Poor Kitty has Tooth Resorption

daftcat75

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 7, 2018
Messages
12,641
Purraise
25,128
Ha! 😹 I love it! This is one of the Chewy product photos for those treats. They don’t smell that bad. But yes. Krista loved them! 😻
090B929B-AA59-49A2-B009-A52A80257F0B.jpeg
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #22

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
Krista ate just fine without her teeth. I only gave her wet food after the first round of extractions. The one thing that was tricky after her last extractions was treats. Most treats were out with her anyway as they usually contained chicken or fish. But the freeze dried treats were also hard for her to gum her way through. I ended up picking up a bag of these for her and she loved them. So that was her toothless treats from that point forward.

FELINE NATURAL Booster Lamb Green Tripe Freeze-Dried Cat Food Topper, 2-oz bag - Chewy.com

Krista eating just a few hours after her final extractions (her "remaining mouth extraction".)
https://thecatsite.com/media/toothless-and-ruthless.422999/
It's good to know that eating will be okay. PHEW

Ah Krista - she was always such a trooper! Love that video - she looks so pleased.

All the teeth except one and not all were extracted at the same dental surgery. It was over the course of several years. But yes, he eats perfectly fine, no trouble at all and he's a chow hound. :biggrin:
:biggrin: That is great!

Ha! 😹 I love it! This is one of the Chewy product photos for those treats. They don’t smell that bad. But yes. Krista loved them! 😻
View attachment 359752
HAHAH truthful advertising for a change lol.
 

charlie55

TCS Member
Kitten
Joined
Nov 23, 2020
Messages
6
Purraise
3
I Hope the cat is just well, usually tooth resorption has been linked to periodontal disease. Whatever the underlying cause, the end result is loss of the outer hard tissue of the tooth.
 

Muggs

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 18, 2020
Messages
34
Purraise
27
Good morning FeralHearts! I’m more than happy to answer your questions!

How long ago was this?
Was it a regular vet that preformed the procedure?
Was on of them a canine tooth?
What was the revision surgery?

Abbys first surgery was Sept 22 and her second surgery was Oct 26. My vet wouldn’t do the procedure cause he was not sure what may have been happening under the gum line so he referred her to a Specialist here in Ottawa. All of her teeth that were removed were molars. So far her canines and front teeth seem ok. Abby was diagnosed with FORLS which is a life long condition so she may need future surgeries. I got wonderful advice from daftcat75 who recommeded that I insist that all her teeth be removed when she needs her next surgery. This is advice I will definitely be taking!!!

A revision surgery is a corrective surgery. Abby had infection that needed to be cleaned up and she had some points on her teeth that were irritating her so they were filed down. Abby has had a rough go over the last year so I think she may be a bit run down which caused difficulty in healing.
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,121
Purraise
23,100
Location
near Boston
Thanks for the info..
It was a quick reply because I was on my phone.

Geoffrey had 4 teeth removed, Jan 2019. The Vet showed me the lesions.. actual holes in the teeth.
I felt so bad for him. We expected 3, and he ended up with 4.

What I do like about this Vet practice, is that they x-rays before and AFTER extractions; to make sure all the roots are removed and there are no pieces left. They monitor them during the entire dental ...

The teeth extracted were molars and pre-molars.

They released him with a long acting antibiotic and pain injection, so I did not need to medicate him.

Geoffrey was hiding, and looked as is he was in some pain for the first 12 hours or so.. But he did eat his wet food, about 3 hours after returning home. I was allowed to give him dry food, 3 days later. He had no problems eating it.. While watching, I could see that if he bit into it wrong, it did hurt him. This did not stop him from eating it. In fact, that is primarily what he is eating now..

In August, he had to see the Reg Vet and the Internist--unrelated issue. They both said his teeth looked great!
The Internist's secretary offered to schedule a dental appointment for him, at that time. But I said, to wait a bit.. She said it was at least a 6 month wait... and they have 3 dentists!

