My 8 yr. old German shepherd died on Monday, January 19, 2009 from overdose of anesthesia. I purchased him at age 3 for protection. I would never again allow any future dog I may own to go under anesthesia for teeth cleaning. My dog had his teeth cleaned with this same vet before. Fargo had all the pre-blood work that morning and last week when we took him in for consultation our vet commented his heartbeat was slow, although he was excited showing he was in great heart health. Here is the story the vet told us. He gave him the minimal amount of pre-meds and since he was not groggy enough, he put the mask on him for a few seconds. Immediately, he saw his chest pound once, then his heart stopped, this happened again, then he went into cardiac arrest-meaning his heart rate accelerated, then stopped for good. He then gave Fargo epinephrine and some other injection into his iv. He did this again, as there was no response. He then did palpitations working on him for a total of 20 minutes. He was gone. I am heartbroken and angry with the vet and will never put another dog through that at such great risk of death. There are alternatives to surgery that I am now aware of just by doing a couple searches on the internet. I only wish I would have known of them prior to this. The number of dogs dying from overdose of anesthesia is 1 in 400 and can be as high as 1 in 200. For all of you who were 'lucky' enough your dog survived anesthesia, I would hope alternatives to anesthesia for teeth cleaning are something you would look into. Good oral health is extremely important. As for me, as I stated earlier, I will never put any future dog I may own at such high risk of death for teeth cleaning. Anesthesia= Life or Death for dogs and nothing else. I am trying to warn as many people as I can, so you may see this posted on other sites. Thank you for taking time to read my story as I continue to grieve losing my absolute best friend.

I am sorry for your loss I know it must not be easy. The risk presents itself to humans and animals alike. So you are saying that his heart condition had nothing to do with it or your mad at the vet putting him under knowing there might be an issue. Im confused.

What are the other alternatives- deep scaling teeth is not something a dog will sit still for hence the anesthia-Im curious to know what it is that is an option?

Originally Posted by 4paws-up

I am sorry for your loss I know it must not be easy. The risk presents itself to humans and animals alike. So you are saying that his heart condition had nothing to do with it or your mad at the vet putting him under knowing there might be an issue. Im confused.

What are the other alternatives- deep scaling teeth is not something a dog will sit still for hence the anesthia-Im curious to know what it is that is an option?

I am sorry you misunderstood some and I apologize for not being more clear. My dog 'did not' have a heart condition. He heart was in 'excellent' condition.
Yes, I am angry with the vet for his negligence. I think most people would, given the circumstances.
There are alternatives to anesthesia for teeth cleaning. I don't think I should list any product or service, as it could be viewed as advertising. Try google search for 'alternatives for anesthesia for dog teeth cleaning'.
Also, the risk for overdose of anesthesia in humans is extremely less than for animals. Thank you for reading.

so you think he lied from the pre visit and what happened during?

vet commented his heartbeat was slow

I dont see how helping others would be viewed as advertising unless it was your business........alternatives are only ok if you have someone that provides them. I am already compromising on my beliefs because I dont have the same resources available to me as I once did

Sorry I did not come back to the forum to reply promptly to your questions.

When vet listened to Fargo's heartbeat and it being slow although he was excited is a good thing, showing his heart was in excellent condition. Petzlife has spray/gel that breaks down tarter, also there are dental specialists that do not use anesthesia. Do some searches on the internet and you will find more alternatives. Even so much as just the 'premeds' seems to be enough to 'knock-out' a dog for teeth cleaning as I had seen last week on 'Animal Planet' show.

The vet did not lie about anything.

Did he have pre-anisthetic blood work?

I used to work for a vet and just know that this is incredibly rare. Im very sorry for your loss and I know its hard.

For future reference, the vet I worked at NEVER used anesthesia for teeth cleaning because honestly it wasnt really needed. They always just put the dog under with oxygen. (unless the dog had to have teeth pulled) There isnt any pain involved with a regular teeth cleaning its just the dog needs to be asleep and still. If your next dog needs its teeth cleaned I would suggest asking for oxygen only.

You can also brush the dogs teeth yourself so a cleaning isnt always needed.

Yes, Fargo had the pre bloodwork done that morning he died. He also had it done in 2005 before getting his teeth cleaned and caps put on his canines.
The vet never did get all the tarter off of his upper back teeth in 2005 and that should have sent up all kinds of red flags. I brushed his teeth regularly with doggie toothpaste and he had a rope toy but the tarter got worse making his upper back gums red.

This vet told us in 2005 not to let him chew on any bones or anything hard and we just said 'ok'. With that said, when we took him in a week prior to Jan. 19, 2009 for consultation he asked if Fargo was chewing on any bones and I said 'no, I thought you said not to let him have any'. He said, 'Oh no, he should be'. You can imagine the looks on our faces when he said this. I could have confronted him on his previous instructions/not being clear as to a time frame, but it would have served no point. We took Fargo to this vet regularly and he never said anything about his teeth/chewing on bones. As we paid for the visit, we got Fargo a bone. I will always double check anything a vet tells me from now on.

