Einstein needs a tooth out!

[serryjw]

I am scared to put a 16 year old cat under anesthesia? What do you think?

[Rhiannon12866]

1. Your vet is the best one to ask about the safety of doing this

I resisted having my cocker spaniel's teeth cleaned, anymore, when he reached about 16, though they badly needed it, because I was so afraid of him having a general at that age. He lived until he was more than 18. I now wonder if I should have gone ahead, knowing what I know now, because the vet who recommended this takes more precautions than most. He, basically, treats his patients as if they were people. He does a complete exam and blood work, ahead of time, and inserts an IV catheter, just in case the animal needs it. Most vets don't take these extra steps.

Also, your vet will be the best one to evaluate your cat's physical condition. Ask him/her to weigh the risks. Does your cat have any existing health problems, or is it just a matter of age? For me, that's what it was, so I understand your fears.

This same vet put my 12-year-old cat under for actual dental surgery. I rescued this cat, who had been abandoned, and her teeth were very bad. She had to have several extractions. However, this was the best decision I ever made regarding my poor kitty. She changed from a frightened, skittish little thing to one who would sit by my computer monitor or sit with me in my chair. Dental surgery transformed her and I only wish I had done it sooner because I now know that her behavior was caused by her being in pain.

This is one thing that you need to consider. If your cat is in pain because of the bad tooth, then you don't want him to go through life suffering.

Good luck with this and let us know how it turns out. I've been through this and I sure understand your worries and the difficulty of your decision.:hug:

on edit: changed reference to Einstein from "her" to "him.":-)

[SW FL Dem]

2. I had a 16 yr old dog that went through

surgery to have several teeth extracted. This was years ago. She did fine. The vet told me that the risks of the surgery were far less than the damage done by leaving the teeth in place. The bacteria in the infected gums could cause serious damage to my dog's heart.

There have several major advances in anesthesia since 1983. Ask your vet about isoflourine (sp?) which is more expensive but much easier on an animal than other forms of anesthesia

[serryjw]

3. Thanks both of you for your concern

he is taking antibiotics and will see the vet next month. I see no evidence he is in pain. He eats everything and seems happy, but I will look into it.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. That's exactly what my vet was concerned about, the bacteria

Fortunately, Barney never had any heart problems, nor was he in pain. My largest vet bills came from taking him for acupuncture, to alleviate the stiffness in his back caused by calcification of his spine.:-(

There have been great advances in veterinary medicine. It's just a matter of finding a vet who is up on the latest procedures, as well as taking the necessary precautions, such as a thorough pre-surgical exam and necessary tests, especially blood tests. Be sure to ask any questions that you have. I always kept a little notebook where I jotted down my concerns and symptoms I'd noticed, and went in, armed with a list! Actually, I think my vet appreciates this and is always willing to take the time. And, he's a liberal!:D

edited for typos

[demnan]

4. They usually do blood tests on cats older than 7 years

to determine if they can handle getting their teeth cleaned. Since that is a good thing to have anyway, I would let the vets do that. If he shouldn'd have it they will determine that from the test results.

[sleepyhead]

5. We just did a full dental cleaning

On an 18-year-old cat with bad kidneys. Her teeth were so bad and painful that she couldn't keep her mouth shut. She came through with flying colors. Full blood panel ahead of time, aggressive fluid therapy starting 3 days ahead (had the owner give fluids at home subcutaneously), IV catheter and fluids, gas anesthesia and intubation (the safest way), intense monitoring during the procedure. She handled the anesthesia quite well and was up and about 45 minutes later asking for food. The owner told us the next day that she was like a kitten again. Einstein will feel so much better without the bad tooth. Talk to your vet about the appropriate precautions and if he/she feels it is OK, then go for it.