Over the past couple of months, I have noticed Geoffrey placemat with some pieces of dry food on it. I am wondering if he is having issues..
~~~~~
My last guy, Artie, also had dental issues, and some reabsorption along with gingivitis.. He had 3 teeth removed~~ all molars, or premolars. He had absolutely no issues after his extractions.

Good Luck..

Yes, With your babies, issues with anesthesia and the foot, along with the canine, I would definitely make an appointment with a Dental Specialist, at a Vet hospital, if at all possible.. and insist on x-rays AFTER the extractions.

((hugs))

Funny, I have bad teeth myself... been through it all.. so I can relate...
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #27

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
Thanks again everyone - this is really helping me - which means it will help her to.

Weird question - does anyone think that her being on the Doxycycline for 9 months could have had anything to do with this? It was liquid and I did rinse with water after each dose but still.

Should I be asking for antibiotics before and after her surgery? Pillow foot is an autoimmune thing so I'm wondering about extra caution taken there as well.

It also looks like the Vet and I will be playing a few rounds of "Humor the Human" lol

I hope all of you don't mind all my questions XO

She did become a bit of a food flinger over the course of her extractions. 😹 She's toothless in this one.
https://thecatsite.com/media/solo-food-fight.423563/
I think Krista would have won a food fight lol

I Hope the cat is just well, usually tooth resorption has been linked to periodontal disease. Whatever the underlying cause, the end result is loss of the outer hard tissue of the tooth.
That's what I'm reading. :-( I wish we knew the cause though. I know sometimes things just "are" and knowing the cause doesn't mean preventable but if it is - that would be so good to know. With all the kitties having various issues I keep thinking "How am I failing them? What am I doing wrong?"

Good morning FeralHearts! I’m more than happy to answer your questions!

How long ago was this?
Was it a regular vet that preformed the procedure?
Was on of them a canine tooth?
What was the revision surgery?

Abbys first surgery was Sept 22 and her second surgery was Oct 26. My vet wouldn’t do the procedure cause he was not sure what may have been happening under the gum line so he referred her to a Specialist here in Ottawa. All of her teeth that were removed were molars. So far her canines and front teeth seem ok. Abby was diagnosed with FORLS which is a life long condition so she may need future surgeries. I got wonderful advice from daftcat75 who recommeded that I insist that all her teeth be removed when she needs her next surgery. This is advice I will definitely be taking!!!

A revision surgery is a corrective surgery. Abby had infection that needed to be cleaned up and she had some points on her teeth that were irritating her so they were filed down. Abby has had a rough go over the last year so I think she may be a bit run down which caused difficulty in healing.
Side note: ah the benefits of living in a big city and not a backwater town like Niagara Falls where the attitude is "there is nothing outside of Niagara" - at least with the residents and politicians. (Hopefully not the vet's but I'm about to find out lol)

Thank you for answering for me :-) Every little bit helps me as TBH I feel positively sick over the whole thing.

I think I will do the same, follow daftcat75 daftcat75 's advice. I'm not sure I'll do it this surgery - I think I will wait on the x-rays first and get a full picture... but I think also I'm going to fight for the canine unless there is a real reason to remove it. (More research for my head is needed.) Who knows between now and then I might change my mind depending on what I learn.

Like with W.L - I'm in a bit of shock for BH since there are / were no signs of trouble - at least not yet. It does make me glad I take them in every year to be looked over by a Doctor.

Were the points of the teeth a result of the other teeth being removed?
How old was Abby when it first showed up?


Thanks for the info..
It was a quick reply because I was on my phone.

Geoffrey had 4 teeth removed, Jan 2019. The Vet showed me the lesions.. actual holes in the teeth.
I felt so bad for him. We expected 3, and he ended up with 4.
This is what happened at her vet visit to. She showed me the holes in Braveheart's teeth. At least two - she thinks there will be more.


What I do like about this Vet practice, is that they x-rays before and AFTER extractions; to make sure all the roots are removed and there are no pieces left. They monitor them during the entire dental ...

The teeth extracted were molars and pre-molars.

They released him with a long acting antibiotic and pain injection, so I did not need to medicate him.

Geoffrey was hiding, and looked as is he was in some pain for the first 12 hours or so.. But he did eat his wet food, about 3 hours after returning home. I was allowed to give him dry food, 3 days later. He had no problems eating it.. While watching, I could see that if he bit into it wrong, it did hurt him. This did not stop him from eating it. In fact, that is primarily what he is eating now..

In August, he had to see the Reg Vet and the Internist--unrelated issue. They both said his teeth looked great!
The Internist's secretary offered to schedule a dental appointment for him, at that time. But I said, to wait a bit.. She said it was at least a 6 month wait... and they have 3 dentists!

Over the past couple of months, I have noticed Geoffrey placemat with some pieces of dry food on it. I am wondering if he is having issues..
~~~~~
My last guy, Artie, also had dental issues, and some reabsorption along with gingivitis.. He had 3 teeth removed~~ all molars, or premolars. He had absolutely no issues after his extractions.
Did Artie have more teeth removed after that initial removal and how old was he when it occurred?

