Last time we had Casper for a check up (February 2014) the vet mentioned he had a bit of tartar building up but, not enough to warrant concern. Kept that in the back of my head for future reference.
The past few days, he is having a difficult time eating. Clearly, he's hungry as he's asking for food but then walks away from it after barely touching the food. I've tried everything to tempt him; various wet foods we know he likes, freshly cooked plain salmon, canned tunafish, etc. He only seems to eat a tablespoon at a time, if that and then is done. Kibble is out of the question, he flatly has refused it which is why I'm thinking he has a dental problem.
He's behaving normally other than that. Using the litterbox, friendly, and for the most part I don't think his activity level is all that off (of course, his is low now at nearly 14 anyway). He doesn't seem to be in pain when we touch his mouth area but, would not let us get a good look inside.
Anyway, of course this happens as we were going to change vets. I had the old one send me his and Cocoa's records and we only got them about a week ago. My intention had been to wait until their yearlies were due but this has changed my plans. I called the new vet, highly recommended by Cocoa's foster mom, and also they get almost all good reviews everywhere I can find mention of them, including Angie's List. They were very nice when I called and explained the situation and, got me in for a 5:30 pm visit for both of them tonight.
Anyway, I'd like to know if there is anything I need to be aware of prior to going as far as dental care is concerned for senior cats. I do have some slight concerns, last week he had what appeared to be a wheezing attack (never happened before). Could that have been a tooth breaking and him swallowing it? He's never had any breathing problems in the past. Overall, other than his periodic barfing after eating in the morning and, and a bout of a URI when we first got him, and some still unknown illness last winter that was treated (probably an upper respiratory infection), mostly he's been pretty darn healthy.
Wish he'd waited one more week until my holiday bonus hit the bank lol, but one can not choose timing of any illness. At least it happened before Christmas or New Years when everything would be shut down other than emergency facilities.
Any advice and knowledge appreciated!
The past few days, he is having a difficult time eating. Clearly, he's hungry as he's asking for food but then walks away from it after barely touching the food. I've tried everything to tempt him; various wet foods we know he likes, freshly cooked plain salmon, canned tunafish, etc. He only seems to eat a tablespoon at a time, if that and then is done. Kibble is out of the question, he flatly has refused it which is why I'm thinking he has a dental problem.
He's behaving normally other than that. Using the litterbox, friendly, and for the most part I don't think his activity level is all that off (of course, his is low now at nearly 14 anyway). He doesn't seem to be in pain when we touch his mouth area but, would not let us get a good look inside.
Anyway, of course this happens as we were going to change vets. I had the old one send me his and Cocoa's records and we only got them about a week ago. My intention had been to wait until their yearlies were due but this has changed my plans. I called the new vet, highly recommended by Cocoa's foster mom, and also they get almost all good reviews everywhere I can find mention of them, including Angie's List. They were very nice when I called and explained the situation and, got me in for a 5:30 pm visit for both of them tonight.
Anyway, I'd like to know if there is anything I need to be aware of prior to going as far as dental care is concerned for senior cats. I do have some slight concerns, last week he had what appeared to be a wheezing attack (never happened before). Could that have been a tooth breaking and him swallowing it? He's never had any breathing problems in the past. Overall, other than his periodic barfing after eating in the morning and, and a bout of a URI when we first got him, and some still unknown illness last winter that was treated (probably an upper respiratory infection), mostly he's been pretty darn healthy.
Wish he'd waited one more week until my holiday bonus hit the bank lol, but one can not choose timing of any illness. At least it happened before Christmas or New Years when everything would be shut down other than emergency facilities.
Any advice and knowledge appreciated!
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