Should I do a dental?

[casanovasmom]

Casanova, who is 13, went to the vet last week for his rabies vaccination and after checking him over, strongly suggested a dental cleaning. He has never had one because his teeth have always been in good shape. Switching to all wet food has been a great thing for his bg but I guess not so great for his teeth. Anyway, I'm really nervous about putting him under for them to do the cleaning. She didn't see anything alarming and she doesn't think he has lost any teeth but she still thinks we should do it. I know if left unchecked it could lead to more problems but I'm just not sure what to do. Any thoughts?

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

First, please get over the myth that wet food causes bad teeth. Dry food does nothing to clean the teeth, it's the same as you eating a pretzel thinking it will clean your teeth.

That being said, cats need dentals just like humans. So, if he has never had one, chances are he may have issues going on in his mouth that do need to be addressed. FORLS, resorptive lesions, plaque and tartar buildup etc.

The only way for a vet to know is by taking xrays, doing a thorough exam and of course doing a dental.

I took my cats to a board certified dentist. I wanted to ensure the best possible care for my cats and the regular vet - doesn't take xrays, and uses drugs that I don't agree with. So, for peace of mind, I spent the extra money and took them to a dental specialist.

Whether you have the vet do it or you go the specialist route, make sure to ask:

1) what drugs do they use to induce (anesthesia) with?
2) what drugs do they use during/after the procedure?
3) do they monitor blood pressure?
4) do they take xrays before the procedure?
5) do they have experience with FORLS and removal of all part of the tooth and root?
6) what is their follow up care?


And remember do not allow metacam or ketamine. A good dentist will use something else and won't be offended by your request.

ketamin recall: http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... ?8,1962009

http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=14720

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2482


and metacam is considered black label for cats and should never be used. Do people use it for their cats, yes, but they do so with the understanding of the dangers of the drug.

Also, if the vet suggests a dental without anesthesia - run don't walk away

http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... 8833,89077


Here is a link to a thread I started a year ago when going down the path of dentals. You may find this helpful in making sure you know what to ask, look out for etc.

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5390

 

[doombuggy]

I know it's expensive, but I would recommend it. My Midora had gum disease and had a dental every other year at first, then every year. When she died at age 13 in 2005, she was missing about 1/2 her teeth, and 1 kidney was shrunk & the other was enlarged. This probably lead to her death, although the dentals probably helped prolong her life. My current vet is very pro-dental. He's right. We brush out teeth every day and go to the dentist 2x per year (at least you should),so why not our pets?

Please think about it. The vet will certainly watch your cat's reaction to the anesthesia - mine are sensitive to it. Let us know what you decided, but I say do it.