How old was Geoffrey when it first showed up?

I hope he has no more issues and it's just a fluke this time!


Good Luck..

Yes, With your babies, issues with anesthesia and the foot, along with the canine, I would definitely make an appointment with a Dental Specialist, at a Vet hospital, if at all possible.. and insist on x-rays AFTER the extractions.

((hugs))

Funny, I have bad teeth myself... been through it all.. so I can relate...
Thank you *hugs back*

I think that is a wise thing - x-rays after too. All about preventing issues!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #28

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
So I called my first choice. I don't know why I like this guy - but I have a good feeling about him.

He's not in a hospital setting but he does review the case first to see if she's better off in a hospital setting and will decline her if she is. He's been doing it 30 years, is apparently one of the fastest with anesthesia so she will be out less time. He does teaching at the school and lectures.

Everything I read before I called also tells me he's straight-up - which means we will get along fine.

His first bookings are in March - so not so horrible a time frame.

Getting her X-rays before the appointment is a no go as she has to be put out and they do before and after x-rays.
 
Last edited:

Muggs

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Nov 18, 2020
Messages
34
Purraise
27
Thank you for answering for me :-) Every little bit helps me as TBH I feel positively sick over the whole thing.

I think I will do the same, follow daftcat75 daftcat75 's advice. I'm not sure I'll do it this surgery - I think I will wait on the x-rays first and get a full picture... but I think also I'm going to fight for the canine unless there is a real reason to remove it. (More research for my head is needed.) Who knows between now and then I might change my mind depending on what I learn.

Like with W.L - I'm in a bit of shock for BH since there are / were no signs of trouble - at least not yet. It does make me glad I take them in every year to be looked over by a Doctor.

Were the points of the teeth a result of the other teeth being removed?
How old was Abby when it first showed up?




Abby was 5 when this first showed up. She had other serious health issues that needed to be resolved before we could move forward with the dental surgery So she had her surgery almost a year later (was on pain meds for the duration or her other illness recovery).

The way the dentist explained to me is when top molllars are removed, the remaining molars on the bottom press the food on the roof of the mouth like a cutting board. So the bottom points were filed down in case they were poking the roof of her mouth.




Did Artie have more teeth removed after that initial removal and how old was he when it occurred?

How old was Geoffrey when it first showed up?

I hope he has no more issues and it's just a fluke this time!




Thank you *hugs back*

I think that is a wise thing - x-rays after too. All about preventing issues!
[/QUOTE]
 

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,121
Purraise
23,100
Location
near Boston
Did Artie have more teeth removed after that initial removal and how old was he when it occurred?
Artie was about 9 or 10 when he had his dental. I adopted him at age 8. He developed a ton of medical issues. I think he probably should have had more dentals, but other things got in the way...

How old was Geoffrey when it first showed up?
I adopted Geoffrey 2 years ago, at age 3-4... He had the dental almost a year ago; so 4-5... I was alerted on our initial vet visit that he had issues.. but not resorption.

I hope he has no more issues and it's just a fluke this time!
Me two... but who knows... orange cats seem to have dental issues... sigh

Keep us updated!! ((hugs))
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #31

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
Thank you all again for all the information sharing. I would be so lost without you all. XOXOXOX

I spoke to her Vet this morning and she agrees on a Dental specialist for the canine. I'm glad as I hate doing this as I always feel like you're saying the first Doctor that you don't trust them or their skills - and that's not it. I was so happy she was good with this. I'm not a rich woman and I am lucky that Braveheart has some insurance - not a lot but some so that helps.

The first one I called was the one I liked the look of. They answered the phone and we went through things. Good reviews. Only one negative. (Dr. Fraser Hale) Fraser Hale

I couldn't get a hold of the second one yet and they said phone calls aren't checked - I also can't find reviews easily. (Dr. Ian Haws) Animal Dental Care

Here is the issue:

The first one was the one I liked the look of - the second one taught my Vet and also is a hospital. So she knows him and there is a relationship. On the Facebook site there s a question regarding billing practices.

