Civie dental dilemma - thoughts please!

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Diana&Tom

Diana&Tom

Member Since 2009
Would really appreciate any thoughts on the following, please...

My beautiful nine-year-old civie, Sapphire, has never needed any vet treatment but at her annual check-up last week the vet said she needed two teeth out. Sigh... I know dental disease is common in cats but this came as quite a shock as last year her teeth were ok.

The vet assured me that bloods and xrays would be done beforehand, and that she had done many dentals before. If it was someone else's cat I would no doubt do my best to reassure them that dentals were common, routine and necessary. I know these things. My problem is that my previous kitty, Sophie (sister of Tom, my avatar) tragically passed on the operating table some years ago - not due to a vet error, I think it was more that she was 17 and her heart couldn't take it. I was beyond devastated at the time and since adopting Sapphire soon after (and going to a different vet practice because that was where the rescue I got her from had registered her) we've been lucky to have avoided vet treatment.

I know the dental has to be done, no two ways about it. But my dilemma is this - do I go ahead and take Saff to the current vet, where the facilities and standard of care seem to be ok and may well be perfectly fine, it's just that I have no real experience of them? Or do I take her to the local "gold standard" hospital (it has an amazing website) where a friend of mine takes all her cats and can't speak highly enough of them? The first vet is friendly enough, and was reasonably sympathetic when I told them about Sophie - she could see my anxiety - whilst also being quite matter-of-fact. Saff and I haven't seen the other potential vet yet - I just made a phone enquiry today and have to say I was blown away by the friendliness, empathy, and explanation of what would be involved... it was suggested that if I wanted to, I take Saff in for an initial look at her teeth and go from there, no pressure.

I just don't know what to do. The first vet is probably fine and is only a mile / five minutes' drive away. If Saff needed to stay overnight there would be no extra charge (dental alone is £500+). The second vet may or may not be any better, I don't know - it's a bigger "hospital" I think and according to the website has all the latest state-of-the-art equipment etc. A significant downside is that it is more like 30 minutes away, so a more stressful car ride in probably rush-hour traffic.

I've already spoken to several people/friends both on and off the board about the principle of the dental itself, and everyone has been incredibly kind and understanding. Since then though I've spoken to vet number two and feel really torn about how to proceed... I think the word is "procrastination"!

Any thoughts gratefully received :)
 
If you don't take care of her teeth it could lead to diabetes or other issues so I think the risk is well worth it. Both my kitties Dusty (15) and Beni (civie 16) had their teeth cleaned and removed just a few years ago and did just fine. It's like any surgery; human or animal, anything can go wrong but most go off without a hitch. Only you can decide but no tooth care will lead to future problems. :bighug:
 
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I was so so SO scared when my 9 year old got her dental a few months ago, but it went off without any problems at all. In addition to the bloodwork and xrays, another group I’m in highly suggested that I get a proBNP test which checks the heart, so I would also recommend that test to ease your mind some.

The vet clinic that did it has the only board certified dentist in the state which definitely helped my nerves as well. I have since moved and toured another clinic that’s closer to me and it seems like a great clinic as well, very clean and they regularly do dentals, but I think for future dentals I would still take her to the one I know, because I know they do good work and can take care of her. So I think you just have to go with whichever clinic you think you would be the most at ease using
 
In the distant past, if my cats needed anything dental done, it was done by their regular vet (5 mins away), and there were never any issues, but the first time I took one of them to a dental specialist (20 mins away), I decided I would always take them to the specialist for any dental care. It is just a different level of care. I am sure that who the specialist is makes a difference (there are 'good' and 'bad' in every profession), and I am fortunate to have a wonderful one, but it goes beyond that. My regular vet is at a nice animal hospital, but they do not have the level of facilities or equipment that the specialty clinic does. The methods/procedures used for anesthesia and monitoring, for example, at the specialty clinic are 'gold standard'. Anesthesia is the scariest part of these procedures, in my opinion, so I am 100% for anything I can do to reduce risk in that area. And, obviously, someone who is a specialist is going to have more training and experience than someone who is a general vet, so I feel that they are better equipped to handle whatever may arise. I also like the fact that the specialty clinic is full of specialist in many different areas with whom the dental specialist can easily collaborate if there is ever a need.

