Post tooth extraction questions.

[MissClouseau]

Hello everyone after a long break.

My Hima got 5 teeth & roots of a broken tooth removed today. She has sutures :-( The vet gave her Convenia, we were not given pain meds. Hima is also still supposed to get her ursodeoxycholic acid medicine daily. My questions…

• The vet told me she needs to be “pate/mousse food made soup-like ONLY” for the next 14 days. I’m a bit confused though because apparently my brother’s vet actually advised AGAINST pate kind of wet food as they are more likely to stick. How was your experience with your cats?

• I’m also worried my girl will not eat nearly enough. She loves dry food more and normally she eats half of a 85gr can of wet food at once at most. And one can in total a day. Vet told us she’s supposed to eat 3 cans a day.

• Today she regurgitated her wet food within 2 minutes, 5 hours after surgery. I guess it’s normal after anesthesia?

any tips and experience is welcome.

 

[stephanietx]

She needs pain meds. I would call and ask for that. The shot of pain meds they give wears off after 24 hours. When I've had kitties with extractions, I've always been sent home with pain meds.

We were also told to feed soft foods, but I gave my girl some freeze dried food (Stella & Chewy's) broken up into small pieces rather than dry food. I also fed wet food, pate ground up with an immersion blender. She did well with that.

Most of the time, kitties don't chew kibble, they just lick it and swallow it, but there are times when they crunch down on it and I imagine that would be painful with 5 extractions, so that's why no hard kibble.

This is the "dry" food we fed. I also used the duck variety.

Stella & Chewy's

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I agree that she should have some pain meds. Is it possible they gave her a long lasting pain shot? Mine had four extraction and they gave him a long lasting pain med that had him loopy for four days. His eyes were like saucers the entire time and I could tell he was feeling no pain whatsoever.

As to the pate, if you water it down until it is soupy, it should NOT be sticky at all, but would require more food to ensure enough calories. If she doesn't eat enough of that, then definitely give her something else, but if her kibble is too big, I would say to either crush it into tiny pieces, or try the above suggestion. You could also try feeding her a different canned food to see if she'll eat it, or put some finely crushed kibble on top of the soupy wet food.

I'm shocked your Vet didn't tell you not to feed her that soon after the surgery! We have always been told not to feed them until the next day following any anesthesia, which makes them have to go a long time without food, but vomiting with sutures in the mouth can't be good. It could have been caused by either the anesthesia OR because she ate too fast or too much because she was hungry after having to have fasted prior to the dental.

 

[MissClouseau]

Is it possible they gave her a long lasting pain shot?

very possible.

I'm shocked your Vet didn't tell you not to feed her that soon after the surgery

I’m surprised to read this. Her liver is sensitive, maybe they were concerned about that? She has mild fatty liver and her ALT is a tad elevated.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Since they didn't give you any specific instructions NOT to feed her, I would try feeding her a smaller amount now (if you haven't already) and see how it goes. If she can keep it down, then an another hour or so give her a little more. I'm sure she is hungry and probably scarfed down her food, which is what caused the regurgitation.

Did you call the Vet to discuss pain meds, either that they gave her the long lasting one, or they can give you some to give her?

 

[FriendofFerals]

I have once cat with 14 teeth removed and another with all of them except three canines. Pain meds are a must. Bupenorphine for sure. The old cat (17 at the time) needed refills to get him through it. Drooling everywhere is normal. Anything they will eat --let them eat it, At the time my old cat didn't have food additive sensitivities yet and I gave him Weruva OMG Gravy (which is mostly liquid), and mousse packets like Tiki Cat Velvet Mousse, even store bought Delectables Bisque Lickable Wet Cat Treats. Remember it's temporary, not forever.

There was no issue with sticking or interference with any sutures and both of them healed fine. I would avoid dry food unless that's all they want. If the cat will go for pate, shreds, chunks or any other texture--let them do it. If nothing else works: Boiled chicken breast purreed with water in a food processor until it's smooth like baby food. Remember, cat's will be triggered to eat. based on smell and texture. Pain will hold them back so if you can dull the pain and give something that smells good and is warm or room temperature (NOT hot or cold) that should work.