Dog Community

Gray gums w/no other symptoms?

Posted : 7/15/2006 11:38:19 AM

On Thursday night, my 11 year old chow's lower front gums became swollen and grayish colored. For a couple days prior, she'd been licking her paws a lot, and we think maybe that caused some bacteria to get into her mouth. Only the lower front part is affected, and she doesn't seem to experience any pain chewing. Her appetite hasn't changed at all, although she does seem slightly more lethargic than usual (but it's hard to tell because of the heat wave we're currently experiencing.) The only noticeable symptom is bad breath.

We already called the vet, but the earliest appointment we could get was for Monday. The receptionist said that since she was acting normally, it probably wasn't that serious. We even called a couple other animal hospitals that our friends have experience with to see if we could get an earlier appointment there, but weekends are full.

Should I take her in for emergency care, or to an unfamiliar animal hospital that accepts walk-ins/same day appointments, or just wait it out until Monday?

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/15/2006 12:06:49 PM

When you combine the words "lethargic" and "gray gums" -- I can NOT believe the receptionist didn't perceive that as an emergency -- I'd go to the e-vet -- it could be anything from poisoning to some sort of anemia. They normally have you check capillary refill up front by the big canine tooth (except on the bottom jaw) -- this just doesn't sound good to me -- I'd be at the E-vet NOW.

Let us know please?

willowchow

Posted : 7/15/2006 12:29:06 PM

Willow is also a chow. I'd take your dog to the emergency vet right away. Didn't I read he was also having diarrhea?

It is very difficult to tell the level of illness by the gum color and mouth and of a chow since the mouth is very dark compared to other breeds normally. But, with the swelling, I'd get it checked. Don't forget infection in the mouth and gums can spread to other parts of the body causing more serious problems. So, I'd get it checked out before Monday.

And, when you return please let us know. I care very much about chows. Also, would love to see a picture.

If you need any help and want to PM me, please do, I'll share my experiences if you'd like. Just don't want to bore the forum with more Willow stories.

loveukaykay

Posted : 7/15/2006 4:35:39 PM

Bad breath is a sign of an intestinal issue and I think you need to get to the vet right away. The symptoms your describing are nothing to mess around with. Good luck.

carte

Posted : 7/15/2006 11:34:06 PM

I took her to the emergency vet and he said it was just periodontal disease. Also, some fur had gotten caught in her teeth and built up, exacerbating things. They gave her an injection of Clindamycin, and gave me capsules of the same, as well as Chlorohexadine mouth rinse. (The bill came up to $250. Oh well. Better safe than sorry.. [

])

I told him that she was licking her dewclaw area an awful lot lately, to the point where it looks pretty raw, but he said we didn't need to trim them and she was just doing it because her gums were irritated.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

P.S. The one with the diarrhea problem was my other dog, and he's better now. It's been a pretty busy month for the two of them!

Kara

Posted : 7/15/2006 11:41:18 PM

I'm glad it's just periodontal disease. However in addition to the Chlorhexidine rinse you need to get your dog's teeth scaled (cleaned) ASAP. Periodontal disease can lead to heart disease and a few other major organ diseases. So if you dog is in good enough health for the sedation a proper dental requires, do it as soon as you possibly can.
It will probably run you anywhere from $65-$120 for the cleaning. (depending on your area and how pricey your vet is) Your dog should have it's teeth checked at least twice a year when you take him/her into the vet for their annual exams. Dentals on average (depending on your dog's diet) are done every 4 years.