5-lb dog taking long time to recover post-dental

[Joanne]

1. Your pet's name: Tippy
2. Approximate age: 12
3. Sex: Female
4. Neutering status: Spayed
5. Breed: Chihuahua
6. Approximate weight: 5lbs.
7. What's their BEAM (behavior, energy, appetite, mood): Low
8. Diet: Freeze-dried raw
9. Vaccination history / exposure to toxins, other medication: Last vax was rabies in August 2020
10. Primary problem, when it began and if there was anything else happening around that time: Tippy had dental surgery this morning. She is still very weak as of 8pm.
11. Is the condition better or worse from exercise, heat, cold, time of day, certain foods, emotional upset, being touched, excitement, etc?: N/A
12. Has any diagnostic work been done? Diagnosis if available (you can attach your diagnostic tests to the post if you have them.): Yes
13. Current and previous treatment. Meds that were administered by vet; nothing administered by us at home yet
14. Other health concerns. No

Tippy had dental surgery today and is still very lethargic and weak. The doctor called at 11:30am to let us know she was finished with the surgery. As of 8pm, she's quite out of it, not super stable, not responding to us calling her name. Back end is down like she's going to just fall back on it. We have Arnica 10m for pain/gum healing, but I'm wondering if there is something else that can help her recover quicker?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Joanne]

For reference, attached is the receipt from the vet showing a breakdown of the dental procedure today. And here is a picture of her gait as of a few minutes ago.

Tagging @Dr. Jeff @Dr. Christina

Thank you!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'm sorry to hear about Tippy's slow recovery.

We have Arnica 10m for pain/gum healing, but I'm wondering if there is something else that can help her recover quicker?

If you haven't already given the Arnica, you may find that it also can help speed her recovery.

 

[Joanne]

Thanks, Dr. Jeff! Would it be the 10/Q-tip?

Is it "normal" for recovery to take this long (knowing every dog is different)? At what point would it be an "emergent" situation if she isn't recovering?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Would it be the 10/Q-tip?

Yup.

At what point would it be an "emergent" situation if she isn't recovering?

Great question!

2-3 days. Or if she stops eating, starts vomiting, is having trouble breathing, etc.

 

[Joanne]

Yup.


Great question!

2-3 days. Or if she stops eating, starts vomiting, is having trouble breathing, etc.

 

[Dr. Christina]

Please let us know any other changes if the Arnica does not help her rebound.
Things like changes in appetite, thirst, preference for heat or cold (especially if it is a change), more or less interactive/wanting cuddling, etc.

Then we may suggest a different homeopathic medicine.

Dr. Christina

 

[Joanne]

Please let us know any other changes if the Arnica does not help her rebound.
Things like changes in appetite, thirst, preference for heat or cold (especially if it is a change), more or less interactive/wanting cuddling, etc.

Then we may suggest a different homeopathic medicine.

Dr. Christina

Many thanks, Dr. Christina and Dr. Jeff! The Arnica worked like a charm. Within about 15 minutes her BEAM was notably better. We've continued to dose her a few times a day for pain/healing. How long should we continue this for?

Also, is there a detox protocol for the anesthesia and the metacam she was administered during the surgery? I know that metacam can affect older dogs like Tippy.

Thank you!

 

[Dr. Christina]

Wonderful.
I would stop the Arnica now. Start up again if the BEAM goes down at all.
the best detox is good living - the freshest food, mental and physical exercise, brushing, massage, any energy healing methods you have learned, love, positive thinking.

Dr Christina

 

[Joanne]

Wonderful.
I would stop the Arnica now. Start up again if the BEAM goes down at all.
the best detox is good living - the freshest food, mental and physical exercise, brushing, massage, any energy healing methods you have learned, love, positive thinking.

Dr Christina

Thank you very much Dr Christina. We love our dogs and spend much time with them.

 

[amyn]

Hello,

I am wondering about this answer from the above thread in re: to when to reassess the recovery after a dental.
"2-3 days. Or if she stops eating, starts vomiting, is having trouble breathing, etc."

