Bad teeth

[Ele]

My 8yrs male really doesn't like wet food, didn't ever eat it before recently (year and a half ago), when his teeth started going bad. But he still really doesn't like it without all the treat toppers. Thursday he broke his tooth, I took him to the vet on Friday. He practically has no teeth and the vet said he would hate to put him under bc of his age and for only 1 tooth that will probably fall out like the rest. They gave him antibiotics, pain killers and full blood work. He tried to eat when he got home but didn't eat much (I was ecstatic bc he hadn't eaten dry for 2 days and he didn't hide to eat wet treats). Its Wednesday and he still is not eating much dry. I weighed him and he lost 1lb since Friday! I'm so worried. There's also this bulge coming from his left rib now. Maybe because of the weight loss? His blood work was normal and healthy but he has/had a UTI, meds are supposed to clear it up. Should I take him to another vet? Try kitten food? I'm gone almost all day and my cat is a grazer who loves dry. I need him to eat. He is having 3/4 of Sheba pate mixed with 1 pouch of delectables bisque and topped with a squeeze, I spread it into 4 feedings. He really doesn't like wet that's why I mix it with delectables. And he won't have temptations dry, which is like a drug for him, I can tell he wants it but at the same time he knows it hurts so he doesn't. It's so sad to see him in pain, it's killing me! Please any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your time!

 

[Maurey]

8 is in no way too old to go under for a dental unless your cat has severe health problems and is on end of life care. I find it both ridiculous and cruel that your vet decided not to go through with a dental. In your position I’d be finding and going to a vet dentist asap.

 

[Ele]

8 is in no way too old to go under for a dental unless your cat has severe health problems and is on end of life care. I find it both ridiculous and cruel that your vet decided not to go through with a dental. In your position I’d be finding and going to a vet dentist asap.

Thank you for your advice. I agree, I don't think 8 is old for a cat. Besides his teeth, he is perfectly healthy. This is the 2nd vet who told me he's too "old". I found a dog dental place that also does cats but it's an hour away with a 3 week appt lead, no emergencies. It's a long drive for him which is why I chose a vet in the area with dental experience, not a specialist though. I will get an appt for the dog dental place for a third opinion, even if we have to wait. But if it gets any worse I will take him back to the vet closer to me because he takes emergencies. Thank you for your advice, it is very much appreciated

 

[neely]

I agree that 8 years is not too old for a cat to have dental surgery especially if he is otherwise healthy. Our present cat was approx. 9 when he had most of his teeth removed due to FORL and his former circumstances before we adopted him. I understand not wanting to drive an hour away but thought you may be interested in checking this directory of certified veterinary dental specialists:
Find a Veterinary Dental Specialist | AVDC.org You could always call the closest one and ask if they know another vet in your area for a second opinion.

 

[Ele]

I agree that 8 years is not too old for a cat to have dental surgery especially if he is otherwise healthy. Our present cat was approx. 9 when he had most of his teeth removed due to FORL and his former circumstances before we adopted him. I understand not wanting to drive an hour away but thought you may be interested in checking this directory of certified veterinary dental specialists:
Find a Veterinary Dental Specialist | AVDC.org You could always call the closest one and ask if they know another vet in your area for a second opinion.

Thank you for the link. I will call to see if they can recommend a vet that is closer.
And really appreciate hearing about your experience. How did he do after surgery? Perfectly healthy, I hope now. Does he eat dry food or only wet? Thank you again!

 

[fionasmom]

My vet had an office cat named Charlie who lived for 23 years. Sure, he sneezed and 4 vets ran over to see if he was okay, but still he had a long healthy life. He lost all his teeth through extraction as he aged and he still enjoyed dry food, which I witnessed when I attended his 23rd birthday party.

 

[Ele]

My vet had an office cat named Charlie who lived for 23 years. Sure, he sneezed and 4 vets ran over to see if he was okay, but still he had a long healthy life. He lost all his teeth through extraction as he aged and he still enjoyed dry food, which I witnessed when I attended his 23rd birthday party.

Thank you! That makes me feel better. Thank you for the laugh and smile, that I really needed.

 

[neely]

How did he do after surgery? Perfectly healthy, I hope now. Does he eat dry food or only wet? Thank you again!

He was a champ and did really well after the surgery. He has since developed another health problem but it's completely unrelated to the dental work. He eats both wet and dry food with no difficulty whatsoever. BTW, what's your cat's name? Lots of luck!

 

[Ele]

He was a champ and did really well after the surgery. He has since developed another health problem but it's completely unrelated to the dental work. He eats both wet and dry food with no difficulty whatsoever. BTW, what's your cat's name? Lots of luck!

Lucas is his name. I'm so glad to hear your little guy did well. I think I'm going to call the vet and demand they remove his tooth but they keep scaring me saying he may not wake up. But since your baby was 9 and had his removed with no problems, I don't see a reason Lucas can't have an extraction. His blood work was perfect. Sorry to hear about your cat's other health issues, hope he is OK. Thank you Neely!!