Elderly Cat...should I get a dental cleaning/dental procedure done?

I took in a cat from an aquaintance who was going to dump her. The cat has adjusted pretty well, but we've noticed that her teeth are in rather bad shape. Really bad breath/drooling. There is a lot of calculus on her back teeth. She is missing 5-6 back teeth as well. She eats dry food, but doesn't really chew it, she is AT LEAST 15 years old. Acts like a very old cat-not too playful, sleepy and doesn't move around a lot though she is at a normal weight.





Called a vet to get an idea of what costs were involved, etc. Explained the situation. It looks like an exam/blood test would be mandatory first ($150) the dental cleaning would be ($200 before extractions...likely $40-60 per tooth for extractions) and they said that with an older animal like that it may be too risky.





I asked a couple of friends. Both of them told me that when her cat got older growing up her teeth just fell out. They just acted like that "was normal" course of action in a cats life.





Any advice?

Elderly Cat...should I get a dental cleaning/dental procedure done?
i would get a second opinion from another vet. It is risky for an older pet because they are put under anesthesia and the recovery and healing time is slower. Try switching to soft cat food, wet food, or a Senior formula for now but of course be careful with the food that has been recalled. Another option is to make homemade cat food. There are several websites that tell you how to make it.
Reply:You should take your cat to the vet and let them do something called, making cotton candy, trust me you'll get over it.
Reply:I have a 13 year old cat that is in pretty bad shape also - the vet i go to told me it was necessary to get their teeth cleaned when they are so old, but totally up to you.





You can try some cat treats called "greenies" that might help prevent the bad breath, thats what i use!
Reply:You must take care of it's teeth. Bad teeth can cause a lot of physical problems in cats. She's no doubt in a lot of pain also. Please, get her to the vet asap. If you can't pay up front, maybe they'll let you make payments. They'll probably put her on soft cat food. Once she's feeling better, you'll have a more playful, loving cat.
Reply:A friend of mine had a cat that was old, he had bad breath and he was drooling too, they got a couple of his teeth pulled at the Vet, and it wasn't that, it was some bacterial infection. He ended up dying from pneumonia, because the bacteria spread. Make sure the Vets know what they are doing. Ask lots of questions.
Reply:the cat more than likely has a sist in her mouth, no matter what the age of the cat you should not let it suffer. When anything has mouth problems it hurts to eat. You need to do something about her health problem, even if the procedure is risky it is better that you try to not let her suffer rather than just letting her go... Please help her!
Reply:Hi Christina,


I have been a veterinary technician for almost 30 years now. If your kitty is drooling, it most likely is a bad tooth or teeth and a dental should be done. Absolutely have the blood work done first. Your veterinarian may give you antibiotics to start two days before the dental is performed. If he or she doesn't offer the antibiotics, ask about one. Ultimately, x-rays and an ultrasound of the heart before hand would be the best medicine. The calculus on her teeth contain bacteria which can cause major organ failure if it is not taken care of.


I have done dentals on many old kitties and they have done very well. I saw someone suggested greenies for cats, they work preventitvely so you will need to have the dentistry done and definitely use greenies after. You did a great thing by taking this kitty in, thank you!


Best wishes


Pam





ps: you may email Dr. Robb any questions you may have drrobb@protectthepets.com


www.protectthepets.com
Reply:at this point i would say no....it can be very risky to put your older cat under anesthesia but do keep an eye on her teeth and her eating....look for any signs of abcess with really bad infected teeth. she will stop eating and may stop drinking if it gets too sore for her. you can try brushing the cats teeth...or simply change her diet...if you feed her wet food try mixing in hard food. the hard food scrapes against the teeth and removes some tarter and plaque but it wont remove all of it...if she only eats wet food try brushing her teeth with cat toothpaste and a brush...you can get these from your vet or you can simply use warm water and a gauze pad to scrub the teeth.
Reply:I can only speak / advise from personal experience. The way I look at it, animal dental work is another way for vets to make money off of ignorant pet owners. If this 15 year old cat were in the wild do you think they'd be running to the dentist? Hardly.





I had a cat that lived to 18 and died with a mouth full of beautiful, sharp teeth. I only had her to the vet once after she turned 8, and the diagnosis there was perfectly healthy, but slight attitude problem





I had another cat, a stray, so actual age unknown. I bought into the dental theory and had her teeth cleaned. She didn't die from the anesthesia, but did die from infections shortly thereafter.





Actually, I've had 2 cats that I've gotten dental work done on that died shortly after.





So, long story short, I will never take another cat for dental work.
Reply:i find if she is having problems eating i would take her in to see the vet and get it done but if she is still eating normal and still needs to better her teeth, dry cat food are suppose to keep their teeth healthy. If not there are these little green treats that are good for their teeth adn bad breath. good luck!