2/16 Kitty in Dental - Questions answered- Update

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Kathy and Kitty

Kathy and Kitty

Member Since 2009
Previous: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36872

No extractions, but that's not great. It's because all the teeth are compromised by the FORL, and he wouldn't know where to start.

This vet wasn't sure last year that he felt able to do this level of oral surgery. The plan is to finish up today, and we'll send the x-rays to a board-certified vet out of state for another opinion.

The FORL is more advanced now, though, so the possibility that Kitty is having pain is increased. :sad:

For today, I have a question:

Now that he is off insulin, what do I feed him post anesthesia? What kind of baby food is good? He really liked the high-carb A/D I gave him last time, but I don't know whether that's a good idea now that he's off insulin.

I assume the rest of the post-anesthesia regimen is the same -- just feed a little at a time, so that he doesn't get nauseated. Let him sleep it off.

Probably no need for additional bupe, since no extractions?
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

No food suggestions here just wanted to say poor kitty ... I'm sure he will get extra lubin's today!!!
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

I would think whatever you normally feed, only a little at a time. ditto on the cuddles, that's the most important thing.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

the Beechnut Stage 1 meat flavors (meat and broth only - no garlic or onions) is what some give their kitties. although, alex won't eat them. all i do is add water to her regular food so she can lap it up easily. the important thing is to just feed a little bit at a time so he won't vomit.

ask the vet about pain meds. *normally* none are needed then kitty doesn't have any extractions, but if the vet thinks kitty may be experiencing pain from by FORL... you might want to have some on hand.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Thanks, Jill. I had to wrestle with the vet to get bupe last time, but I did. I gave only one dose, but it made me feel better to have it.

Do you think the A/D is a bad idea? Kitty wasn't crazy about the baby food. Of course, being OTJ, I guess it's less urgent that he eat, because we don't need to keep numbers up.

His fructosamine was really good. That's something.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

hmmm, if i were in your shoes i would feed A/D as a last resort... only if kitty wouldn't eat anything else. probably wouldn't be a bad idea to bring home a can of it, just in case. try adding a little water to his regular food first.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

How are Kitty's OTJ numbers? I have given Lucy a little HC from time to time, when Jazzy is getting it and I didn't think it was fair to not share. I think after all this time Lucy's pancreas is strong enough to handle a small treat. The first time I did it, I was afraid to test for a few days afterward but she was fine. :lol: I would probably try watering down his other food first, but if he won't eat that then maybe try the A/D.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

I will do that -- bring home a can of the A/D just in case, but try to feed the FF.

The problem with the FF is that he doesn't like the turkey, but the chicken has been giving him barf problems. Not scarf and barf -- just every 3 or 4 days. It seems to go away when he's off chicken, so I'm thinking food allergy. I may mix a little chicken in with the turkey, or else maybe a teeny half-forkful of AD if necessary.

His numbers have been great. I tested him last at 86, and his fructosamine was right in the middle yesterday. He tested I think 105 on the vet's meter at the office yesterday.

That was a relief, because he has been drinking more water. But the thyroid tests are normal too.

The BUN and creatinine on his blood tests are upper range of normal. I'll get the vet's input on that.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

FYI, the vet suggested I wait another couple of hours to come get him, so they can give him fluids for his kidneys. Seemed to make sense at the time! Fluids good.

And I asked for the bupe.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Speedy recovery to Kitty! I'm glad you asked for the pain meds. I hope they don't give you a problem getting them.

Edited to add: I first thought that the subject was "Kitty in Denial." LOL!
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Its too bad he couldn't have compromised and taken a couple that were on there way, but still extractable. It would have been that much less going on.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

AD isn't high in calories. If you use Binky's list you can find some better foods. Maybe soften it with some water to make it lap-able?
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

He's home!! He's still got bupe on board, so he's in a good mood.

How much food does he get at a time?? About a tablespoon an hour? I just gave a tablespoon of FF with water, and he wants more.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Glad Kitty feels good, but too bad they couldn't do the necessary extractions. Keep feeling good, Kitty! Keep eating good!

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Kathy and Kitty said:
He's home!! He's still got bupe on board, so he's in a good mood.

How much food does he get at a time?? About a tablespoon an hour? I just gave a tablespoon of FF with water, and he wants more.
Click to expand...

He might hurl if you give him too much at once; anesthesia can upset the tummy. Small amounts, with a bit of time between them should do OK.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

The reason the vet didn't do the extractions is that Kitty has advanced FORL, and also "lytic" (moth-eaten) area in his jaw, increasing the risk of jaw fracture. We've been following the condition. Extractions are going to be a challenge.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Do you know if they can do bone grafting of the jaw, using bone from an unneeded area of the body (ex a rib)? Might have to be @ a Vet school.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

BJ -- I would love a definition of small!

So far I have given him:

3:10 1 tablespoon
3:40 1 teaspoon
4:10 1 tablespoon.

He really wanted more, but I was careful, and he gave up. He has gone to sleep on his heated mat, which is perfect.

The x-rays definitely show arthritis. Major spots include left elbow, the back near the tailbone, and some in his hips. I am going to work with the vet to do an Adequan trial. I appreciate that he is willing to do it, even though it is not officially for cats.

I just don't know what we're going to do about the teeth. I'll start by sending the x-rays to the specialist in the next state, who consulted last time. The vet today said it has progressed somewhat from the last look -- not too much. At that time, the specialist said he thought we could wait.