The first time I met the specialist, I was VERY anxious. The last time I had left a cat at the vet for a procedure and anesthesia, he died. It was not for dental work, he had a biopsy. Earlier in the afternoon, they had told me he was recovering well and doing just fine. Then, when I was on my way from work to get him, he died. I was devastated. I did not take my cats to the vet after that for something like 6 1/2 to 7 years. The specialist was so kind and understanding. He went into great detail with me as to what steps they take to reduce the risk. I was so impressed, not only with the information he gave me, but with his calm, caring, reassuring manner.

My suggestion is to get as much detail as you can from each vet as to their methods/procedures and decide what you are most comfortable with... their willingness to share information and manner in which they deal with you should factor in as well. There is always going to be some risk no matter where you go, so I think it is about choosing the option where that risk is as reduced/managed as possible.
 
Dusty Bones said:
If you don't take care of her teeth it could lead to diabetes or other issues so I think the risk is well worth it. Both my kitties Dusty (15) and Beni (civie 16) had their teeth cleaned and removed just a few years ago and did just fine. It's like any surgery; human or animal, anything can go wrong but most go off without a hitch. Only you can decided but no tooth care will lead to future problems. :bighug:
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Thank you - it's not a question of whether to do the dental or not, it's a question of where to get it done for maximum safety and peace of mind bearing in mind the previous experience I went through.
I'm glad your two did well - it must have been a big relief.
 
Sarah&Soph said:
I was so so SO scared when my 9 year old got her dental a few months ago, but it went off without any problems at all. In addition to the bloodwork and xrays, another group I’m in highly suggested that I get a proBNP test which checks the heart, so I would also recommend that test to ease your mind some.

The vet clinic that did it has the only board certified dentist in the state which definitely helped my nerves as well. I have since moved and toured another clinic that’s closer to me and it seems like a great clinic as well, very clean and they regularly do dentals, but I think for future dentals I would still take her to the one I know, because I know they do good work and can take care of her. So I think you just have to go with whichever clinic you think you would be the most at ease using
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Thank you - that's interesting, I'll definitely get whatever tests necessary done. As for which clinic I'm most at ease with - that's tricky, I'm having to give it so much thought.
Good to hear that your kitty did so well :)
 
FurBabiesMama said:
In the distant past, if my cats needed anything dental done, it was done by their regular vet (5 mins away), and there were never any issues, but the first time I took one of them to a dental specialist (20 mins away), I decided I would always take them to the specialist for any dental care. It is just a different level of care. I am sure that who the specialist is makes a difference (there are 'good' and 'bad' in every profession), and I am fortunate to have a wonderful one, but it goes beyond that. My regular vet is at a nice animal hospital, but they do not have the level of facilities or equipment that the specialty clinic does. The methods/procedures used for anesthesia and monitoring, for example, at the specialty clinic are 'gold standard'. Anesthesia is the scariest part of these procedures, in my opinion, so I am 100% for anything I can do to reduce risk in that area. And, obviously, someone who is a specialist is going to have more training and experience than someone who is a general vet, so I feel that they are better equipped to handle whatever may arise. I also like the fact that the specialty clinic is full of specialist in many different areas with whom the dental specialist can easily collaborate if there is ever a need.

The first time I met the specialist, I was VERY anxious. The last time I had left a cat at the vet for a procedure and anesthesia, he died. It was not for dental work, he had a biopsy. Earlier in the afternoon, they had told me he was recovering well and doing just fine. Then, when I was on my way from work to get him, he died. I was devastated. I did not take my cats to the vet after that for something like 6 1/2 to 7 years. The specialist was so kind and understanding. He went into great detail with me as to what steps they take to reduce the risk. I was so impressed, not only with the information he gave me, but with his calm, caring, reassuring manner.

My suggestion is to get as much detail as you can from each vet as to their methods/procedures and decide what you are most comfortable with... their willingness to share information and manner in which they deal with you should factor in as well. There is always going to be some risk no matter where you go, so I think it is about choosing the option where that risk is as reduced/managed as possible.
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Thank you - I think this says it all. I just want to reduce the risk so it's weighing up the options.
I'm so sorry to hear about your sad experience. I can relate. It's devastating :(
 
@Georgiana & Perlutz (we spoke!) and @Kate & Toby - you've both experienced "usual" vet v "special centre" vet here in the UK.. how would you describe the comparisons and would you go for the more specialised one for mouth surgery? Interested to hear your thoughts/opinions - thank you!
 
