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Under bite

11563 Views 18 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  LeoRose
Hello

I have a four month old pug mix puppy, Levi. During our first vet appointment, our vet told us that Levi has an under bite and suggested we make an appointment with her partner who is studying dog dentistry. We just had that appointment with that vet last week and she told us the under bite looked severe. She's just a puppy and this vet is trying to 'sell' us on the idea of possible up coming surgeries to pull baby teeth. Both my boyfriend and I were uncomfortable with the way she was "selling" us the idea of future surgeries. Both because she was guilting us and because we don't like the idea of putting our dog under the knife twice while she's still so young (she has her spaying coming up in a couple months and we don't want to have to put her under anesthetic more than is necessary)

The vet took some pictures and is showing them to the 'dog dentist' that she is studying under and is going to give us the verdict on what they think she needs done to fix the under bite. I've been trying to do some research for the past four days on under bites, so I can understand more about the situation before the next appointment comes up, but can't seem to find any good resources. Does anyone know of any good websites, articles, or books that touch on under bite issues?

Also, any experiences that people have had with their dog's under bite would be greatly appreciated! This is my first time having a small dog and this vet has told me that small breeds have dental issues out the wazoo...

Thanks!
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I'd get a second opinion. I'm not ultra keen on preventative surgeries when there's a good chance the dog will have no problems arising from a conformational or structural defect. Many dogs live perfectly normal lives with an underbite.

That said, small breeds + a smooshed in face can create a disaster when it comes to teeth...so your vet isn't necessarily a crackpot or just out to get your money. Mother nature never intended to have all those teeth fit into a small, flat space...so it's not uncommon for pugs or frenchies or other similar sized brachycephalics to need teeth pulled in order to have a more normal mouth. Another example of how our desire for looks overrides what is best for dogs.
I totally agree! I think you do need to get a second opinion. I'm no dentist, but while an underbite is normally not a problem, in some cases it can be major & detrimental. I hope that's not the case with your little pug, but I would consult with some kind of specialist.
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