Boxer Dental/Gum Problems

Question
Hi Jennifer,

I read your response to question posed in February regarding overgrowth of gums in a boxer.  We have a much-loved 6 1/2 year old brindle.  I had noticed that his lower small teeth are barely visable anymore and I had heard that gum overgrowth is common in boxers.  He was under anethesia for some minor skin growth removal so I asked our vet to clean and check teeth and gums.  Our vet has referred us to a canine dental specialist because he found 9mm gaps in his gums (and he  was quite concerned).  In your other answer you had indicated that you had 3 boxers undergo surgery.  My question is how tramautic the surgery was for your dogs.  So far we are not having problem with infection, just overgrowth.  But obviously we want to prevent infection.  Finances are not the issue, just concern over what my dog will have to go through.  Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Michelle,

My dogs didn't seem to be overly bothered by the surgery; they were acting normally that same evening.  I did feed soft food (mush) for a few days, but they didn't hesitate to eat it.  :)  If it's an option, the dogs that had laser surgery did seem to have fewer issues with bleeding and odor the first few days (though neither were excessive in any case).

Good luck!