NINE-MONTH-OLD Rottweiler Tonka has received life-changing help from a Newton Abbot vet.

While he seemed bold and playful like every other puppy, behind his wagging tail and bright eyes, he was living with a painful condition.

Tonka’s overshot jaw mean every attempt to close his mouth was agony.

His lower canine teeth were piercing into the roof of his mouth, damaging delicate tissue, disrupting the growth of an upper canine, and causing repeated trauma to his gums.

Eating, playing, even resting his jaw came at a cost. Left untreated, this condition would only become worse as he grew.

The veterinary team at Amity Vets in Newton Abbot knew this was more than a dental issue, it was a matter of comfort, quality of life, and Tonka’s future.

After a thorough examination and discussion with his owners, a decisive plan was made to surgically extract Tonka’s lower canine teeth.

It was the most compassionate and effective way to end his pain and give him the chance to grow without constant injury.

Under general anaesthetic, Tonka’s lower canine teeth were removed, and his gums were delicately closed with absorbable sutures, allowing them to heal naturally with no need for stitch removal.

The surgery itself took one hour and thirty minutes.

Tonka went home the same day with pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, a soft-food diet—and a very important prescription for rest and cuddles.

Just 10 days later, Tonka returned transformed.

His gums were healing well. He was eating comfortably. There were no complications and no setbacks.

Dr Lennon Foo, founder of Amity vets said : 'Tonka can close his mouth without pain.

‘He can eat without fear. He can grow, play, and thrive exactly as a young dog should.

'This is the power of early dental intervention. This is the difference compassionate veterinary care can make.’