Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
365714 tn?1292199108

Update on my cat - tooth surgery

It's been a long time since I last posted. Mostly real life got in the way and things have been going okay, except that Waldo was being a real brat taking his hyperthyroid pills a couple nights last week. His struggle indicated he was in pain and he was bleeding in his mouth which was new. Not hesitating, I took him to the vet. We found out he's got one tooth that needs to be pulled and needs to have the rest of them cleaned.

Today is his surgery. There's not much in advice I can go for right now, except hopes and prayers that it will work out. I got a call back from them that they thought they heard something abnormal with his heart rhythm, but couldn't see anything unusual with the EKG. He has a heart murmur, but that he's had for a long time and we were well aware of it. I decided to go through with the surgery, but with heart safer meds. I hope for the best.
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Oh yeah, the dental stuff in the water bowl!  I had forgotten about that.  

I commend you for brushing Waldo's teeth!  You are sweetly dedicated to him and a very good mom :)   Can you leave the finger brush out in sight somewhere so you remember better?  That's how I remember things...leave whatever it is in my sight that needs to be done.  

Glad to hear there was no bleeding while brushing.  That's a good sign the the vet got under the gums and got all that tarter off.  I know Waldo feels Much better.  Yes, do keep a bag of treats handy.  Treats are our life saver since we are always doing something unpleasant to Jade.  Lately, it's eyedrops for allergies.  She takes them well, but receives a treat anyway :)

Helpful - 0
365714 tn?1292199108
Yes Waldo had really bad breath. It'd smell like something died every time he yawned. Ick. His breath still doesn't smell sweet, but it didn't seem as bad. I should also get more on top of putting some dental stuff in his water bowl. I bought some a while ago to help his breath and it seemed to help a little. I have to convince my grandma to cooperate so if either of us refills his dish he will get some.

Tooth brushing is a pain. He still doesn't like it. Getting his mouth open and sticking something in is a struggle and he acts like it is torture. I'll just have to keep sessions very short until he gets used to it. My problem is I try to do too much too long at once and then forget to do it for a long time rather than do just a little bit on a regular basis. But the good thing was last night when I did a short session there was no bleeding. I used one of those finger brushes. You can find them in a pet store. Next time I think I'll have a bag of treats nearby, so he has a nice reward.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Happy to hear Waldo is back home.  Surgery, no matter how minor, is always a worry because of the anesthesia.  Not only will Waldo feel better now, he may have had bad breath because of that tooth.  I know, Jade used to have really awful breath, but once her broken fang and other infected teeth were gone, that issue has ceased.  

I would be curious to know how the brushing goes.  We should do that for Jade, but we've never attempted it.  She has this tiny little mouth.  She even drinks water in a strange way like I've never seen before.    
Helpful - 0
365714 tn?1292199108
Thanks. He's back home now and very glad to see us! He is oddly hyper, which I didn't expect. It could be he is just very hungry after having to fast before the surgery. I will have to get used to brushing his teeth ever so often. Hopefully with the sore tooth out of the way he will tolerate it better.
Helpful - 0
874521 tn?1424116797
Oh I'm so glad Waldo will be ok....sore mouth for a bit but than probably no sorer than its been toothaches aren't nice either!
both my cats had to have teeth pulled last year and now cleaned every year, yikes the expense of being a parent eh girls.
I wish I had the option too of an anesthesiologist, in our small city no such thing...and going to the big city makes costs way out of hand!
again....great news on Waldo!!
Helpful - 0
365714 tn?1292199108
Yes, the vet seems to be on top of things. They were the same people who tried to take care of Sahib until the day we took him home thinking he was better. I'm impressed with them. They seem to really care about their patients vs. trying to get money. It will set me back around $400, but it is worth it and I can pay for it.

I got a call back about an hour ago. Sounds like everything went to plan and he is waking up from the anesthesia. They will keep him until 3:30 then I can take him home with his antibiotics and pain meds. I'm glad to hear the news after being called around 9:30 and given an options after they were concerned about his heart. The option would be expensive to have his heart looked at more thoroughly and have a cardiologist look at it. The vet who brought it up didn't seem horribly concerned, so I decided he was probably safe without the added expense.

So far it looks like it was a good choice. They made sure to work on Waldo first so I can have him back earlier.
Helpful - 0
242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hey MJ! :)  Nice to see you posting.  Of course Waldo will be in my prayers today.  I'm sure he'll come through with flying colors :)  Jade had three teeth pulled last year and she did very well.  Antibiotics for 10days, but only needed pain meds for a few.  

While all this can be expensive, the surgery on animals today is not what it used to be.  Waldo will have an anesthesiologist to monitor him the entire time and adding the heart meds was a good decision.  Sounds like you have a vet who's on top of things.  

Let us know later how Waldo did, okay? :)
Helpful - 0
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.