Our 15 year old Havanese mix, who we adopted in April, came with both horrible teeth and Kidney disease.
The dental specialist said his teeth were worse than his kidney disease, so we waited until the end of July with the hope of getting him in a healthy place, prior to the dental.
He was given lots of fluids pre and post surgery and came through well. But his recent recovery is concerning me.
1. Rooney—m. 15 years old
2. Neutered
3. Havanese (mix)
4. Approx. 14lbs.
5. BEAM: Low
6. Normally, raw/gently cooked home-made with fruits, veggies, some grains, organs, bones, eggshells, and other various add ins, depending on the dog. BUT at this time, he only wants very varied protein. I am also syringing bone broth with spirulina or chlorella, water and raw honey, and blended bone broth/lamb heart.
7. Vaccination history is unknown, but probably very conventionally vaccinated. Since in our care, he has only been treated homeopathically.
8. Post Dental Recovery, including 31 extractions. All seemed fairly normal for the first week after the surgery. On the 7th day (Thursday 7th), when he could finally have his cone removed, he was eager to eat, but only sardines. He ate them well, but vomited them several hours later. Next day, (8th) he was only interested in frozen lamb heart, which he loved and devoured. But vomited approx. 8 hours later, still in their almost same form. (small pieces). On Saturday (9th), he loved his boiled chicken, but the vomited it approx. 8 hours later, same sort of thing—undigested. Today (10th) he is not interested in eating anything I have tried.
He was dosed with Arnica 30c for the first (2) days after surgery and after that, Hypericum 30c as he showed more nerve pain. His Homeopathic Vet suggested we switch back to Arnica 30c for the weekend to see if he improved, but I saw no change. So, this morning I tried Phosphorus 30c, due to the undigested food, the vomiting, nausea, and the idea that this is all post operative.
9. I am not seeing any improvement from the remedy. And nothing else seems to be helping his symptoms.
10. No diagnostic work done at this moment.
11.Was recently dosed with Phosphorus 30c, due to some of his kidney symptoms. (This was prior to the dental on July 2. )
12. Concerned about his kidneys with the small amount of food he is eating. He also has some basal cell growths on his right rear foot and knee—not concerned, just FYI.
13. Either @dr Christina @dr Jeff

Thank you so much! (I tried to get an appointment, but it booked up while I was writing all the details!)
a.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks for adopting Rooney at 15 years of age.

At this age, he may also have a lot of medical history.

How was his BEAM when you adopted him?

You may want to have an exam and get him some supportive subscribing fluids at your vet tomorrow.

 

[Dr. Christina]

thank you so much for adopting a geriatric pup. One of our faculty members, Gail Pope (Brighthaven.org) adopted many at 16 or older and a few lived to over 30, most to their mid twenties, while others only lived a few months.

You are paying close attention and this is not a good response to the remedies or to the dental. The dental may have triggered his vital force to go out of balance in a different pattern than pre-dentistry, therefore needing a different remedy. Please be in frequent contact with you homeopath. Who is she?

First, right now it is super important to focus on his happiness and joy. check out the Happiness Protocol (Resource library search). Listen to and read the webinars on laughter yoga, listening to what the animals are telling you, and many more.

second, I would suggest reaching out to one of the many energy healing practitioners and animal communicators we have had speak. One animal communicator who may be particularly good now is veterinarian LaShelle Easton who specializes in geriatric animals - Home – Sage Animal. Veterinarian Barrie Sands does some amazing energy work - Veterinary Services | Dr. Barrie Sands. @Dr. Jeff may have some other names for you.

For right now, do not worry too much about how much he is eating. Experiment (you may end up eating a lot of liquid yourself) with raw goat's milk, fermented broths, Anitra Frazier's calcium broth (and listen to her webinars on how to speak and school your mind to help your kitty eat), kefir, ice cream...anything.


Dr. christina

 

[amyn]

Dear Dr. Jeff and Dr. Christina,
Thank you both for you late night responses. You both put me at ease and although it wasn't a great night sleep, the hours Rooney and I slept were much more peaceful.

This morning I followed up with both the dental surgeon office and Rooney's homeopath. In addition to the extensive extractions, he also had (4) oronasal fistulas, so the first thought is to rule out anything physical causing his distress—from pulling stitches, to non-healed areas. The surgeon is currently on vacation, but his assistant, who was also out today, is looking over photos of his mouth tomorrow. Hopefully more answers on that end soon.
In the meantime, Dr. Christina—yes, I do think his vital force could have gone a different route, due to the surgery. He is showing some new neurological symptoms in addition to everything else. We have now switched to Nux Vomica 30c. He has been asleep since dosing, so I take that as a very good sign. And per your suggestion Dr. Jeff, I am also going to give him some sub-q fluids when he wakes.

Dr. Jeff—in response to your question about his Beam, it is much lower than normal. He slept a lot before the dental, but LOVED mealtime and got so excited for every meal. He also had his routine of eating and socializing for about ten minutes afterwards and then taking a nap. Now he isn't eating, isn't socializing, and has a more frenzied energy when he is awake.
Dr. Christina—thank you for the reminder of joy and happiness and I so appreciate the links and suggestions for the animal communicators and energy healing practitioners. I will research those this evening. You make me laugh about the extra liquids and concoctions I have been attempting to get him to eat! We have been enjoying them and so have the rest of the pack.

Thank you both so much for being that light in the night!
Amy

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'm so glad that you slept better Amy!

the first thought is to rule out anything physical causing his distress

Yes!!