Bixie's trip to the V-E-T this a.m.

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Joanna & Bix (GA)

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Guess I don't have to spell it out since he's already been, lol, but I guess it's still best if the other cats don't hear. ;-) Civie Noora goes to the s-p-e-c-i-a-l-i-s-t (ok, that was a challenge!) this afternoon for a routine checkup so I can get her meds renewed. Hoping my credit card doesn't go up in flames by the end of the day. :lol:

Good news is the vet thinks Bix is doing ok IBD-wise. I've been worried by some barf/liquipoo episodes the past few weeks, but this week I've been trying out just Wellness Chicken, took the Turkey off the table (well, floor), and he's been doing well. She said he hasn't lost even an ounce since last year, so she said that's a good sign the IBD isn't out of control or anything. I'm hoping she's right. :) We're starting him on Pepcid, and I'm continuing my food experiment, so we'll see how he does over the next few weeks.

Bad news is his teeth are really bad, at least tartar-wise. She said she can't see the teeth for the tartar, so can't say if his teeth are good but just need cleaning, or if his teeth are a mess underneath. He had major dental last October, so I'm kind of bummed he needs it again. She said that's the problem with wet food (though she supports feeding wet food for other reasons). Is that true? I thought that was a myth, but I was really shocked at how bad they look and it's only 10 months since they were shiny clean. What's up with that? :?

Anyhow, she suggested brushing them daily once they get cleaned again. Sounds daunting, but then so did diabetes once upon a time, so I'm hoping it will be doable. I posted on Health to get brushing tips - if anyone has had success with it, I'd love to hear how you manage it!

p.s. haven't updated his SS in a while, but his patterns are the same as they've been - getting a shot as-needed, approx once a day seems to be what he needs, dose is around 0.8 - 1u, I vary it a hair by the PS, so I guess that makes me a sliding scaler now...
 
Wow, teeth brushing! I can't even imagine. I thought I was going to become unglued with the Diabetes and HyperT.

When Chase was dx with HyperT we went with the pills and it quickly bacame clear that one of us was not going to survive daily pilling.

But brushing their teeth? nailbite_smile
 
Tooth brushing? I could see if I tried to do that to Mickey. LOL!!

Dentals are expensive. Sorry to hear that one. I have credit cards that are on fire one called the Masterflame. And american distress.
 
Hi Joanna!
I don't have any experience with tooth brushing in cats, but I've been thinking about trying another product called PlaqueOff. The reviews are mixed on it, but Ele has posted in the past about how great it works. If you do a search on it, you'll see some threads about it. Just another thing to consider.
http://www.entirelypets.com/plaqueoff.html
 
Joanna, LOL on the V-e-t. I'm glad Bix is doing well, and sorry about the teeth. I had posted about Placqueoff, but since I've had civie Charlie on it for a year now, I have to report that it hasn't helped the tartar on his teeth. As soon as I can afford it, he's getting a dental. Blackie has been sucking up all the vet bill $ lately. The Placqueoff did work for our droolers, so I don't know if it doesn't work for cats or if Charlie's teeth are especially bad. I'm going to have to start brushing his teeth I guess.
 
Thanks everyone! I posted on Health on the brushing and was amazed at how many do it successfully. They even have videos!!! I haven't watched them yet, but I'm going to sit down Bixie & the civies & break out the popcorn and the tunaritas (think they'll stay put with some spiked tuna juice on tap? hmmmm), and make a party of it. I'm hoping the cats in the videos give the toothbrushing a good rap, otherwise I guess it will be like taking the kitties to a horror flick. :o Vets, and toothbrush, and nail-trim, OH MY!

Ele, nice to see you! Give Blackie a hug for me! :)

Peggy, I love your credit card names. I've got Visucks (?) and Dis-doesn't-cover-it (?). Ok, I will have to think on it and do better than that!!! ohmygod_smile
 
I would highly recommend a chlorhexadine rinse for use at home after the dental...provided it is sugar free!
I brush often and CHX rinse kills some of the worst bacteria. Sometimes you can get a stain from it...but it is not necessarily tartar (calculus). Spunky was so docile I scaled his teeth too (I'm a dental hygienist).
10 months is a really fast rebuild.....
There are also enzyme toothpastes that can be helpful....
Use a long handled brush...less injury if it does not go well!

jen
 
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