Hi Diana,

Few things from my experience with Perlutz's dental and some from my personal experience with anaesthesia in recent years...

I know some vets do quick blood tests in house on the admission day. This was an option for Perlutz but I've decided, along with the vet, that the best way would be to have blood and urine tests done few days in advance (depending on how long it takes to get the results). That way, if something - even a minor thing - came up, we'd know and be able to sort out or investigate further. I think the labs are one of the most important steps in making sure the procedure will go well, they determine any risk factors and possible interventions to minimise the risks, if any.

Generally the procedure is carried out and the furry patient can come home within few hours, I don't think overnight stays are generally needed. But I would suggest talking to the person doing the dental what time of the day would be best to schedule it for. Sometimes they don't want first thing in the morning appointments as the cat would unnecessarily spent time in the crate while they sterilise the equipment and get the theatre ready. You might also want to check that the vet/dental specialist is working the day after the procedure, just in case something worries you, it's good to know they would be available, or if they won't, who would be able to help. For your peace of mind, maybe take the next day off/WFH to keep an eye on Saff?

For Perlutz, the recommendation was to fast from 8 PM the night before but when I was doing my own little research into dentals and anaesthesia, I found that some vets don't recommend fasting. If they recommend fasting, I would make sure Saff can't get into any contraband food. If they say she can actually have some food, then I don't really know, I would probably ask here and search the internet as I know from my personal experience that fasting was of paramount importance.

I would also ask who does the anaesthesia and whether they will be dedicated to monitoring Saff all the time or they are also doing the dental or help elsewhere in the practice. Also important is how will she be monitored after the procedure finishes, ideally someone will be able to monitor her all the time for the next 2-3 hours rather than checking every now and then.

You will most likely be given some pain killer to give Saff the next days. I would discuss this before hand as the one I was given for Perlutz usually gives side effects (did so to HRH) and some vets and carers doubt this particular drug should be used or not. I don't remember the name of it, but I'll look up when I get home.

Maybe if you ask more questions you can decide which vet to go for based on some of their answers and general attitude? Others experiences are also very useful, you already know about one of them, maybe you could find some reviews about the other as well?

All in all, I think anaesthesia is generally very safe for cats but the person who administers and monitors is very important (I've myself "ran" from hospital after meeting my anaesthetist and to this day I believe it was the best decision I could've made that day!).
 
Hey Diana, I am sorry to hear that Sapphire needs treatment, thankfully just routine though.

I have to say, I would not hesitate to use the specialist vet hospital, they have specialists in all areas, there will likely be an anaesthetist present to do the "putting under" bit and then the dental specialist to carry out the procedure.

As we all know from our diabetes experiences, general practice vets are a bit of a jack of all trades and whilst I am in no way saying your local vet would not be absolutely fine for the dental procedure and indeed most things, if you have a specialist available then I would be using them. If anything did go wrong, they would have a cardiologist, neurologist etc available.

It really is a very personal choice and bearing in mind Sapphire is in great health generally I don't think you would be wrong to get your local vet to do the procedure, that being said, I feel this will be as upsetting for you as it will be for Sapphire and so you need to do what makes you most comfortable.

Hugs xx
 
Thank you so much @Georgiana & Perlutz and @Kate & Toby for your comments, really much appreciated. I'd pretty much made up my mind today to go for the specialist place for all the reasons you say, mainly that bigger places should be better equipped and have more people on hand if needed than a smaller suburban "GP" vet. I think what was holding me back mainly was that the "usual" vet is five minutes away whereas the other one is 30 minutes - maybe not a big deal in some terms but added stress for a little kitty cooped up in a basket and feeling scared :(. Needless to say, I'd drive her to Scotland if I thought vets there had a magic, safe way of doing dentals, but as that's pie in the sky we'll stay local and 30 minutes' drive isn't too bad really.

