Hi Guys,
 
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, I'm having server problems, so if someone
e-mailed me and I didn't get back to you please resend it.  I'm sorry.
 
Anyway, I think I opened a can of worms with my question about teeth
cleaning and if they should be awake or asleep.
 
I have read everyones postings, the ones sent directly to me and the ones on
the FML.  It seems there is a difference of opinion even through all the
advice was very good and made sense.  I was still undecided so I made a list
of pros/cons for doing it both ways.
 
Asleep Pro - Less stressful for Dallas, Easier for the vet, the vet will
probably be able to do a better and more through job, I can have a
pre-screen blood test done.
 
Asleep Con - Always a risk when being put to sleep, I don't like the idea
they are going to put a tube down her throat.
 
Awake Pro - I would be more comfortable.
 
Awake Con - Stressful for Dallas, Uncomfortable, Scarey, the vet may not be
able to do a good job, if the vet is unable to do a good job this may cause
other and more serious problems down the road when she is older and at more
risk, it may make Dallas skiddish/afraid or react differently towards
somethings after having this done.
 
I put myself in Dallas position and gave it some thought about how I would
feel if it were me.  (Now you probably think this is stupid since I go to
the dentist regularly and I'm not afraid) But image being a little animal,
in a strange place with strange people trying to do strange things to you
with strange equipment.  Plus I am sure the equipment will make noise and I
know she is going to get wet.  I would be very scared!!!!  Especially since
my mommy (me) can't be in the room with her when they are doing this to her.
Personally, I would feel much better not knowing what was going on and
waking up and maybe being a little sore in the mouth.
 
Then I put myself in the position of the vet.  I don't think they are lazy
or unqualified.  If that were the case I would go to another vet.  I has to
be kind of hard when you are working on an animal that small, and in there
mouth yet.  I would want to make sure I did a through job with little to no
stress to the animal.  Both my girls are tiny.  Both are just over a pound .
 
I only want what best for Dallas.  I know this is not a major operation or
anything but I am still concerned.  In this situation, I have to rely on the
expertise and experience of the vet and my own instinks.
 
I know some of you will disagree with my decision, and that is okay.  (At
the risk of not wanting to set off another debate) I personally would not
purposely expose my girls to ECE.  Even through I know they would recover
quicker with less complications at a young age.  I don't think there is a
right or wrong answer to this question.  It is probably a case by case
decision.
 
[BIG I AM SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG - I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO THINK I JUST
JUMPED INTO THIS DECISION - THANKS]
 
Gina
 
I still have a list of questions to ask the vet when I make the appt.  Maybe
she will let me wait while the procedure is done and let me see Dallas as
soon as she wakes up.  I know I won't be able to take her home for a few
hours but maybe it will make Dallas feel a little better.  I know it will
make me feel tons better!!!!
[Posted in FML issue 1669]