I'm Confused ....

I've posted elsewhere that Zimmie has newly-diagnozed FORLS and had 5 teeth extracted last week. We were very alarmed that it got this bad without anyone knowing of her suffering.

DH seems to think that a vet will not automatically check a cat's mouth during a physical or other procedure. That, in fact, you have to request it. Is this true does anyone know? Now I'm wondering about the state of my other cats' teeth and whether the vet has ever checked them.

All vets i went to make an attempt. Some better then others tho!
Call and ask...or ask to discuss the notes in file regarding any dental/mouth issues

My vet always checks teeth and mouth on annual check ups. That is in fact part of the check up. A vet should not skip that because dental health is very important.

Likewise pet owners should regularly check their pets mouths and be aware of what state the teeth and gums are in - and for dogs and cats (and some other animals) make some attempt at preventative home care.

My vet always looks at my cats' teeth at check-ups. It's important. He opens their mouths and examines their teeth, gums and the rest of the inside of their mouth.



Robin

My vet checks at all visits, sick or well, but that could be due to the FeLV and the increased risk of gum disease or they might do it every time at every appointment, sick or well, no matter what. It's been too long since I had a 'healthy' animal to take to them to remember if they checked Abby's(Old English Sheepdog Nov 2006) mouth every time. I'm assuming they did though, looking inside the mouth when an animal is sick seems more important than when the animal is well to check on the health of the animal. However they should always be checked, if not at every appointment at least at yearly or 6 month checkups.

Taryn

If a vet doesn't think to check their teeth, I find another vet. To me that's one of the most essential parts of the exam.

This is all true, but to have a clear and through picture of the kitties mouth, many times that is only possible when they are under anesthesia... A vet can catch things like periodontal disease, gingivitis, etc, but IMHO to see things like Resorptive lesions, specially in the back of the mouth can be trickier... you gotta really have the cat's mouth open in position for an extended period of time to examine thoroughly.
Without anesthesia the vet can only check the teeth to a certain extent...
I knew from my vet that Bugsy had Stomatitis, but only when he was put under at the dentist they were able to see the full extent of his problem, plus all other problems, including Resorptive Lesion, which the vet was not able to catch.