So my plan is to ring Vet B and ask for what they call a second opinion appointment, which they offer for free... if they agree that the dental is needed (which is almost certain), I'll ask all the questions, get them to do bloods, and then book Saff in for the not too distant future. I just want to do what's best for her. She is such an absolute cutie. I'll attach a pic.

Big thank you again :)
 

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The main thing is Diana that you are happy and comfortable with your decision, its a big deal to put our babies through any sort of treatment, routine or otherwise, so its important you are happy with the plan.

I agree with Georgiana that I would be asking questions about who does the monitoring during anesthesia, what the aftercare looks like, monitoring etc, aftercare for when you get her home. Don't be afraid to ask what experience the vet has with dentals, anesthesia etc. When Toby was referred to the specialists I had read all the vet profiles on their website and knew exactly who I wanted to treat him!

Good luck and do let us know how you get on with your initial appointment.
 
Kate & Toby said:
The main thing is Diana that you are happy and comfortable with your decision, its a big deal to put our babies through any sort of treatment, routine or otherwise, so its important you are happy with the plan.

I agree with Georgiana that I would be asking questions about who does the monitoring during anesthesia, what the aftercare looks like, monitoring etc, aftercare for when you get her home. Don't be afraid to ask what experience the vet has with dentals, anesthesia etc. When Toby was referred to the specialists I had read all the vet profiles on their website and knew exactly who I wanted to treat him!

Good luck and do let us know how you get on with your initial appointment.
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Thanks Kate, you're very kind. I'm rather out of practise with this sort of thing these days, so it's a big help to have people like you and Georgiana to give me a few pointers! Yes I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks also for being such an asset to the board - it's always nice to see more UKers participating across the forums.

It's great to see Toby getting into better numbers - long may it last! You're doing an awesome job :)
 
Ahh that's OK, I am sire when you have met the vets you will much more confident about it all.

Bless you, I am always grateful to you all here as you "get it" we understand each others love and devotion to our kittens. My colleague said to me the other day as I was rushing home to get a mid cycle test in my lunch hour, "Just get another cat", which gives you an insight into their mentality, so I am always appreciative of the board.

Yes he is doing so well, he is loving life in blue numbers, and hasn't had any more heart related episodes, I cherish him every day and love him like it his is last with me. As many others will say, this whole diabetes journey has been a big learning curve, but I love that I am seeing an improvement and that he clearly feeling better :-) (I am currently sat at work, but I can see him on the web cam laying out in the morning sunshine in my lounge, I am such a cat stalker mum, I have cameras downstairs and upstairs!!)
 
Kate & Toby said:
Ahh that's OK, I am sire when you have met the vets you will much more confident about it all.

Bless you, I am always grateful to you all here as you "get it" we understand each others love and devotion to our kittens. My colleague said to me the other day as I was rushing home to get a mid cycle test in my lunch hour, "Just get another cat", which gives you an insight into their mentality, so I am always appreciative of the board.

Yes he is doing so well, he is loving life in blue numbers, and hasn't had any more heart related episodes, I cherish him every day and love him like it his is last with me. As many others will say, this whole diabetes journey has been a big learning curve, but I love that I am seeing an improvement and that he clearly feeling better :) (I am currently sat at work, but I can see him on the web cam laying out in the morning sunshine in my lounge, I am such a cat stalker mum, I have cameras downstairs and upstairs!!)
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Good grief - "just get another cat"??? I think I'd kill anyone who said that, it's shocking. I know that not everyone is an animal lover but to say that is incredibly insensitive... grrrrrrrrrrrr!

You're not the only cat stalker mum here, @Georgiana & Perlutz is another. I have a picture in my mind of you both at work, gazing at the webcam most of the day and doing a bit of work here and there, haha! Got to get your priorities right ;)
 
Diana&Tom said:
Good grief - "just get another cat"??? I think I'd kill anyone who said that, it's shocking. I know that not everyone is an animal lover but to say that is incredibly insensitive... grrrrrrrrrrrr!