There are no specialist anesthesiologists in either practice. So at least that's not a determination.

This is a huge decision IMHO and I'm having trouble making it.

Any experience on things I should ask that will help me pick?


Abby was 5 when this first showed up. She had other serious health issues that needed to be resolved before we could move forward with the dental surgery So she had her surgery almost a year later (was on pain meds for the duration or her other illness recovery).

The way the dentist explained to me is when top molllars are removed, the remaining molars on the bottom press the food on the roof of the mouth like a cutting board. So the bottom points were filed down in case they were poking the roof of her mouth.
Thank you - this is good to know. :-)

Artie was about 9 or 10 when he had his dental. I adopted him at age 8. He developed a ton of medical issues. I think he probably should have had more dentals, but other things got in the way...

I adopted Geoffrey 2 years ago, at age 3-4... He had the dental almost a year ago; so 4-5... I was alerted on our initial vet visit that he had issues.. but not resorption.

Me two... but who knows... orange cats seem to have dental issues... sigh

Keep us updated!! ((hugs))
I understand about things getting in the way. My one kitty Mia is really fat and needs dental cleaning but I have to get her weight down first. Trying to focus on that, plus WL new diagnosis, another problem cat, and now BH along with a storm that just damaged my home - yup I totally get how things get in the way. My sanity might soon come into question lol.

I will send good vibes to you that he has no more issues.

*hugs back* I will for sure! This is an adventure - not the fun kind though sadly. BAH!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #32

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
Oh I forgot - her blood tests and urine results came back very good. So at least she's in the clear for any more issues ATM. Very cleared her for surgery. (Whoever ends up doing it.)
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #33

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
Okay so I've made the choice and I hope that Dr. Hale accepts her as a patient.

This was hard and honestly I feel nauseated and my tummy is turning but I think this is the right call.

So now I'll let her Doctor know tomorrow, we will start the process and sometime in March (if he accepts her) we'll get her fixed up. Some of what I've read on how he approaches things does include simply taking all the teeth in one go. So I'm prepared. He also uses bupe transdermal instead of the Metacam / Meloxicam. I'm feeling as good as I can about it too as it in line with the things you all have said.

I'll let you know if he takes her on and then see how I cam going to get a cat that can barely tolerate a 10 minute drive - to do about an hour thirty - fourty-five. :-\ That's a problem for another day. I think I can ask my mom if I can take her SUV at it's a smoother ride than my car. That might help.
 

daftcat75

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 7, 2018
Messages
12,641
Purraise
25,128
Okay so I've made the choice and I hope that Dr. Hale accepts her as a patient.

This was hard and honestly I feel nauseated and my tummy is turning but I think this is the right call.

So now I'll let her Doctor know tomorrow, we will start the process and sometime in March (if he accepts her) we'll get her fixed up. Some of what I've read on how he approaches things does include simply taking all the teeth in one go. So I'm prepared. He also uses bupe transdermal instead of the Metacam / Meloxicam. I'm feeling as good as I can about it too as it in line with the things you all have said.

I'll let you know if he takes her on and then see how I cam going to get a cat that can barely tolerate a 10 minute drive - to do about an hour thirty - fourty-five. :-\ That's a problem for another day. I think I can ask my mom if I can take her SUV at it's a smoother ride than my car. That might help.
A couple of suggestions:

Get a hotel room where you are going so that BH only has to travel minutes instead of hours on the day of her appointment. I got two nights so that Krista and I would not have to turn around right after the consult. In her case, that was a great stroke of luck because the dentist had an afternoon procedure cancellation that Krista slid right in and took. I'm not saying that will happen for you. But it's nice to have that flexibility.

As for getting her used to the drive, you have time to work on that. Practice car rides with her using desensitization training. Week 1 (or however many weeks it takes) would be using treats to get her into her carrier. You can pick up her carrier to a seat next to you and practice mock car drives. You can spend as much time on each "week" as you need to. The next step would be to get her out to the actual car. Give her a treat or two while she's sitting in the car seat next to you. You can decide based on her anxiety level whether you do any driving this "week" or if you just work on getting her comfortable with being in the carrier in the car. The next step would be practice drives around the block. Each "week"--I use "week" in quotes as it may take you more or less than a week for her to become comfortable with a lesson--you can add a small piece to the routine. Maybe you drive a little longer.

