Need advice please 17 year old diabetic kitty tooth extraction

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Alessandra

Alessandra

Member Since 2019
Hi all, my 17 year old cat Knox has been diabetic since 2010. I have the diabetes under control, I home test, moniter for ketones and all that but a few months ago he was suddenly acting withdrawn. Hiding. Not like him at all, he's very social. I took him to the vet and the vet said his blood work showed high levels of his liver and I put him on Denamarin for that. He said his bloods showed no sign of infection. The next day I noticed my boy's eye was swollen. (The vet never checked his teeth). I immediately suspected a tooth infection. Took him back to the vet's that day and Knox's very back tooth showed redness around the gumline. The vet injected him with antibiotics and sent him home with Clindamycin. A few days later my boy was eating again. As soon as I stopped the 2 week long Clindamycin antibiotic he started to be in pain again. I took him back to the vet's, we discussed tooth extraction. The vet extended the antibiotic therapy and he took pre-op bloods. His liver values had gotten better, but he also had mild hyperthyroidism. The vet said we'd talk again in 3 weeks but was very hesitant to perform the surgery saying there was a huge risk he may not pull through. He would've given him a cortisone shot but in diabetics that sends their blood sugar through the roof. I asked him what he uses for anesthesia, he said they use isoflurane gas and that he would be on IV fluids the whole time. But still he was hesitant. Now I have him on Denamarin, Thyroid meds as well as his insulin and still Clindamycin. I dont have a lot of money to go to a specialist here in NYC. Im not sure what to do. I feel he has been on antibiotics too long, Im afraid he'll grow resistant to them. Im also noticing that hes hiding on and off again. Not as bad as he was but not as social as usual. His gumline is still red, his appetite is decreasing but I am coaxing him to eat. He has good days and bad days but overall he's still social. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if anyone has experience with elderly cats going under? Is it worth the risk? I'm terrified for my boy. Especially knowing the vet is hesitant. Thanks for reading this.
 
I am a big believer in taking care of dental issues. I have seen the difference it can make. I also understand the fear of having your baby 'go under'. Any time anyone goes under anesthesia, there is risk. Only you can determine if it is worth the risk to you. I think that it is due to the pain and health problems bad teeth can cause.

My Willow has had to have several teeth extracted over the years due to resorption. Her last extractions were in August of 2018 at 16 years old, and she did not have any issues. She is not diabetic, but my Mia is, and she has had a few extractions, too. She also did fine. I do take my girls to a dental specialist. He is wonderful, and I trust him. You said you do not have money to go to a specialist. Have you checked with one to see what the costs would be to make sure it is not an option? The vet being 'hesitant' would concern me as would the fact that he did not even check the teeth when you first took Knox in.
 
First off thank you so much for responding. I am not too crazy about this vet knowing That he didn’t bother to look at the cats teeth. Also, the initial bloodwork did not show any sign of infection yet the next day after his eye swelled up and he received antibiotics he was much better. I’m also concerned because this Vet does not perform x-rays.

I did check into a dental specialist in Manhattan. They wanted $900 just to see him and give him x-rays. Believe me if I had that kind of money I would do it for my boy in a heartbeat.

I am so torn up about this, some days he’s acting completely normal others he just wants to sleep. I know that old age is also a factor but to think that he could be in pain on those off days is killing me. Also the use of clindamycin long term like this is scaring me. But is soon as he is off of it for three days he does a complete turnaround for the worst.
 
I am also wondering if there is anyone in the New York City or Westchester area who could recommend a good vet. This vet has been very kind to me financially, has showed me how to administer sub Qs, supports home testing. But his lack of confidence and the fact that he doesn’t give x-rays is terrifying. Thank you
 
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Alessandra said:
I’m also concerned because this Vet does not perform x-rays.
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I would be concerned, too. X-rays are absolutely necessary when you are dealing with dental issues. Could you call other vets in your area and find one that does dental surgeries and takes x-rays? Even if you keep going to your vet for other things, you could go elsewhere for dental care.
 
I am definitely taking Knox to another vet for his teeth. Under no circumstances will I let them go into his mouth not knowing anything....when 50 percent of the problem is under his teeth. I just found a place that uses sevoflurane gas, takes xrays and does all the necessary monitoring during the extraction. $1500 but i dont care as long as they can help him. I'll work overtime. Thank you so much and I will probably be back for questions!!!!! Hugs to you!!!
 
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