You're not the only cat stalker mum here, @Georgiana & Perlutz is another. I have a picture in my mind of you both at work, gazing at the webcam most of the day and doing a bit of work here and there, haha! Got to get your priorities right ;)
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I actually can't stalk today, my camera has been knocked off. A certain furry bum knocked it when trying to hide from mummy pricking his ear in the morning :joyful:

As for "just get another cat", I'm speechless :mad: When will people understand they're like our children? You don't just throw your kid out when they get sick and go get a new one :rolleyes:
 
Just a few more things I thought I would share.... With the specialist that I use, he has us get the blood work done in advance at our regular vet. That way, if there are any other issues, those can be addressed with the regular vet. (Like Georgiana mentioned.)

I always try to be the very first procedure of the day whenever possible so there is plenty of time for them to monitor her initial recovery period before I pick her up. I usually get to pick up in mid-afternoon. There should be no access to food after midnight the night before the procedure. That is critically important to make sure all food is out of their stomach.

The specialist has given me his mobile phone number and made it clear I can call if I have any concerns or questions. Twice, my girls ended up having procedures before a holiday weekend, but he assured me he would be in town and that I could call.

He always gives pain medicine (Buprenorphine) and an anti-inflammatory (Onsior - robenacoxib). He only gives an antibiotic if there is reason to believe infection is present (he thinks antibiotics are unnecessarily given way too often for dental procedures). I have had him send home oral versions of those medications for me to administer for a few days, but there have also been times when I did not have any medicine to administer because he gave what was needed in a shot. Mia HATES having anything done to her mouth like putting medicine in it, so he gives her a 72 hour pain shot and a 24 hour anti-inflammatory shot. She has had two procedures with extractions (the latest last week) and that has worked out very well. There is always the option to get more pain medicine, if needed, but I have never had to do so.

I am a 'stalker' too. I have a camera that covers the area where their food is as well as the entrance to their main litter box. I have motion zones set on it, so if I ever need to know who ate what or who visited the box, I can check the event history. I can also check in on them live. I have a second camera that I move to wherever I want it. I have set it in the bedroom when I am away to cover all the spots in there where they like to lay. It's great... definitely eases stress. Everyone should be a 'stalker'!
 
Thanks you sooo much @FurBabiesMama - it means so much to have suggestions and advice from everyone here. I'm making copious notes and will be making a proper nuisance of myself with these vets pretty soon!
 
So I've booked an appointment with the new vet for next Thursday... it took a bit of time to pluck up the courage to make the call, I've been putting it off.... Anyway, it's done and I'll report back afterwards :)


Grrr... vet called to change the appointment. She's not there on the day we arranged, and the next day we can both do is another week away. So now Thurs 21 Nov.
 
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Diana&Tom said:
So I've booked an appointment with the new vet for next Thursday... it took a bit of time to pluck up the courage to make the call, I've been putting it off.... Anyway, it's done and I'll report back afterwards :)
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Well done, Diana! I'm sure everything will go smooth and Saff will not resent you (much :joyful:), especially after you give her some yummy food when she's home :cat:
 
I feel your pain Diana. Nigel and Noah both had cardiomyopathy but Nigel was much younger and stronger when he needed two extractions. That was when my vet had a partner who did all dental work but my vet, a close friend, supervised the procedure causing some friction in the clinic. Noah was a different story and an extreme example. By the time he needed every last tooth pulled his heart had enlarged to the point it had pushed through the cardiac sac and had only a 10% chance of surviving the anesthetic. That's when we decided to let him be, he was the last of our five yellow cats and had been poked, prodded and scanned his whole life. He lived another three years pain free and always had an appetite thanks to transdermal BUPE. Occasionally I would catch him eating the SO kibble Marco needed for his constant UTI's.
You know this already but going with your instincts about specialists and a talk with the anesthesiologist is so important. Trust your instincts and Sapphire will come home to you. Big hugs from the colonies. :bighug:
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
I feel your pain Diana. Nigel and Noah both had cardiomyopathy but Nigel was much younger and stronger when he needed two extractions. That was when my vet had a partner who did all dental work but my vet, a close friend, supervised the procedure causing some friction in the clinic. Noah was a different story and an extreme example. By the time he needed every last tooth pulled his heart had enlarged to the point it had pushed through the cardiac sac and had only a 10% chance of surviving the anesthetic. That's when we decided to let him be, he was the last of our five yellow cats and had been poked, prodded and scanned his whole life. He lived another three years pain free and always had an appetite thanks to transdermal BUPE. Occasionally I would catch him eating the SO kibble Marco needed for his constant UTI's.
You know this already but going with your instincts about specialists and a talk with the anesthesiologist is so important. Trust your instincts and Sapphire will come home to you. Big hugs from the colonies. :bighug:
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Thanks Dickson... I'm slowly starting to feel less angst-ridden about Saff's dental thanks to all the wisdom and advice from lovely people here. I'm very out of practise these days as far as anything to do with vet treatment is concerned, so this has come as a bit of a shock! But I'm taking it all in and you can be sure I'll be making sure the vets know that only the best will do for my girl!
Big hugs back!
 
