cat teeth problem

smallonion

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Hi everyone,
I am new here, and don't have a cat (terribly allergic) but love them. I'm asking this question for my dad and his lovely cat, Boots. I hope you guys can give us your thoughts.

Boots is 14 or 15 years old. She is an indoor cat, so leads quite a sheltered life. She had to go to the vet a few weeks ago - my dad's wife was concerned that she was drinking a bit too much water. Fortunately the tests came back in the 'high normal' range, and the vet doesn't think any action is needed right now, just keep an eye on it.

However, he was concerned about her teeth. The other reason they took her to the vet is that her breath was getting quite bad. Her teeth are decayed; her right top fang is missing, and some teeth are loose. The vet says she is definitely in pain with these teeth problems. He wants to remove the offending teeth.

The problem is, the last time Boots was taken to the vet, she freaked out and lost her mind. She pooped on the rug because she was too scared to go near her litter box (it's near the garage where the car is - the same car that took her to the vet). She breathed heavily, and didn't eat the first day. She wouldn't do anything. She reacted so badly, my dad's wife was afraid they were going to lose her. It took her days to recover from the experience. The vet said he had never seen a cat react so bad to the experience.

So, our question is - which is worse: the bad teeth or the horrific experience of going to the vet and having a procedure done? She's in pain with the teeth, but another vet visit would be absolutely traumatic for her.

Any advice you could give us would be most gratefully received.

Michele
 

yosemite

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Some vets will make house calls. Perhaps you can call around and check to see if there are any in your area.
 

ldg

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Call the vet to see if there is a tranquilizer that your dad can pick up. Have your dad step on a scale to get his weight, then hold her and get on the scale to see how much (approximately) she weighs, so they can prescribe the right amount. If she's kind of "knocked out" or out of it before she goes, it might not be as traumatic for her.


She really needs to have those teeth pulled. It's not just that they hurt, it's that they can become infected. At some point they will affect her ability to eat. She can eat better with no teeth than with inflamed gums.


....but if there is a vet that will anesthetize her and pull her teeth in your dad's home, go for it! It never hurts to ask. In our area (rural northern NJ), there is a vet with a mobile van. Perhaps there is someone like that near your dad.


Laurie
 
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