Question:
Have you ever requested to have ALL your cats teeth pulled? Has a vet
ever suggested it? If you were in my position, would you switch to a
new vet? Is there such thing as a listing of recommended dental
specialists, specifically for the Ottawa (Canada) region?
Answer:
It was a fairly
traumatic experience for both of us. All 8 teeth were so far gone we had no
choice. Severe gum disease also runs in his line. I personally would not
subject my cat to having all of them out at once. It is a shock to them and
the recovery is not quick, as some would lead you to believe. You may be
better off only removing them as necessary. If you have them cleaned
regularly (every 6-8 months) you may help him keep more of his teeth than
his ancestors.
But, before you make a decision, take him to a feline dental specialist for
a second opinion.
My cat Rudy used to have gingivitis though not as severe as what you
describe. My Merck vet manual said that in cats this can be caused by
a lack of B vitamins. It seems ot be most likrly to be other causes,
but with my vet's approval I tried the vitamins and they have helped a
lot.
So I figure it's worth trying even though it may not help. If it does
do any good it's cheap and easy to try.
Rudy did best on pet-tinic(a brand which is high in B vites) but he
hated it so much we gave up. Now he's on Pet tabs for cats(an
allpurpose mutlivitamin). He gets a double dose(approved by my vet
after she checked the bottle) and his gingivitis is very mild now.
I have tried most of the recommended supplements, and they failed to
work. The vet and I agree on the fact that poor teeth and gums run in
the family.
For those that are familiar with the Cornish Rex breed, you are aware
that some have mouth's that are smaller than a kitten's and ears that
require specialized Q-tips for cleaning (b/c they are so small). Mimi
only weights 4.5 pounds, the average size for members in her family.
I know that it sounds like torture to have all the remaining teeth
pulled, but seeing as she only has five teeth left; and two really need
to go, why not do it all at once. My concern lies in subjecting her to
cleanings every six months, which seems rather excessive.
I am planning on taking her to a different vet for a second opinion on
Monday. I have tried calling and researching various materials, but
cannot find a list of recommended dental specialists. Unfortunately,
our yellow pages are limited, and none of my friends can name any
decent/reputable vets.
Found a new vet who specializes in feline dentistry. He and his partner
have agreed that the best thing for Mimi is to have the remainder of her
teeth pulled. He didn't feel there would be any compliations, as her
teeth are literally rotting away.