Our instincts are our best defense. The local emergency clinic has an MRI and specialists up the wahzoo but it's a cold and sterile place. The reading material in the lobby is about their payment plans. I bake for my vet and we're on a first name basis. Expensive equipment and letters after your name don't always make a good doctor.
When Nigel passed they sent us flowers and a card, when was the last time you heard that?
You'll know what to do Diana, you always have known.
 
Kate & Toby said:
Hey Diana, how did your appointment with Saph go? Been thinking of you xxx
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Awww thanks Kate, that's so sweet of you. The appt is today actually, 10.30am. Was supposed to be last Thursday but the vet I wanted to see was unavailable so it was rearranged for today.
Three hours and counting... tense! Will update later.
 
For those who have been asking (thank you :) ) Saff and I are back from seeing the new vet. Saff was as good as gold and vet Clara was amazing... a really delightful, smiley young Spanish lady who really knows her stuff and understood exactly where I was coming from, nerves-wise. She said probably only one tooth, which is already chipped, should come out, and she'll do a good clean at the same time. Oh and the cost is literally half of the other place even including full bloodwork etc (no idea why although the first vet is known to be pricey).

I've booked the procedure for 12 December. I can't say that I actually relish the idea of course, but I feel more reassured after the consult than I did when I left the first vet. Just shows how important it is to find a vet we feel comfortable with - I know from experience that it's not easy to change vets but I feel I've struck lucky this time.

I'll check back here nearer the time to make sure I've completely taken on board what everyone has advised.

Thanks again :)
 
Diana&Tom said:
For those who have been asking (thank you :) ) Saff and I are back from seeing the new vet. Saff was as good as gold and vet Clara was amazing... a really delightful, smiley young Spanish lady who really knows her stuff and understood exactly where I was coming from, nerves-wise. She said probably only one tooth, which is already chipped, should come out, and she'll do a good clean at the same time. Oh and the cost is literally half of the other place even including full bloodwork etc (no idea why although the first vet is known to be pricey).

I've booked the procedure for 12 December. I can't say that I actually relish the idea of course, but I feel more reassured after the consult than I did when I left the first vet. Just shows how important it is to find a vet we feel comfortable with - I know from experience that it's not easy to change vets but I feel I've struck lucky this time.

I'll check back here nearer the time to make sure I've completely taken on board what everyone has advised.

Thanks again :)
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Oh Diana, what fantastic news and Clara sounds just wonderful, everything you could hope for. What she has suggested sounds really sensible too.
Well done for booking the procedure, I know that can't have been easy, but hopefully Saff will be just as comfortable as she was today when she goes on the 12th.
As for the cost, that's a billy bonus!!

I am so pleased for you.
 
Kate & Toby said:
Oh Diana, what fantastic news and Clara sounds just wonderful, everything you could hope for. What she has suggested sounds really sensible too.
Well done for booking the procedure, I know that can't have been easy, but hopefully Saff will be just as comfortable as she was today when she goes on the 12th.
As for the cost, that's a billy bonus!!

I am so pleased for you.
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Thanks so much Kate you're very kind :)
 
So happy to hear you've found a vet you feel comfortable with. That makes all the difference in the world. It's never easy to take our little ones to the vet much less leave them there for a dental but Clara seems to appreciate how stressful this is not only for the kitty but also for her hooman clients and I think that is the sign of a great vet. Sapphire is in good hands all round. :D
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
So happy to hear you've found a vet you feel comfortable with. That makes all the difference in the world. It's never easy to take our little ones to the vet much less leave them there for a dental but Clara seems to appreciate how stressful this is not only for the kitty but also for her hooman clients and I think that is the sign of a great vet. Sapphire is in good hands all round. :D
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Thanks Linda, hopefully all will go to plan!
 
