I knew my aged dog really needed his teeth cleaned and/or have some removed as I know they were in really bad shape. But he was so old that the vet didn't think it would be safe for him to be anesthetized. I felt badly for him because I know his teeth were bothering him. It was a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation.

People still get their senior animals' teeth cleaned, just make sure you do all the proper blood panels beforehand to make sure she'll be okay to go under. When my 14 year old cat needed surgery for an injury, they wouldn't put her under unless they had the blood panel. She came out with flying colours.