Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
6977760 tn?1386663990

19 year old Coco Kitty smells & paws at mouth

Hi,  Coco is 19 now. I have had her since she's been about 4 weeks old.    I seen she was pawing at her mouth about 3 months ago and took her to the vet.  Vet said she had a chipped fang tooth but no infection.  Her bladder was a little enlarged.  Vet said she didn't seem in pain.  She has always been a small kitty at about 5 pounds.   I have always free fed her mostly dry food.   I found that this was very bad for her and now just give her canned food.  She seems to have a good appetite of 2 to 3 3oz. cans a day.   She has been pawing at her mouth more often now and has a horrible odor.   At this age I don't want to do anything to extreme for her health like having her put under for tooth extraction etc.   However,  I want her to enjoy her last days not in pain.  She sleeps more but still get around fine, Suns every day on a tall cat tree she has to make about a 4' jump to get where she suns,  has a healthy appetite, shiny coat,  plays occasionally and uses her litter box.  I brush her and have used a wet paper towel to wipe her face, nose and mouth and I also give her Colloidal Silver drops in food and water.  
1.  How to know if she is in Pain or has an infection?
2.  How to dry groom / clean her to keep smell in check?
3.  Anything else I can do for her?
Thanks for your feedback / help :)!
Kim
28 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
874521 tn?1424116797
Thank you for this post as another who also used the services of an Oral surgeon....I completely agree. Glad your kitty is also doing well :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Just to say our 17 year old kitty had her teeth removed at a dental specialist and did just fine.  Regular dental care could have avoided the infection that spread to her jaw.  Our vet referred us because the specialists have much better equipment and do this kind of thing all day. What would have taken the vet 1 hr would take 10-15 minutes for the specialist.  Multiply that by 10 for difficult to extract teeth and it can make the difference of one procedure or 3 or 4.   I also believe that the anesthesia setup is better than it once was.  They used a full vital monitoring system and are able to monitor EKG, heart rate, pulse rate, respiratory rate, capnograph (CO2 entering and exiting the body), temperature, and blood pressure.   Ask lots of questions!  I think they called it a 'bear hug' or an AVES.  They reassured us that Kitty was in good hands and if they had seen vitals go out of wack they would have stopped the procedure.  
We simply could not bring ourselves to think about letting our little furry friend who had become a family member suffer.  It's only been some days after but she is already better and following us around instead of hiding!   So glad we did this. Hope this mail gives others hope and saves some kitties some suffering.
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Young or old, if a cat is pawing at his/her mouth crying, then something MUST be done to alleviate the cat's pain.  A senior cat should see an animal dental specialist(they do exist) and they will be able to take care of the problem with expertise more so than a regular vet.

We ALL know what a bad tooth feels like, so senior kitties shouldn't be allowed to suffer through this excruciating pain.
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Digger,

We really don't know what happened with Sartori's kit. We never heard back. I pray she got help for her baby.

Age is the critical factor in determining what measures to take. My cat was 5 years old when I had all her teeth out. She had more than a few years of living left. A senior cat is so fragile and It is understandable not to want to put them thru that invasive a surgery. .....But you need to have your vet give her pain meds. The pain is excruciating. That is why she cannot eat or groom herself. A cat must eat, even if you have to force feed them. If they do not eat they can die. Please call your vet and explain this to him and ask him for pain management and if necessary a feeding tube. He may be 19 but he may still have many more good years with you, Don't give up on him. She does need to be seen by a Vet ASAP.

....and if your present vet does not take this serious, then you should "Send him on his way as if he is just an OLD vet"
Helpful - 0
7790830 tn?1394218410
I was wondering if you had an update? I have the exact same story although after 6 months of crying I notice my 19yr cat lost his canine. He too was pawing at his face. Come to find out he has several teeth missing when the 1st vet gave me the same answer you're did! Sent us on our way as if he's just an old cat meowing to hear himself. He is no on Buprenex. I feel the same way, I don't want to put him through surgery this late in life to only end with trauma. Today he won't eat and its been 24 hours and he is still sluggish and just wants to sleep. There is a lot more detail I could give but am wondering how your kitty was after seeing the vet?
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
Thanks for the WELCOME, Opus.

