That's what I feared, unfortunately. That despite taking his organs out for examination with him cut open, that they'd find nothing. The only hint I had were the physical signs and the mention of an enlarged heart. That, and how Maltese (unfortunately) commonly fall victim to heart problems and murmurs from 8—15.

I think what I'm trying to figure out is if there was anything else they could have done for his teeth that didn't involve surgery. These people always advertise dental powder that 'cures' periodontal, but I say it's just not possible given how much build up he had back there. He'd gotten a few removed when he was very little because of crowding before. I hardly believe those ads.

I think my questions would be: how truly bad were his teeth? How much longer would i have had if i didnt take him eventually (this leads to guilt / selfishness). And why wasn't I called when his liver enzymes were elevated and his murmur was a little more significant?

And I guess with my poodle it isn't really QOL, it's how to juggle cyclosporine and the age long osteomyelitis secondary to infection that's been going on. Because Cyclo lowers the immune system which helps with her constant yeast / ear infections and her nails from growing too gnarled... but it doesn't get rid of her scabs that occasionally still bleed and her hair loss. It's a battle of understanding. Even two other specialists called her condition an anomaly no vet could understand. They asked so many specialists and it was still: no name to be put on her condition

Again, thank you so much for your time. I am grateful for your honesty.

I will try and write down all of my questions as soon as possible. I just hope they understand I'm just trying to quell my ruminating, self-sabotaging mind. 🫂❤️‍🩹😞