Last Minute Dental Advice?

[Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA]

Hello Everyone,

Basil goes in for his dental tomorrow morning. He needs a cleaning and at least one extraction.

So, the vet's office said he can have a small feeding at 4am (that's one of his usual times around here) and they will take him in at 8:15 and do his procedure about 10am. I'm good with that.

What I am not sure about is the after care. The woman at the front desk said when we pick him up (at about 5 the same day) he will need not to eat until about 4am again. That will be 24 hours without food. Is this an issue for a diet-controlled diabetic? Basil has been OTJ since March 3.

I am also requesting:
no Metacam unless there is no other choice
no week-long-lasting antibiotic shot
no steroids (I know, unlikely anyway) unless essential

We know that the anesthesia and fluids are all being done properly. This is an excellent vet and I don't mistrust him at all. I just want to be sure I understand the food issue.

One last question:
I want to pick up a probiotic today in case we need an antibiotic. Can anyone recommend something from PetCo? Should I ask the vet for Fortiflora?

Thanks!!

 

[Jen & Squeak]

Your cat should be able to eat as soon as they get home, if they wish. There is no reason to withhold food and with all of our dentals that has never been suggested!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I have no advice regarding probiotic. My vet says to feed a small meal at about normal evening time after the dental. Canned food of course. If the cat eats fine. If not that's OK too. Just make sure there is no side effects of the anesthesia before feeding.

 

[Lydia--(Rosie & Basil) GA]

Thanks, Jen and Larry. My understanding is that their concern is vomiting from the after effects of anesthesia. However, Basil tends to have a very strong stomach. His sister (civvie) is another matter altogether. I also have been assuming that if he eats a very small amount slowly, we can ease him through any mild nausea.

 

[Jen & Squeak]

Squeak has had multiple dentals and after each one is slightly different, but I've never withheld food..