If I have to have major work done, I've got a big problem, because there is no one I trust in town. The current vet feels it's out of his comfort zone.

Thanks for the support, everyone. I have been freaked out all day.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

BJM said:
Do you know if they can do bone grafting of the jaw, using bone from an unneeded area of the body (ex a rib)? Might have to be @ a Vet school.
Click to expand...

Wow, BJ, I never thought of that. I'll ask -- but that sounds even more complicated than extracting the teeth.

I feel conflicted about not doing "some" extractions today, but the vet said he wouldn't know which ones to start with; they seem about the same to him. But we wanted to get the consultation first.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Hi Kathy
Stopping by to say that I am glad Kitty is back home and I wish
him a very speedy recovery.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

If Maverick handled the vet better we'd do the adequan too. Now that I'm doing injections at home (who'd have thunk), I'm wondering if I can talk his new vet into picking these up and doing them at home too. Bet he loves the heated pet bed with his arthritis.

You should try and put baby stairs up too to avoid the impact from jumping down from beds. Maverick learned to use these immediately. He has them up to the downstairs couch and the bed. He doesn't jump anymore. Not even small hops.

Hugs on the teeth. I only recently learned about this. How do vets discover this without doing xrays. Why don't they ever do dental xrays in a cat? Is there a teaching hospital or university closer to you? We take our dog to the University of Montreal vet school to see their cardiologist. And its been an amazing experience. Its a 3.5 hour drive though.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

I'm glad Kitty is home and happy. How long since Kitty's post-anesthesia? If it's been 4+ hours, you are probably fine to feed.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Sienne -- Thank you for that! I hate depriving him of food.

After his last tablespoon at 4, he went to sleep. I will feed him more when he wakes up.

I did get the bupe from the vet. He said I could give more tonight if I want to. Input welcome on this.

Karrie, we have makeshift stairs everywhere, and he uses them -- except when he smells food, in which case he jumps! If anyone knows a good place to buy real stairs, I'd love to know. These boxes look awful.

As for why vets don't do dental x-rays -- I was referred to this particular vet because he has digital x-ray equipment. Most vets don't.

Kitty doesn't like cars, but they may be in his future. For now, though, he is snoozing and snoring peacefully. And I helped myself to extra chocolate.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

well, since you have chocolate I think everything will be ok. :mrgreen:

I have makeshift steps everywhere too, for Lucy. Usually she uses them, but sometimes she just jumps. I did get a set of steps from Target in the kid department. They're kind of cute and even have storage inside. It is just two little steps for kids to get into bed - I have a really high antique bed so I have the steps leading to the nightstand which steps up to the bed.
 
Re: 2/16 Kitty in Dental - Vet just called - Questions

Libby, I would never have thought about kids stairs! Two steps to the sink (the potty?), the bed. Great suggestion. I'll bet they're less expensive than the pricey pet stairs.

My final update:

The vet tech called tonight to check up on us, and she was so nice. We talked about the FORL as she and the doctor assess its current state, and the risks vs. benefits of major dental surgery. Right now, Kitty grooms, likes his face and head petted, eats quite well (when it's the right food), all the good stuff.

We also talked about the arthritis, which does appear to cause pain.

Our plan will be this: Treat the arthritis with Adequan (which DH has volunteered to give shots of, yay DH!!!!). Then see how Kitty's overall demeanor is. We'll re-examine the teeth in six months, and when it's time, they will tell me.

THANK YOU, everyone -- for your support and your input. How does anyone take care of a kitty without people like you?? :YMHUG:
 
This may be a resource for your vet and you:

University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
"One of the primary functions of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is to assist private practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of unusual cases. The staff of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center will always be available to receive cases through referral from a veterinarian or to provide private consultation as needed."

They may be able to provide some suggestions to the vet, or have a referral to a veterinary dental specialist.

There is a veterinary dental specialist up here in Columbus, Ohio. I know it would be a bit of a commute from Tennesee, but it might be worth a phone consult. It is where I took Spitzer (some 5 years ago) when he needed to have his canines shortened (overbite and lower canines were poking the roof of his mouth - he gained 1 lb in a month after the procedure). They do all kinds of veterinary dental work, including dental repair for working police dogs who need to have a good bite.

East Hilliard Veterinary Dental Services
(614) 876 - 7762
3993 Brown Park Dr
Hilliard, OH 43026 (just west of Columbus)
 
Thank you, BJ. Maybe I can get an opinion on the x-rays from them. I believe in second and third opinions!

The board-certified vet that my vet is referring us to is in Alabama. Three-hour drive, compared with six to Columbus.

At least Kitty is OTJ. It makes traveling easier.
 
Kathy and Kitty said:
The board-certified vet that my vet is referring us to is in Alabama. Three-hour drive, compared with six to Columbus.
Click to expand...
do you know the name of the veterinary dentist? or the town s/he's in?
 
Hi, Kathy & Kitty ;-)

ohmygod_smile ohmygod_smile ohmygod_smile I missed all this yesterday.. I apologize! I am so very thankful Kitty is OTJ still & I have hope that the rest will get worked out too, you are a good furbaby mom & Kitty is in GREAT hands!! :YMHUG:
 
Choy-Foong - :shock: I didn't realize I lived anywhere in that vicinity.

Doodle's experience is never far from mind. It guides me in seeking the safest route for Kitty.

Thank you all for watching out for us.
 
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