My cat likes to run underfoot sometimes and a few times he's had his poor paws stepped on or taken a foot to the head, all quite accidental! He's never seemed worse for the wear, but while grooming him recently I noticed that his left canine tooth's tip has been broken off (it's not much, only a few millimetres at most) but I can see the difference when I look at both of them. He doesn't seem to have any other problems and his teeth look fine otherwise. I don't even know if the tip was broken by accidental contact or if it happened some other way. Any ideas?
2007-02-28 09:06:07 · 6 answers · asked by bj_the_canuck 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
If it's just a few millimeters, it's probably no big deal. I'd keep my eyes open for decreased eating or pain or swelling - some teeth root infections can happen from broken tips. Watch it every few days to make sure you'll catch any changes early. Recheck with your vet if any concerns - better safe than sorry with these kinds of things especially with the kind of bacterial population in cats' mouths.
2007-02-28 09:17:39 · answer #1 · answered by Dr_Babs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would talk to your vet about getting it fixed. it may be no big deal, but if you've ever chipped a tooth you'd know it's quite painful! (i chipped my own left canine once & AIR passing over it hurt! i could barely eat & it all had to be body temperature, no salt, no sugar)
and it could increase the chances of that tooth rotting--which would be a lot worse!! cat's don't show pain like people do, they're very stoic, but that does not mean it isn't bothering him!
2007-02-28 09:23:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's nothing to worry about at all; it's very common, especially in older cats. My 14-year-old ginger female cat lost one of her canine teeth altogether, and she does just fine without it.
Is it possible your kitty had a fall? They can sometimes break a tooth in this manner.
Anyways, you're sweet to be so concerned about your kitty :) But it shouldn't pose any problem at all for him.
2007-02-28 09:13:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of my cats has the same thing and it doesn't seem to be a problem for him. I don't know how it happened either, maybe he just ran into a wall or chair or something a little too hard one time. Believe me, he eats just fine...he's a big guy. :)
2007-02-28 12:53:43 · answer #4 · answered by PangiBear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, there teeth effect their health just like humans. The vet shouldn't be too expensive but very worth the money fpr your pet.
2007-02-28 09:14:01 · answer #5 · answered by woman01234 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't think it would make much difference or cause him any real discomfort... but call the vet if you're worried. It couldn't hurt!
2007-02-28 09:16:47 · answer #6 · answered by Sweet Melissa 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