Teeth Cleaning?

When you have a senior animal; especially a senior with a complicated medical history; every procedure they go through requires thought and evaluation. Guido is a seizure animal with IBD / IBS. He will turn 13 years old this year and has gone under the knife several times in his life to remove tumors, teeth extractions and endoscopy. Each time placed under; he has had a very difficult time with the anesthesia. This photo was from the last time he was placed under. There is risk and concern of seizures and death! Because the surgeries had to be performed; we lumped the procedures together. While it was a large surgery which included removing a mass on his neck and removing 3 teeth...regardless the larger concern was the anesthesia risk.

Guido needs his teeth cleaned again; (the teeth are critical to good health) this time we are cinsidering anesthesia free cleaning. We understand the concerns / pros/ cons of using this form of teeth cleaning; but we are making what we think is a wise decision. For starters; we had a initial discussion with the technician that will perform the procedure about his conditions. She has suggested that before she will do the cleaning that he is seen by his vet to be "cleared". He may need anti-biotics to help fight infection; xrays...and a coordination and agreement that should there be need for teeth extractions the vet can be willing and able to perform emergency surgery. We go in to today for his check-up... we will post updates as we believe this experience may be helpful to share with others that have senior animals or animals with diminished health or a combination of both... Wish us luck!