Almostperfect10
Well-known member
I know some will disagree with this approach, but I wanted to share because I have not read about any other experiences quite like this.
My mom has an adorable, affectionate, almost 10 year-old chin who has had tooth problems for the past 5-6 years. During this time, my mom has become an expert at catching tooth issues (she can tell by the shape of the crumbs her chin leaves) long before most people would even notice, and seeks treatment immediately. In the beginning, it was the just the typical floating/filing two or three times a year. This was no big deal for her chin, who would come home hungry and bouncy after the procedure.
Later though, her chin had several loose teeth that pretty much fell out when they were touched by the vet. Of course we were concerned about the alignment of her teeth, but she seemed so much happier and was able to chew more effectively almost immediately (as in evening of the procedure, never needing to be handfed) after having those bothersome loose teeth removed. Amazingly, she showed no discomfort following that procedure, and the metacam and chloramphenicol she was prescribed were tasty enough that she actually begged for her meds and never needed to be restrained. Repeat this scenario about twice a year and throw in an infected tooth or three sometimes for variety.
A couple of months ago, my mom noticed her chewing strangely again. Off to the vet they went. She and I wondered how many molars her baby even had left. Then answer was three, and all three were loose, badly infected, and needed to go. Of course we cried and wondered what kind of quality of life a molar-less chin could have. Our vet reassured us that he had good luck with this before.
So, you ask, what kind of quality of life can a molar-less chin have? The answer, in our case, is FANTASTIC! It took her three or four days to get used to her new mouth (I think the look on her face translated to "my mouth feels funny"). She finished her course of antibiotics, probiotics, and pain meds, then had a perfect two week check up. She eats 100% on her own. Although long strands of hay no longer work for her, she does well with pelleted food, hay cubes, and dried leaves, herbs, and flowers from the UK (all things that can be eaten with the incisors only). To see her, you would have no idea that she is different from any other chin. She is actually more active and playful than she's been in a long time.
This brings me to her milestone. I decided to put her on the scale a few days ago when I held her. Amazingly, she has made it past the 800g mark! This is the first time she has been over 800g in over two years!!
I know this approach is unorthodox. I know it isn't for everyone. Maybe we're just a really lucky fluke. Maybe my vet should try to publish a case study on her. Regardless, we are thrilled to see her doing so well, and our fingers are crossed that no more molars = no more tooth problems. I just wanted to share our experience since I haven't found much information about chins with no molars.
My mom has an adorable, affectionate, almost 10 year-old chin who has had tooth problems for the past 5-6 years. During this time, my mom has become an expert at catching tooth issues (she can tell by the shape of the crumbs her chin leaves) long before most people would even notice, and seeks treatment immediately. In the beginning, it was the just the typical floating/filing two or three times a year. This was no big deal for her chin, who would come home hungry and bouncy after the procedure.
Later though, her chin had several loose teeth that pretty much fell out when they were touched by the vet. Of course we were concerned about the alignment of her teeth, but she seemed so much happier and was able to chew more effectively almost immediately (as in evening of the procedure, never needing to be handfed) after having those bothersome loose teeth removed. Amazingly, she showed no discomfort following that procedure, and the metacam and chloramphenicol she was prescribed were tasty enough that she actually begged for her meds and never needed to be restrained. Repeat this scenario about twice a year and throw in an infected tooth or three sometimes for variety.
A couple of months ago, my mom noticed her chewing strangely again. Off to the vet they went. She and I wondered how many molars her baby even had left. Then answer was three, and all three were loose, badly infected, and needed to go. Of course we cried and wondered what kind of quality of life a molar-less chin could have. Our vet reassured us that he had good luck with this before.
So, you ask, what kind of quality of life can a molar-less chin have? The answer, in our case, is FANTASTIC! It took her three or four days to get used to her new mouth (I think the look on her face translated to "my mouth feels funny"). She finished her course of antibiotics, probiotics, and pain meds, then had a perfect two week check up. She eats 100% on her own. Although long strands of hay no longer work for her, she does well with pelleted food, hay cubes, and dried leaves, herbs, and flowers from the UK (all things that can be eaten with the incisors only). To see her, you would have no idea that she is different from any other chin. She is actually more active and playful than she's been in a long time.
This brings me to her milestone. I decided to put her on the scale a few days ago when I held her. Amazingly, she has made it past the 800g mark! This is the first time she has been over 800g in over two years!!
I know this approach is unorthodox. I know it isn't for everyone. Maybe we're just a really lucky fluke. Maybe my vet should try to publish a case study on her. Regardless, we are thrilled to see her doing so well, and our fingers are crossed that no more molars = no more tooth problems. I just wanted to share our experience since I haven't found much information about chins with no molars.
I have a chin that has had three molars removed because of a jaw infection and he's doing great...the teeth are actually grinding with no issues for well over a year. 