I recommend using either bonito fish flakes or those tripe treats I posted earlier to pump BH with treats during the training.

Krista was just amazing with car rides. She would weakly protest on the way to the car and maybe in the first few seconds of driving. But then she settled right down and rode quietly. She only spoke up when she needed a break. In our case, we broke up the two hour drive with a break at the hour mark. Her request. 😻 We hit traffic on the drive back and she kept requesting breaks. "Seriously, Krista? I want to get home already too."
 

daftcat75

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 7, 2018
Messages
12,641
Purraise
25,128
Oh one other suggestion. Practice hotel rooms too if she's never been in one before. You don't want to miss your appointment because you can't get her out from under the bed or you can't find her in the room. Krista loved hotel rooms! She especially took it upon herself to find the highest point of every hotel room. Usually on top of the fridge. But sometimes they had cabinets with a gap to the ceiling so she could get up on those too. But at the end of the day, it was just another room to her. She would eventually make her way back to my lap or next to me in bed.

If you're uncertain of how BH might react to a hotel room, you can keep in her in the bathroom or bring a soft crate you can erect for her in the room. Something like this:
ELITEFIELD 2-Door Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen, Navy Blue & Beige, 48 x 48 x 32-in - Chewy.com
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #37

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
daftcat75 daftcat75 thank you. I love these suggestions.

Braveheart was a feral until 2 years ago when I brought her in forever. She's barely used to people. Not that she's bad with them. The first few vet visits were terrible now she is fairly well behaved with some gabapentin in her.. actually they say her behavior is excellent. *proud mama*.

She hides with any new voice. Her trust was very hard earned.

She adjusted to inside life like she was always meant to be inside though - surprisingly - but can't stand being away from her sisters.

It'll still be winter here in March so I think driving up the night before is probably wise. Although she is not going to do well without her sisters regardless. I can try to take her away for a night a few times between now and then and see how she does, but yes driving up the night before is most likely the smart thing to do.

And car rides -yes - great - I can make that happen.

XOXOXO

Krista was very special and I think she liked it because you were with her. Home was always where you were. XOXOXO
 

daftcat75

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 7, 2018
Messages
12,641
Purraise
25,128
daftcat75 daftcat75 thank you. I love these suggestions.

Braveheart was a feral until 2 years ago when I brought her in forever. She's barely used to people. Not that she's bad with them. The first few vet visits were terrible now she is fairly well behaved with some gabapentin in her.. actually they say her behavior is excellent. *proud mama*.

She hides with any new voice. Her trust was very hard earned.

She adjusted to inside life like she was always meant to be inside though - surprisingly - but can't stand being away from her sisters.

It'll still be winter here in March so I think driving up the night before is probably wise. Although she is not going to do well without her sisters regardless. I can try to take her away for a night a few times between now and then and see how she does, but yes driving up the night before is most likely the smart thing to do.

And car rides -yes - great - I can make that happen.

XOXOXO

Krista was very special and I think she liked it because you were with her. Home was always where you were. XOXOXO
Krista was amazingly well adjusted and loved other people and places. If anyone came over, she would be at the door greeting them. She was more dog than cat like that. The last time I moved, I had some overlap in leases. I thought it would be easier for her if I moved her in with a friend for a couple weeks so I could more easily move stuff out and get everything settled into the new place. She loved her weeks with my friend and her roommate. Within five minutes, she was laying on someone else’s bed. I believe she would have run off with anyone who kept up with her feeding and scritches needs. 😹😻
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #39

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
LOL

I don't believe that she would ever have traded you in . She was too bonded to you. Everyone else would be a poor substitute. :biggrin:

---

After a multitude of what the helks lol I finally got the Vets referral and sent it off. (The first one didn't arrive and the second one was blank lol) I guess third time is really the charm.

I added some extra charts notes for her apnea and throat.

... and now we wait and hope she is accepted.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #40

FeralHearts

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
1,645
Purraise
3,166
Location
Canada
She's been accepted by the doctor! *YAY!!!!

We go on the 22nd of March, unless there is a cancel but she is all set.

Thank you everyone for the support and information you've all shared. It's really helped.

I will keep the thread updated for future people too.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
 
Last edited:
Top