Elderly cat with severe dental disease

kuri

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Hello,

I have a cat that is 18 years old. He has had diabetes for the last 3 years that I've been treating with Lantus shots twice a day. During a checkup recently I've had the veterinarian diagnose him with severe dental disease stage 3 but they have not treated it, the only thing they did was give him a shot for pain. Is there any reason they would not want to treat him? Is it his age?
 

Mamanyt1953

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It could be his age, or something in his blood work. The problem with dental disease in cats is that real treatment requires a general anesthetic, and that carries a host of dangers in older cats, or cats with some other underlying issues. But by all means, NEVER be afraid to ask your vet exactly why they decided on one course of treatment instead of another. The vet should be quite willing to discuss this with you, and if s/he is not, it may be time to consider a new vet. Ideally, you and your vet will both be members of your cat's health team!
 
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