Hello. I'm looking for advice on what my trusted vet has recommended regarding dental extractions.
Hunter is a 5 year old Maine Coon. He is my first cat, and I've had him since he was a kitten. He has always been in perfect health. I usually have to take him into the vet every few months to have his butt trimmed for hygenic reasons. His vet is very good with him, and she always examines his teeth. 2 months after last vist he somehow developed gingivitis and they want to extract 3 "or more" of his teeth. Everything I've read says that extraction is the last option and usually reserved for severe stomatitis. No x-rays were taken. He also supposedly has a fractured fang however I cannot for the life of me see any indication of this. That is one of the teeth that they want to remove. His gums are only slightly red and just a very thin line around only a few of his teeth. My research shows this to be early gingivitis. Also, the one suggesting to remove teeth was only a vet tech, not a vet. Although my vet was in the room when she suggested it. Hunter does not have bad breath or trouble eating his canned and raw diet. Nor are his gums bleeding. His teeth have no yellow / gray color and are rather white.
Money is not an issue here, and my vet knows that money is not a problem for me. However I just can't see them recommending tooth extraction as a means to make money, or just because. They are the best vet in the area. However, I'm now wondering if I should seek a second opinion. Has anyone else had extraction suggested for just gingivitis as a first course of treatment? He is scheduled for cleaning and surgery next week.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hunter is a 5 year old Maine Coon. He is my first cat, and I've had him since he was a kitten. He has always been in perfect health. I usually have to take him into the vet every few months to have his butt trimmed for hygenic reasons. His vet is very good with him, and she always examines his teeth. 2 months after last vist he somehow developed gingivitis and they want to extract 3 "or more" of his teeth. Everything I've read says that extraction is the last option and usually reserved for severe stomatitis. No x-rays were taken. He also supposedly has a fractured fang however I cannot for the life of me see any indication of this. That is one of the teeth that they want to remove. His gums are only slightly red and just a very thin line around only a few of his teeth. My research shows this to be early gingivitis. Also, the one suggesting to remove teeth was only a vet tech, not a vet. Although my vet was in the room when she suggested it. Hunter does not have bad breath or trouble eating his canned and raw diet. Nor are his gums bleeding. His teeth have no yellow / gray color and are rather white.
Money is not an issue here, and my vet knows that money is not a problem for me. However I just can't see them recommending tooth extraction as a means to make money, or just because. They are the best vet in the area. However, I'm now wondering if I should seek a second opinion. Has anyone else had extraction suggested for just gingivitis as a first course of treatment? He is scheduled for cleaning and surgery next week.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.