Alright, so lemme tell you ’bout this dog dental surgery thing I got into recently. It was kinda intense, but also pretty rewarding.
It all started when my neighbor mentioned her old pug, Pickles, was having a tough time eating. Turns out, the poor thing’s teeth were a mess. She was quoted a crazy price for a dental cleaning and possible extractions, and she was super stressed about it. I figured, hey, I’ve watched enough vet shows, how hard could it be? (Spoiler alert: harder than it looks!)
First thing I did was some serious research. I mean, YouTube became my best friend. I watched videos of actual vets doing dental procedures on dogs. I read articles about canine dental anatomy and common dental problems. I learned about anesthesia risks, pain management, and post-op care. Basically, I crammed like I was back in college, but instead of finals, it was for Pickles’ chompers.
Next, I needed the right tools. I ordered a dental scaler, some extraction forceps, suture material, and antiseptic solution online. Made sure everything was sterile, of course. I even bought a little dental mirror so I could see what I was doing back there. Felt like a real dentist, except way less qualified.
The day of the “surgery,” I was a nervous wreck. My neighbor brought Pickles over, and the little guy was clearly uncomfortable. I set up my makeshift operating table (basically a folding table covered in clean towels) and got everything ready. My neighbor agreed to supervise and keep Pickles calm.
Okay, so here’s where it got real. I started by gently examining Pickles’ mouth. Yep, it was bad. Tartar buildup, inflamed gums, a couple of loose teeth. I used the scaler to carefully remove the tartar. This took forever, and Pickles was not a fan. Lots of whimpering and wiggling. I had to take breaks to reassure him and give him treats.
Then came the extractions. I numbed the area around the loose teeth with a bit of Orajel (yes, I know, probably not ideal, but I was winging it!). Then, using the forceps, I gently rocked the teeth back and forth until they came loose. It was a bit bloody, but nothing too dramatic. I cleaned the sockets with antiseptic solution and sutured them closed.
After all that, Pickles looked a bit dazed, but surprisingly okay. My neighbor took him home and followed my instructions for post-op care: soft food, pain medication, and lots of cuddles. I checked in on him every day, and he seemed to be recovering well.
A week later, Pickles was eating normally again! His gums looked much healthier, and he seemed much happier. My neighbor was ecstatic. And honestly, so was I. It was a lot of work, and a bit scary, but seeing Pickles feeling better made it all worth it.
Would I do it again? Probably not. It was a one-time thing, a favor for a friend. I’m definitely not a vet, and I wouldn’t want to risk hurting an animal. But it was a valuable experience, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the work that vets do. Plus, I now have a really cool story to tell at parties.