Sounds like you know exactly where I am coming from. Good for Sami to have a mom like you.

You are so right to compare it to the pain we humans have with a tooth ache....or if our root were to be exposed.Yikes! Cat's are incredible creatures to have to hide their pain from pedators.

Anyway, Thanks again and Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!!!!
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
welcome to our forum and thank you for the very informative post on Stomatitis.....I agree this is a very painful condition. Also in this category are FORLs that I have posted on previously. both conditions need a qualified Veterinary dentist to deal with these issues properly.

My Sami has these FORLs and has seen one such specialist for removal of some teeth, he now is on an oral cleaning regiment with mommy, and see's the good doctor yearly for xrays to watch for progression...

I cry too thinking of the excruciating pain many kitties are suffering.....we humans know how painful a tooth ache can be. they can't tell us, we have to be vigilant.

thanks again for your post, hope to see more of you and your Furster on the forum:)))
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Satori,

How wonderful to have had your kitty for 19 years! I can only hope mine will live to that ripe old age.

I will tell you this, just because I experienced dental problems with my kitty right after I got her from the shelter I worked at. I knew she had a dental condition called "Stomatitis". She would never let anyone get  near her, especially her mouth. Yes she drooled, had terrible breath and pawed at her mouth.

I had an immediate bond with her and knew she would be almost unadoptable, since she hid away out of pain. Long story short --adopted her , next day took her to a Dental Specialist (Yes they actually have them) and $3,500 later that same day all her teeth were taken out.
I know this sounds drastic, but this is the ONLY way this condition can be cured. The dentist took x-rays and pictures of the inside of her mouth while under sedation--OMG! I cried to see how horrible her gums, teeth,throat looked. I can't even think about how much pain she must have been in.

I truly believes she knows I made the pain go away, because she is devoted to ME. She is always with me wherever I am, and so loving. She again plays, washes herself, nuzzles me all the time and I know I did the right thing. She is most important to me and very much loved ,just like each of us here feels about their little furster!

Please have x-rays taken and a dental specialist is the ONLY one I would trust for a diagnosis. Seems Tartar would not cause that much pain.
Please know I am telling this story only to make people aware of this horrible immune mediated disease called stomatitis. I am afraid her age sets up a number of complication for resolution of her problem. A Dental specialist will ease your fears though and ease her pain with the right meds. You will see, she will be her old self again.

Please others--BE AWARE of this horrific disease that manifest itself orally. You will spare your beloved Furster a great deal of pain if you read up on this condition and watch for the signs.

I am praying for you both satori,
CML
Helpful - 0
7052683 tn?1392938795
I completely agree with you Zodiac, and sometimes you have to be just a plain b----, to get a Vet's attention.

Cat's hide their pain VERY well. So if signs of pain are there then she is hurting!!
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Hi, just wanted to see how Coco is doing today!  

I hope she's doing better.
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
Is the silver paste something you bought or made?  As I would like to make/get some for Coco as well.  The stuff seems awesome.  Yes, the brand is Natural Immunogenics.  
Thanks again,
Kim
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
Hi,
I will check around and see if I can find a Vet Dentist per say...one that specializes in oral care for cats. Thinking maybe this is like when we have to see a specialist and not just a family Dr... I would like to get her teeth cleaned anyway if they can do it without putting her under.  
I of course will still be watching and checking her.  I would really hate to find out the Vet was wrong...and Coco kitty is in pain.  I went around with a bad tooth for 2 yrs (guess I thought I could save it)  before I finally had it pulled. I had no more pain in less than 10 min after suffering for 2yrs.  So, I would Certinally not do this to my Coco on purpose.
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
Thanks Jade59.  I will look for it at the pet store!
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Here's a link...

