cardiac arrest during teeth cleaning

by Rae'Lynn
(Idaho)

My grandparents took their healthy 4yr old pom to get his teeth cleaned. The vet said that the blood testing machine was not working, but she didn't see any problem doing the cleaning. Two hours later the vet called and said the dog had gone into cardiac arrest, and they lost him. The vet said he must have had heart problems. Shouldn't the vet have tested for that, and is this normal in pomeranians?

Comments for
cardiac arrest during teeth cleaning

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 27, 2008
Rating

Sorry for your loss
by: Kathleen

First, let me say how sorry I am for the loss of their Pom.

I'm not a veterinarian, but all the info I've seen recommends a blood test to screen for infection, anemia, etc. be done prior to the cleaning. Usually cleanings are done under anesthesia. They are generally considered safe, but there is ALWAYS a risk when using anesthesia.

As for heart specific problems, I'm not sure that they would routinely be screened for, but there might be some indicators in the bloodwork. I don't think Poms are any more at risk than other dogs.

I've included a link to an article that outlines how the procedure is usually done: http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/professionaldentalcare

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask a Question

cardiac arrest during teeth cleaning

Comments for cardiac arrest during teeth cleaning

Comments for
cardiac arrest during teeth cleaning