Very nervous mommy here. Garfie is 14 yrs old and has been in remission for 1 yr.going in for dental cleaning on Dec 12. My vet went above and beyond she has done alot of research to make sure he can have certain stuff i think she did it more for me then her since i am nervous. I told her i was scared he would come out of remission. I asked if i could send his own meter and if they would check his levels to be safe. She said yes they will do it and however often i would like it. That makes me feel a bit better. Still nervous though
 
Rebecca.garfie said:
Very nervous mommy here. Garfie is 14 yrs old and has been in remission for 1 yr.going in for dental cleaning on Dec 12. My vet went above and beyond she has done alot of research to make sure he can have certain stuff i think she did it more for me then her since i am nervous. I told her i was scared he would come out of remission. I asked if i could send his own meter and if they would check his levels to be safe. She said yes they will do it and however often i would like it. That makes me feel a bit better. Still nervous though
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Hi this is Paula with Elvis and Elvis is 14 years old in the spring and needs to have a dental cleaning and he has two cracked teeth. So how did Garfies dental work go because you said that you were having it done on the 12th of December? Elvis has been in remission from diabetes for two months now! I too am freaked out about all of this but the vet said that the benefits outweigh the risk and he really needs it done because of the crack teeth and of all the excessive tartar buildup. I just think about it all the time. The vet said that she's not going to do it until he loses a little more weight and of course he needs to have blood work done before hand. even though I am very confident in the vet I am still a basket case about this because my boy Elvis is my ever-loving true love!!!
 
I was just like you. Garfie is fine my vet did a lot of research just to double check he could have the anesthesia and what pain meds and antibiotics he could have. I also asked my vet to check his levels with garfie meter before during and after surgery and they did. Your vet is right it needs to be done because if infection starts it will kick him out of remission. The best you can do is really talk to your vet voice your concerns. Tell them what Elvis numbers are are where he should be. Yes numbers will go up for a day or 2 but should come down if all goes well.
Garfie pain meds were vetergesic which is buprenorphine.
He also got convenia injection which I believe was the antibiotics because he's not good at giving pills.
Yes do the bloodwork and if your vet gives you the choice of iv fluids some vets don't believe they need it at least where I live. Take it it helps big time. There is an 8 hour fasting time required but I did give garfie a small spoonful because I didn't want him to drop to low and my vet was fine with it.
I hope this helps in some way from one nervous momma to another
 
Paula Nowak said:
Hi this is Paula with Elvis and Elvis is 14 years old in the spring and needs to have a dental cleaning and he has two cracked teeth. So how did Garfies dental work go because you said that you were having it done on the 12th of December? Elvis has been in remission from diabetes for two months now! I too am freaked out about all of this but the vet said that the benefits outweigh the risk and he really needs it done because of the crack teeth and of all the excessive tartar buildup. I just think about it all the time. The vet said that she's not going to do it until he loses a little more weight and of course he needs to have blood work done before hand. even though I am very confident in the vet I am still a basket case about this because my boy Elvis is my ever-loving true love!!!
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Rebecca.garfie said:
I was just like you. Garfie is fine my vet did a lot of research just to double check he could have the anesthesia and what pain meds and antibiotics he could have. I also asked my vet to check his levels with garfie meter before during and after surgery and they did. Your vet is right it needs to be done because if infection starts it will kick him out of remission. The best you can do is really talk to your vet voice your concerns. Tell them what Elvis numbers are are where he should be. Yes numbers will go up for a day or 2 but should come down if all goes well.
Garfie pain meds were vetergesic which is buprenorphine.
He also got convenia injection which I believe was the antibiotics because he's not good at giving pills.
Yes do the bloodwork and if your vet gives you the choice of iv fluids some vets don't believe they need it at least where I live. Take it it helps big time. There is an 8 hour fasting time required but I did give garfie a small spoonful because I didn't want him to drop to low and my vet was fine with it.
I hope this helps in some way from one nervous momma to another
Click to expand...
 
