’t help but fret. When Merlin came home after a vet visit, he was so groggy and he would wag his tail in his sleep. It was very cute. It was full on tail thumping. While he’s awake he does helicopter tail lol.
I work when they have surgery. I know they are getting better treatment then if it was me, and that helps! Our angel cat Nin had dental work at 15 and he was fine. POTP that all goes well today.
It doesn’t matter if we are six months or sixteen years, Mom is a mess if we need surgery and she always cries when she leaves us. Usually, she comes home and tries to stay super busy with something until the vet calls to say everything is alright. Getting her mind on something else is very hard but the only thing that helps. He will do fine, and please keep us posted. Think about all the snuggles when he is home later.
I pretty much find it impossible to think about anything else. I can’t usually focus on the blog or anything much, other than it bits and pieces. I usually have to do something physical, like housework or taking the other dogs outside to play.
Just to reassure you about anesthesia….Sheba had three surgeries last year (she’s the same age as Sampson) and it was never an issue. I’m sure your vet does all the necessary blood tests ahead of time to look for anything that could cause a problem.
We’re pretty sure Sampson’s smile will still be dazzling without that tooth! Hang in there.
Oh man. Barley is going in for a teeth cleaning next month and the thought of that is killing me. I put it off last year when they suggested it, but I don’t want her to get sick because of nasty teeth, either, so I feel like I can’t keep putting it off every year. I totally understand! Sending you both lots of good thoughts!
I’ll be thinking of you and Sampson today and sending prayers your way. Totally understand how you feel and I would be a wreck, too. Hope you’ll try to stay busy. It probably won’t take your mind off Sampson, but should help the time go faster.
Any time we drop ours off at the vets, I am always sooooooo anxious!!! UGH!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Id be scared too but Im sure everything will be ok. Ive had 13 year olds have dentals and come through well
Jodi, thinking of you today and Sampson.
Oh no Jodi sorry to hear that. He will be fine, the vets always take extra care with our senior dogs. As for what to do to keep your mind off it I have no suggestions as I am a worrier too when it comes to the dogs and surgeries. Hang in there I will be thinking of the both of you today. I love the photo!
I bet the surgery will be harder on you than it is on Sampson. The few times our first dog had to have surgery, all went well. She was very groggy afterwards though. I liked being able to pamper her like a little baby!
Hang in there.
Hugs and prayers for both you and Sampson!! I’m sure he will be fine.
I just spend as much time as I can playing with the other dog or reading something unrelated to either dog.
It’s now the end of the day so I am praying that all went well.
I think we are all nervous when our pets are having surgery or a procedure.
I stare at my phone and the clock every second and panic every time it rings (or if it doesn’t ring!)
Hoping all went well!
by now Samson is home and surrounded by lots of love. just wanted to send hugs.
Saw your update on FB. Crumbs. Keep us posted. I will be praying. Hang in there Jodi.
Hope all went well!
I’m not much help, just wanted to tell you thanks for the laugh. That picture is classic!
Deep breathing exercises and meditation work well. A prayer or two for sweet Sampson is probably in order too. Hope all went well and I’m sure his smile will still be dazzling. Hugs and puppy healing kisses. ღ
Oh I hope all went well with the procedure yesterday. There is such good anesthetic out these days and with bloodwork and fluids senior animals do just fine. Good luck with your recovery!
I know just how you feel. I’m always a wreck when Daisy needs a procedure or surgery – 3 times in her short little life already – and I haven’t found the secret of a good distraction yet. I try visiting blogs, writing, working, but nothing really helps me. A friend of mine once said, “Nothing beats good legal drugs” LOL but I don’t believe in medicating unless necessary so that didn’t help me either. 🙂 I’m sure Sampson will do fine and his new smile will be a new kind of adorable – he can start a new doggy Christmas song, “All I Want For Christmas is A New Front Tooth”. 😉 My thoughts are with you, Jodi, and POTP for Sampson from all of us.
I’m sure he’s home now resting and getting spoiled!! I will be sending all good vibes to you for quick healing.
Hope it all went well! I’m usually at work when these things are going on, so that keeps me busy….but the time still crawls by!
I hope that he’s home by now so you are no longer worrying. I go ride my bike when my dogs are having surgery. But I carry a cell phone. One time, something unexpected happened during surgery, and they called me while my dog (Angel K) was under anaesthesia to find out what I wanted done. So, staying in cell range is critical (and not easy here in the mountains).
But, like I said, I bet he’s home now and your worries are over 🙂