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/whiskas-cat-food.html
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there...please don't give your kitty any Temptations.  There are some bad write ups about them making kitties ill.  I know for sure, they were making Jade vomit, and I mean, without a doubt!  A better 'treat' is PUREBITES.  All it is, is freeze dried chicken, turkey, or fish, whatever your kitty prefers.  
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Well, I sincerely hope and pray that the vet is correct! How does he know for sure that she's not in pain or that her teeth are good?  I don't mean to sound like an arrogant A S S, but, I would still keep my eye on her.  I believe that she's pawing at her mouth for a reason.....It has to be a bad tooth, in my honest opinion.  I wonder if they can do x rays of the mouth area, kind of like they do w/ us when we have a bad tooth.  I know they can't do "bite wings" on cats, but they can probably take a skull x ray to show the teeth.

I do agree with the vet about giving some hard food.  That will help keep the tartar build-up down.  
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
I called the Cat Clinic and the vet she had seen before was no longer with them.  I talked to another vet there and he said bring her in.   So, just got back.  He notice Tarter on her back teeth and pulled it off both sides with his nails.  Said she looked fine and didn't need any Medication.  I am soooo Grateful he found the problem and to know she hasn't been in pain.  Discomfort from tater build up but not nerve pain nor infections.  He said the teeth look nice and white.   I am very happy pet owner/slave (lol) today :)!  He said to give her Temptations and some dry food with her wet food and that should help.   Hope this helps others with older cats pawing at mouth and smelling just rank....  Thank you all so much for your feed back :)!   I was so happy I forgot to ask about the docusate sodium.  I will ask tomorrow about that.   Thanks everyone....Good to know there are others out there to get feedback from to help our Pets in need :)!!!   If anyone has found a good way to control Tarter for cats let me know...
Helpful - 0
587315 tn?1333552783
Hi, I've been following this post.  I really think you should get a second opinion, and I believe that is what your gut is telling you to do as well.  I also think that the tooth might be able to be safely pulled, if the vet finds her heart and kidneys to be in decent shape.  We had an 18 yr old cat go in for a tooth extraction and she also had a heart murmur.  She did fine and our vet was nervous putting her under.  She did fine and had no weird side effects that I can remember.

I've also had to deal with constipation with my last 18 yr old kitty.  My vet had me give her docusate sodium.  This can be purchased over the counter.  I can't remember the actual mg of the dosing and you have to be extremely careful that is the ONLY ingredient.  Of course, ask your vet first.  He'll know the right mg for Coco.

Please, keep us updated.

ZQ
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
good I'm glad you are getting her into a Vet asap....I know you want whats best for your kitty.
at 19 years old anesthetics are risky IMO....you will have to talk this over with your Vet.  after they examine that tooth better and give you a better diagnosis.
NO don't try to file that tooth, it won't help anyway...the pain is inside where the nerve is...

yes I know abt Collodial Silver and use it in mixed in a paste for my cats teeth..just a tiny drop with COQ10, its good if there is any gingivitis present.

You must be using the brand Natural Immunogenics right?....its a good choice...and 10 ppm is safe.
Wellness is also a good brand.

let us know what the Vet says today. and good luck:)
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
I will see if I can get her in Today and make sure they probe the tooth / teeth.  She didn't smell as bad when I had 1st taken her in for the tooth...but had said she was pawing and howling about it and that is why I had taken her in... If it is the tooth do you think I should have it pulled...Do older cats do well with being put under usually?  The fang is chipped and sharp on the end... should I file it...The Vet said they really had no good way to deal with the chipped fang tooth....didn't see any puss...but she won't let me look more than a few seconds at a time...The silver I give her is Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol Dropper 10 Ppm.  My niece gave it her cat after $700 of tests at the Vet only to be told they have no idea what was wrong.  He has been fine for over a year now.  So, I started giving it to Coco last March as she didn't seem to have much of an appetite after her 17 year old daughter kitty had passed.  It seemed like she was in depression.  I give her like 2 drops in her water or food daily and then about 2x a week give her a drop or 2 in the mouth.  From what I know they use it to clean dialysis machines and give it to military personal as part of the survival kit to purify water.  I use it as an immune system booster myself.  
I appreciate your feedback on this and am really thinking I should have taken her elsewhere for a second opinion...I hope she hasn't been in pain this whole time as it's been about 2 months since it started and I took her in last... and the vet assured me she didn't seem in pain!
  
