I have deep remorse for bringing Breeze to Aspetuck on 4/8/2026 for what should have been a simple…read moreear check. Breeze was our little girl and so very precious in every way, she loved everyone and enjoyed life. A very healthy 13 year old 17.8 lb West Highland Terrier, the visit was billed as urgent care, which it was absolutely not.
That appointment led to a full exam, where the vet noted four loose front teeth. We were already aware of them, and they had never caused Breeze any issues. She ate normally, had no bad breath, daily dental treats, dogbiotics and teeth brushing. Despite this, Dr.Michael Gorra strongly encouraged us to schedule a dental cleaning and extraction, insisting it would prolong her life and warning us it would be dangerous if she swallowed a tooth. This was misleading and, in hindsight not true. Breeze life was not prolonged.
Breeze blood work showed elevated Lyme levels, and on 4/11/26 she was given a Convenia antibiotic injection. I expressed concern about her age and the upcoming dental procedure, but I was assured she would be fine.
4/22/26 would be the last day for Breeze to enjoy her every day routine, that including her dental treats, after this date only smooth food, she used to love to eat.
On 4/23/26 Breeze's life changed forever. What was supposed to be a simple dental cleaning and four tooth extractions turned into TWELVE teeth removed, without my permission. The invoice included charges for each additional extractions, and IV catheter, premedication, anesthesia, meloxciam, additional anesthesia, propofal, more antibiotics, complex extraction, basic extractions, pain management injection. She had dissolvable sutures, then more antibiotics and pain medication at discharge, along with the invoice that was to be paid upon picking up Breeze.
It absolutely breaks my heart that Breeze endured this whole process, only to have her life cut short. We would have done everything possible to prolong her life.
I know the side effects of antibiotics. I believe anesthesia and the pharmaceuticals puts a strain on some older dogs and feel 100% that Breeze was too old to endure such an extensive procedure and that if I had not agreed to it, she would still be with us. Breeze passed suddenly within three weeks. The void she has left us is devastating.
I would have expected Aspetuck to credit my account, given the misrepresentation that this procedure would prolong her life and the fact that I was paying for a dog who is no longer alive. Aspetuck refused and demanded full payment for every invoice. it is devastating, heartbreaking and feel profoundly wrong.
Breeze was our third Westie from the same breeder. Our other two lived to 161/2 and 17 years old. A dental surgeon later told me that in his opinion that dogs over 10 years old should not undergo dental surgery, because it is too taxing on their system. His small senior dog had a similar experience and passed shortly after dental extractions. So sad.
My advice: do your research and look for a practice that hasn't sold out to a corporation.
Breeze is missed beyond words. The void she left is enormous and I'm so very sorry that she went through all of this procedure only to die within 3 weeks post this surgery. No prolonged life for Breezey.
Kathy M
Litchfield, CT 06759