I also asked specifically for him and only him to do the procedure from start to finish. In fact, I said it twice and he reassured me he would. Come to find out, the vet tech's were the ones that were working on Fargo.

Thank you for the information when you worked for a vet.

Your vet sounds like an idiot. Im so sorry that this happened to you. DEFIANTLY find yourself a new vet asap (thats if you have other dogs/pets I mean)

I'd also file a complain with the BBB (better business bureau).

Also, the type of food a dog is on can help with tarter too. Crunchy kibbles and high quality can do wonders.

Rest in peace sweet Fargo.

Thanks for the follow - up
My first vet used to give him Morphine and everything to put him under and I always thought that was extreme. He has periodontal disease so I can muck around with it.
Now here the vet only use a sedative (no horrible side affects and he snaps out of it pretty quick) but I do think he goes under as he has to scale the teeth and be prepared to take x-rays if warranted. I do all that "other" stuff -his teeth have been ok lately but I cant skip the extensive cleaning the vet does.

Yes, he is an idiot and I am starting to look into vet choices. I heard of a good one in Cleveland that have specialists(about 1 1/2 hours from us in PA), but have a lot more work to do in making an informed decision.

I am sure we would be successful suing him, but I do not know if I could go through that process with keeping the 'wounds open' so to speak. I may contact the BBB or AVMA(American Veterinary Medical Association), but right now just can not think about that stuff.

We had initially started him on Canidae dry dog food suggested by Carl Reif at advancedk9.com, as this is what he fed his dogs, but the fat content was too high for his system(so this vet said), as Fargo's appetite had decreased, but who knows. We then switched Fargo to 'Royal Canin' dry dog food and 'canidae' snap biscuits.

Fargo was my only dog/pet and I miss him terribly. I am however looking for another dog now, as my husband goes away on audits and CPE('continuing professional education') from time to time. There are so many websites out there, it is hard to know who to trust. I called Fargo's seller in Colorado and a few others I am waiting on to call me back. If anyone knows of a reputable seller of working breed German Shepherds, let me know. Thank you.

Have you checked around on petfinder? German Sheps are very natural protectors and can do so with little to no training. If you are in distress he/she would sense that. You could save a life in honor of your sweet baby boy.

Like I said I used to work for a vet, and putting dogs under for a teeth cleaning is needed (as what dog would sit still for it) But all they need to do is be asleep. Which means a light pain reliever/local anesthetic and oxygen. Anesthetic is only really needed when the dog needs to be completely under for a surgery (where if the dog were to wake up, it would be REALLY bad)

The chances of giving too much oxygen are slim to none (I mean you would literally have to turn it up as high as you could and let it run for a long time) I've never known a dog to die from an oxygen overdose.

When Bella had her teeth cleaned she was awake pretty much as soon as they took the oxygen of. I assisted them in waking her up and she was awake before they could even get the tube out!

Thank you Sway. I actually have been looking on petfinder.com. It is kinda looking for a needle in a haystack, but absolutely would be open to purchasing a dog that is or could be the 'total package'. Thanks again.

I am glad I know of the need or not needed anesthesia procedures now. Thank you very much.

German Shepherds are a dime a doz here and with all the military many are police type trained- as there are many of those trainers here- even a GS rescue is here - training done.
My friend in PA (where I used to live) loves them and she has trouble finding them as she rescues- I told her a trip here she would get exactly what she wanted

Just thought of since you said something about being close to Clevlend, OH that you would be open to traveling to Indianapolis for a dog.

My boxer's trainer breeds AKC german sheps. I've seen his pups and they are so perfect looking and have great temperaments.

Here is the link to his current adults he has and theirs a link on the side that says "for sale"

Breeding Program

Oh and to add, I've met most of the parents too. They have the best personalities. "Barret" Is my fave. He is the sweetest boy.

4paws-up: What is the location or website you are speaking of? Thank you.

SwayRaines: I would go anywhere in the US for a great dog. Thank you, I looked at the site and it seems there are no adults/young adults for sale, but I may still contact him. Thanks again.

im in NC the middle of the state near Ft Bragg- I am not sure about the website but can look for you- search craigslist in fayetteville daily- lots of shepherds and the rehab/trainer people post often

Thank you 4paws, I will do that.

To Sway: I called, but they just currently have puppies. Thank you tho.

In years past, the only time I've ever had a vet clean my dogs teeth was when they were undergoing some other procedure that required the use of anesthetics. When I adopted my current partner, Junior, his teeth were lousy but my vet just used valiu to make him groggy and happy instead of knocking him out. Of course, no words can ease your loss but thank you for using this terrible incident to warn others of the risks.

Thank you for posting normal procedures you have experienced Gary and yes, I feel I owe it to Fargo that his death was not in vain so others are aware.