Monet - first dental cleaning since going OTJ

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MonetsMom

MonetsMom

Member Since 2013
Good morning & Happy 4th of July everyone!

I am so blessed Monet continues to give me good numbers every week when I test him. He is averaging around 105 (AlphaTrak2).

I am taking him Monday for his annual physical and 3 days later his first teeth cleaning since being diagnosed with diabetes last October. I have been searching the board for any guidelines, precautions etc. that I need to be aware of prior to his cleaning. I read some negative info about an antibiotic - Convenia - that is often given as a shot 3 days prior. Since Monet is almost impossible to get anything in his mouth (even w/help of DH) we did opt for this drug the last time he had his teeth cleaned as opposed to pills. If this is in any way risky for him and his remission then absolutely we will not allow it. I called Vet yesterday and this is what he was planning to give him. I would love to hear from you guys about this and other antibiotics that we should not allow the Vet to administer (pill or injection). Any other info about teeth cleaning you might have would be very much appreciated. I have book marked several links members have posted but most of them are in regards to Kitties that are not yet in remission.

I think about you guys often and pop on the board occasionally to check in on you. Congrats to all the Kitties that have gone OTJ ... Most recently Trixie! Continued thoughts and prayers for good numbers for all Kitties!

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer me for Monet....Rise' (AKA Monet's Mom)
 
I've let my vet give Convenia when there was no other way to give a necessary antibiotic (I was going out of town, kitty got sick at the last minute, and she's the shy type who hides from the catsitter on top of the kitchen cabinets). There were no issues. However, if possible I would go with another form since Convenia (a shot) can't be discontinued or removed if the cat has a reaction to it. Maybe you could give a liquid antibiotic? Don't even try Metronidazole liquid - it tastes horrible and the cat will freak.
 
Thanks so much Camille for the quick response and info .... Will definitely make a note about the Metronidazole ...I think that is one we have tried in the past and had problems getting down. Any other liquid ones you have had success with?
 
I guess Clavamox liquid would be my suggestion - they don't exactly like it but I've never had unusual problems getting it into them. It does tend to cause diarrhea in many cats so you might want to have some FortiFlora or other probiotic on hand.
 
A lot depends on whether there are dental issues. If Monet's teeth just need a cleaning and there's no indication of a dental problem (e.g., gingivitis or bad placque), an antibiotic is likely to not be necessary. My vet has given Gabby a shot of long acting clinidamycin. She's had this antibiotic before and there wasn't any allergy or sensitivity. Vets like to give Convenia with cats that are hard to handle in the office or hard to pill at home. The issue with any long-acting drug is that if your cat is allergic, and you often don't know this until you've used the AB more than once, you can't get the drug out once it's in. Convenia is particularly problematic because it lasts over 2 weeks.

Also, unless there is a big dental problem, an antibiotic is not usually given prior to the procedure. If you know there's an issue, it makes sense to get the AB started and then continue using it afterward.

If Monet needs extractions, you want to avoid being prescribed Metacam. Metacam (meloxicam) carries an FDA black box warning due to it's causing renal failure in cats. Most of us will request buprenorphine ("bupe") to manage pain. Most of the anti-inflammatory drugs can cause kidney problems whereas opiates don't do this.

Here's a link to info on dental procedures.
 
I see you've already gotten some good advice. I just wanted to say I'm happy to hear Monet is still doing well and I hope things go well with the dental cleaning.
 
Thanks Sienne and Carla for info, link, and kind words. Hope you both are doing great as well as your babies !
 
Hi Rise' and Monet! I am pretty new here and I don't think we have met yet! Congratulations on being OTJ!!!! I have an antibiotic trick that works for Billie, so I figured I'd share in case you do end up needing an antibiotic. We get liquid Clavamox whenever Billie needs one. I put it in a small dish with a splash or two of milk, and she actually drinks it right up. I don't know if Monet is in love with milk like Billie is, but if he likes it, that might work. It comes with a syringe, and I've used it that way with my civie Brooklyn who won't drink milk. That usually involves a bit of wrestling, but it's not too hard to squirt into her mouth. Good luck with the dental visit!!
 
Hi Deanna... what a cool trick... Monet has never even had milk but might be worth a try in order to get an AB in him!
Hope U R having a GREAT day !
 
You can get a milk that is made for cats to be able to digest, CatSip. However, it is made by the same company that makes Lactaid lactose free milk for humans. The only difference is added taurine, so if you cat doesn't need extra taurine you can save a lot of money buying the Lactose free milk at the grocery . Probably better for us too! ;-)
 
Ann, I never thought of trying Lactaid! That is a very good idea. Billie turns up her nose at CatSip and also won't drink skim milk :lol: so I end up giving her 2%.
 
Awesome idea Ann with the Lactaid Lactose free milk...u guys are just so full of knowledge ....thank u !
 
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