Cat grinding teeth after dental cleaning

[mariemitz]

My cat, Mitzi, makes a terrible grinding sound since she had her teeth cleaned 5 days ago. Took her back to vet who decided to remove a tooth that might be causing the trouble. This meant anesthesia twice in 3 days. She wouldn't eat, so I've brought her home. She tried to eat but the grinding sound is still there. She takes a tiny bite and starts shaking her head and making this sound. She is 17 - she was eating perfectly before the dental cleaning. I am at my wits end - has anyone heard of this? the vet seems stumped.

[Jen5723]

Thank you so much Marie, best wishes and hugs to you and yours from us across the oceans. Jen & Rufi

[mariemitz]

I'm so sorry to hear this! I'm really praying that it's just an infection. But I know  that Rufi is in the kindest, most loving hands, and she is lucky to have you.
You are both in my thoughts and prayers Big Hug

[Jen5723]

Thanks mariemitz, well the 3 specialists and my vet say 99% its jawbone cancer, 1% it could be a bone infection.  But her little eye is closing up and they say thats probably the tumour going up.  The gums on the right side healed fine but the left side although they did start to heal at the beginning when she had the teeth out, 6 weeks later there was a big hole again which has never healed.  Theyve now got her on really strong antibiotics to see if that does any good, and she seems to be on the best of the painkillers. Shes still lapping the liquidised food from the syringe, in fact shes taken 3 full pouches today so almost 300 grms.  But wont entertain food in a bowl, probably because of the pain shes felt.  Its so heartbreaking.   Glad to see your Mitzi is doing so well, shes such a good age now, well done.  Best wishes Jen & Rufi

[mariemitz]

Oh gosh, I do feel for you Jen! Has it not healed at all, or is it healing slowly? I think older animals do heal slowly. I certainly hope it's not cancer, but if it is, please know I'm thinking of you. Do keep us updated!.

Yes, Opus, the Mitzi is quite blind, but still going strong. I know it can't last forever, but I'm enjoying her while I can. I have her on extra Krill oil and Vitamin E, and it's made a huge difference!

[Jen5723]

Thank you my dear lady, you are so very kind. Jen

[opus88]

Marie, so nice to see a post from you and to hear that Mitz continues to do so well...keep us updated we love to hear from you.

Jen.....I got your reply in my PM, again I am so very sorry to read all abt poor little girl, there are times we just have to trust in what the specialists have told us, pain is treatable...however when any opening is not healing that is a strong evidence of cancer. With such a diagnosis along with the suffering its just sometimes in our dear little ones best interests to be euthanized, and everyone here knows how I don't ever like to say that to any pet parent. But sometimes I must in situations like you describe, I'm so very sorry you have recently lost her brother too and that makes it doubly hard to make that final decision.......but we must always in the end have compassion for our little ones and do what we know is right by them.
God bless you and your dear little girl, our hearts and prayers are with you hon♥