Update on Kitty's dental-resorption and pain clarification

[Kathy and Kitty]

Cross posting from Lantus Land, as follow-up for those who saw the original post-dental trauma!.

I spoke with the vet tech who performed Kitty's dental cleaning. She was so well informed, and so clear. I feel reassured that Kitty is probably not in severe pain from his mouth.

Highlights:

- She said that often, cats with pain will have more tartar on one side, because they're favoring a sore side. Kitty's tartar was evenly distributed. As for pain for both sides, she said that his coat is good, and he is "in good flesh" ( :mrgreen: ) , indicating that he is grooming and eating, and therefore probably not in severe pain.
- She had examined the x-rays (radiographs). The teeth that have root resorption have no nerve left -- meaning that he is likely not in severe or chronic pain.
- The vet's notes discussed a "dangling" tooth, which made my skin crawl. She explained that he meant the root was completely absorbed. The tooth is sitting in the gum. Doesn't sound comfortable, but again, there is no tooth nerve left.

She also raised the question of whether the inflammatory process was related to resorption or cancer; that's the big issue. With his bone in this condition, taking a biopsy big enough to determine this would be delicate, with a risk of injury to the jaw.

It is her understanding that there is one tooth that is an appropriate target for removal. The specialist will have more to say, hopefully on Monday.

I was very worried about Kitty's pain level. In conclusion, the vet tech said that if this were her cat, she said she would not treat for ongoing pain. I don't know how people here feel about that, but it did make me feel better.

Meanwhile, Kitty is eating nearly normally, purring and watching birds. He clearly feels better too.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

From what you describe about his behavior and eating ability, it doesn't sound like he's in pain or at least not frequently enough to cause him to change behavior or not eat.

Think about it like this - ever have the feeling with your own mouth/teeth that it sometimes hurts or maybe one tooth or area becomes hyper sensitive to cold/heat? It could be like that for Kitty - the ocassional ouchie, but not enough to stop what you're doing, enough to notice and think - hmmm I need to remember to tell the dentist it hurts when I.....

so maybe it's the same kind of feeling for him?

i think if he was truly in pain (or constant pain), you would know, there would be clear signs.

 

[Kathy and Kitty]

My gut feeling at this point is that he has discomfort -- but as Jess pointed out as a possibility, from a different source. I think he is bothered by arthritis, despite the Cosamine, and that's why he is in his bed, on his reflective pad, a LOT and purrs when we add a warm sock. And pulls up when he plays. He'll put toys in his mouth and tug -- so how much pain could he be in?

Sigh. I wish he would just TALK to me. :roll:

I saw the discussion on Health about arthritis. I will see about improving his treatment for that.

 

[PeterDevonMocha]

Im glad that the vet tech was able to clear things up for you.