3 Year Old Cat has Resorptive Lesion...

Hi there,

I just took my two cats to the vet on Tuesday for their annual checkup, and I found out that my 3-year old Taz has a resorptive lesion on one of his pre molars. The "recommended" option from the vet is tooth extraction plus a complete "screening" of his entire mouth to check for other resorptive lesions, thorough tooth cleaning, etc. etc. This would cost over $2000.

The other option would be a basic extraction of the affected tooth, which I think would be just under $1000.

I am definitely going to have something done. Taz is already in pain from this, and the gum around the tooth is slightly red and inflamed. I don't want my kitty to be in pain. But I'm not sure if I should just go for the full procedure (checking for other lesions, thorough tooth cleaning, multiple x-rays and possibly several additional tooth extractions) or if I should stick with the basic extraction.

Has anyone here experienced this? If so, what did you do?

Well... in for a penny in for a pound, what's an extra thousand?

If you can find the money the more thorough option would be better. If there's a problem you could take care of it now or spend $2k in the future if he gets the same problem again.

Talk to your vet. If you feel your vet isn't being completely honest with you get a second opinion.

$2000 dollars? About 8 years ago Rocky had three FORLs and had all three teeth extracted and it wasn't more than
$300. I didn't realize things has gotten so expensive. That's seems a little outrageous to me.

Wow! Why is it so expensive? I just had my 3 year old cat teeth cleaned and that cost 120 dollars. If an extraction was needed, it would be an extra 30 per tooth and 15 for antibiotics. I live in Southern California and everything is expensive here.

I'd say get a second opinion. My elderly cat has had three dentals, two with extractions and at least one with x-rays in addition to the anesthesia and cleaning, and each of the three has been under $500. Since your cat is in pain, something needs to be done, but this vet may not be the best one to conduct the procedure.

I agree with a second opinion... I have heard of all teeth pulled and the bill being under 600$

WOW, $1000 seems extremely high to me, also. Where do you live? Mars?
Sorry your baby is in pain, that's awful. I hope you can find another vet to give a second opinion, and get your baby feeling better really soon. *HUG*

Whoa lots of replies! lol. Thanks everyone.

I'm guessing the reason it's so expensive is cause I'm in Canada...but I guess Ontario vets are the most expensive of the bunch, as I see PintaMeez is in Alberta...

I'm not sure if it's just my vet that costs so much though. I'm a little wary of going to another vet as we've been taking our pets to this one for over 20 years, and we know her personally as well. If I could find another good vet in my area that could do the extraction and everything for less, I would do it, but it's just a case of actually finding one. I mean I trust this vet so much, but it's so damn expensive! It cost $320 for the checkup for both cats, and that didn't even include the fees for testing their fecal samples, which was another $84 for both.

Anyways, I think what I'm going to do is look around and try to find out if another vet in Ottawa can perform this procedure for cheaper. I would definitely *like* to get the more thorough option, it's just a case of that costing at least a month and a half's pay, plus I still need to pay for things like food and bills. But I don't want to skimp on quality of care either...agh decisions decisions!

Thanks again for the replies, and if anyone knows of a cheaper option/vet in Ottawa, Ontario, please share!

My Tolly has FORL. He has very few teeth left from it. I'm all for getting second opinions, but because it is a terribly painful condition, please don't delay too long.

Tolly's dentals and extractions (usually 3 or 4 at a time) never cost more $300, so far. This includes premed antibiotics, gas anesthesia, x rays and pain meds.

I brush his teeth at home, too.

Vet fees are relatively inexpensive where I live. But the fees you mention do seem excessive.

(By the way Tolly has a seizure disorder, and takes phenobarbital. He is just over 10 years old)

Welcome to the forum, and please keep us updated on Taz.

Originally Posted by cloud_shade

I'd say get a second opinion. My elderly cat has had three dentals, two with extractions and at least one with x-rays in addition to the anesthesia and cleaning, and each of the three has been under $500. Since your cat is in pain, something needs to be done, but this vet may not be the best one to conduct the procedure.

Click to expand...

I second this opinion.