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
well the pawing at her mouth indicates its bothering her....and the smell, than something is wrong. both strongly indicate dental decay. did you tell the Vet abt both these symptoms?
if you did than this Vet is really very incompetent IMO.

If there is an infection you would notice some swelling with red gums near the fang  and perhaps a discharge of pus?
a good visual can usually notice that pretty easily.

if not than its nerve related and very painful.
yes buprenex is a narcotic. it is usually prescribed after dental work is done...for short periods!!!!
it can also be used long term, but yes its pretty strong stuff your right. the only other choice is to have the tooth removed. At 19 I can see your reluctance to do this, however you cannot leave her suffer either.

if possible I would try another Vet and tell them exactly what her symptoms are, make sure they probe the tooth....that will soon show if she's in pain there or not...

There really isn't any test...if its dental pain....I still say IF b/c I am only guessing by the symptoms you describe, of course it could be something else, but pawing at the mouth and oral odor are strong indications!!!!
Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
Thank you for the speedy response.   I tried the vet but already closed for the night.   I will call 1st thing tomorrow.  I will get her a pain Med tomorrow one way or another.  A little concerned about the Burprenex as shows it's pretty strong stuff.  Is this like fentanyl for humans?  
She has had the constipation off and on for years.  I have given her the canned food with pumpkin but she really didn't like it much.  Will have to try the Miralax.  I was just thinking for human dental problems they usually give you antibiotics and pain meds.   Asked the vet if I could give her oral gel and they said NO...but why she didn't suggest a pain med if it got worse perplexes me...she charged me $60 to look at her for 5 minutes...and didn't really say or suggest much...except " she had a chipped fang tooth but no infection.  Her bladder was a little enlarged and she didn't seem in pain. "   Are there any test I should have them run?
Thanks again,
Kim
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
can I ask why you give the collidial silver?
what brand is it and is it the pure silver? some aren't really recommended for use orally especially for cats.

you can't order antibiotics on line a  Vet has to prescribe the proper one for whatever the particular bacteria is causing an infection IF THERE IS ONE...

it sounds very much like dental nerve pain as I commented on before, and antibiotics won't do anything for that, she needs pain meds PLEASE don't allow her to suffer, these meds aren't that expensive. talk to your Vet if he can't see this than YES GET A NEW VET...

as far as constipation. has this just started? are her stools really hard when she goes or does she hold them in too long and not pass anything for a few days?

if always depends on whats causing the constipation. if its fiber she needs than you could try getting some PURE PUMPKIN in the can, but be sure its NOT the pie filling, it has to say pure on the label and be 100% pumpkin with no additves. than you can add a 1/4 teaspoon to her food and see if that helps her. otherwise you would have to use 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax laxative....try the pumpkin first for a few days and see if that helps..but be careful b/c depending on the cause too much fiber can make the situation worse, if it feces sits in the colon too long it will get so impacted with too much fiber and than she's really plugged up.

Helpful - 0
6977760 tn?1386663990
Was wondering if you think antibiotics might help.  She also has constipation is there anything natural I can give her to help with that as well?  Also, cost is a factor for me do you know of any place to order these online at a discount?
Thanks again :)!
Kim
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cats Community

Top Cats Answerers
874521 tn?1424116797
Canada..., SK
506791 tn?1439842983
Saint Mary's County, MD
242912 tn?1660619837
CA
740516 tn?1360942486
Brazil
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.