Diana&Tom said:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...dures-including-pictures.144338/#post-1496635

Just seen the above which I thought was interesting and may be helpful to anyone reading this thread. Sapphire's dental is on Thursday so I need all the reassurance I can get!
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I was a nervous mama when garfie went in don't be afraid to ask your vet to test with your own meter. I did and my vet did it before during and after. Numbers do go up a bit don't be alarmed to much garfie went up but was back to his normal by morning. I also included the meds he was given in my post earlier those are safe for diabetics in remission. Ask your vet questions if you don't understand something ask them to explain it better.
 
Rebecca.garfie said:
I was a nervous mama when garfie went in don't be afraid to ask your vet to test with your own meter. I did and my vet did it before during and after. Numbers do go up a bit don't be alarmed to much garfie went up but was back to his normal by morning. I also included the meds he was given in my post earlier those are safe for diabetics in remission. Ask your vet questions if you don't understand something ask them to explain it better.
Click to expand...
Thanks... my Sapphire is a civie and not on any meds at all but I will certainly be asking the vet questions on Thursday!
 
The dental is today... wish us luck!

Saff is being sooo good... she was starved overnight (I usually leave a little food out for her) so when I got up this morning she was hungry and went and stood by her food bowl, looking up at me with her dear little face... so hard not to give her anything. I'm now sitting down with a strong cup of coffee (probably not the best thing to calm my nerves) and she's sitting on my lap purring, bless her. I hope she trusts me to do what's best for her, I just hate putting her through this.

Next step will be getting her into the carrier and driving to the vet... I'm getting more nervous by the second. I'm so grateful to everyone who has messaged me with thoughts and ideas for how to cope. Deep breathing exercises are happening for sure. Several real-life friends have been lovely too and have offered support, I feel very lucky.

Deeeeeep breaths...
 
We are thinking of you and you and Saff Diana, I hope the journey goes well and when she is admitted you feel satisfied with everything, I am sure it will be a nervous day for you.
Of course she trusts you, you are her everything and soon she will be home with you and you can spoil her rotten!!

You are in my thoughts today xxxx
 
Quick update for followers: the vet has just rung with the results of the pre-procedure blood tests - all ok except one of the kidney values slightly high, which the vet says is not necessarily a worry as could be due to dehydration (no food/water for a long time) or stress. They are going ahead with the procedure now, giving fluid therapy before and after as the safest route.

One of the receptionists will call me later to let me know how Saff is recovering and hopefully I'll be able to pick her up late afternoon.

Nerves still in shreds!
 
Vet receptionist just rang to say the procedure is done and Saff is recovering ... PHEW.

The vet will tell me exactly what she did when I go back later but from the length of time taken it doesn't sound as if an extraction was done. The vet did say this morning when she examined Saff that extractions may not be needed after all, which I was slightly puzzled about as I thought that was the idea, but from what I could see myself, there didn't seem to be as much redness around the gums as before so either a) it really wasn't so bad, or has miraculously improved in the last month, or b) the vet could see how nervous I was and took pity on me... we did agree that if she decided extractions weren't necessary today, we would check again in 3-6 months and review then.

Can't wait to bring my little patient home :) I'll ask her to post here with her thoughts on her adventure later :)
 
Hi everyone, Sapphire here, just popping in to say I am back home, hurray! The nice vet who cleaned my teeth was lovely and didn't hurt much, but I got cross when she put a tube in my leg, I tried to pull it out and hissed at her. I have just told my Mummy about this and she laughed.

I am very pleased to be back home now. I was jolly hungry and have eaten about a quarter of a pouch of my favourite food. Mum says I am only allowed small quantities at a time so I will look back later to see if she's put any more in the bowl. Having eaten that I am now sitting as close to my Mum as possible and having a good wash whilst also writing this (yes I am clever as well as cute).

Mum says thank you to everyone who has asked about me. It was a little adventure that I don't want to repeat in a hurry and the vet says I don't have to go back for another year, yippee!

Love to everyone,
Saff xx
 
Saff you clever girl! Welcome back to the fold. Phew! What an adventure but hopefully means you can enjoy your yummy dinners even more now,you look after your mum as she has had a tough day worrying about you. So relived you are home and with mummy where you belong. Hip hip hooray xxxx
 
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