I realize that I am self-diagnosing her, but here's the deal. She paws at her mouth incessantly. Always on the left side and usually after she eats. If I rub her gums on the right, she's fine. if I rub on the left, she goes into fits of pawing. She has a history of gingivitis. I have had her in for teeth cleanings in the past, and they have removed at least one abscessed tooth in the past. I have had several vets check her mouth thoroughly, and they don't see anything... I would bring her in for a teeth cleaning, but I am concerned about anesthetic because she's in kidney failure. I have read that they will do bloodwork to determine the kidney levels, and that they can administer fluids along with the anesthesia. Anyone have any experience with this? I have waited because I don't want to put her at unnecessary risk. I know, I know, just take her in and ask a vet's opinion. Yeah, yeah. Obviously I will do that. I'm the type of client who likes to be well informed & advocate for my cat.
2007-10-17 16:24:51 · 3 answers · asked by Carrie 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Vet tech here : )
It sounds like a tooth abscess to me, and being in kidney failure actually makes it more likely that she'd get one. If I were doing her anesthesia, I would definitely want bloodwork to help me know what drugs she can safely handle, and at what dose. Sometimes you have to give a smaller dose than usual because it will stay in the cat longer. IV fluids under anesthesia would be her best option, plus having an IV catheter makes the anesthesia safer-guaranteed access to a vein should any additional meds be needed. I'd want to start her on antibiotics a few days before the procedure, it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll introduce some bacteria into the bloodstream when pulling an abscessed tooth, so it's best to get the bacteria in check beforehand. It would be worth it for her, because tooth abscesses are very painful and it could prevent her from eating and drinking enough, and also the infection puts stress on the kidneys, as they are filtering out bacteria that does make it into the blood.
Hope I helped.
2007-10-17 16:36:30 · answer #1 · answered by lizzy 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My cat who died at 22 and 1/2 years of age had regular teeth cleanings even in her last year. Her kidneys were definitely giving out.
For her last dental they took her in at 8 in the morning, starting fluids, she was anesthetized at noon for the procedure and then fluids were given in the afternoon. Her heart and blood pressure were monitored throughout the procedure.
2007-10-17 16:38:37 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The tooth could have a hairline crack, which would be very hard to see, but which the cat would DEFINATELY feel.
2007-10-17 16:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