Parenting-Furkids

Cats => Caring For Your Cat => Topic started by: Lola on January 13, 2014, 02:48:31 PM

Title: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 13, 2014, 02:48:31 PM
Took Lucy for vaccinations and her check-up last week.  She was feeling a bit "meh" afterward.  She ate all her meals and such, but didn't participate in any family activity.  Just rested.  She seemed to be back to normal within 24 hours.

I requested that a senior panel be doneā€¦just in case.  She is 9 years old.  I can call for the results, but I'll wait until I see the vet on Thursday.  Thursday she goes in for her dental cleaning.  She is missing a tooth and also has a tooth resorption.  :(  Is there something in my water, or is it that common?!   

At least Lacy (dog) has good teeth.  Thank GOODNESS! 

 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 13, 2014, 03:22:19 PM
She is missing a tooth and also has a tooth resorption.  :(  Is there something in my water, or is it that common?!   


In humans, tooth resorption is caused by the body attacking itself. It's one of those things where the immune system goes haywire and treats the teeth as a foreign body. Is it the same for other animals? If so, I'd be questioning the vet about Lucy's immune system.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 14, 2014, 08:14:27 PM
The vet rambled off a few possibilities.  Gum disease, too much vitamin D, and I don't know what else.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 14, 2014, 08:58:46 PM
I found this at Mercola:

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/01/17/teeth-resorption.aspx

One of the possible causes IS an autoimmune disorder called "Feline stomatitis."

Are you on city or well water? I also saw something about city water in there.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 15, 2014, 04:47:38 AM
Tolly didn't have stomatitis, just the FORL. Are Lucy and Lola from the same shelter?  Wondering if there is a genetic relation.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 15, 2014, 12:02:39 PM
The only furkid from a shelter is Jenkins.  Lola we "inherited" when her adopter passed away unexpectedly.  Lucy was found in a shopping cart, late at night, crying her eyes out. 

We don't collect cats and dogs...they just happened.  We HAVE turned away several. 

We have well water, but they mostly only get bottled water... For the last several months or year-ish.



Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 15, 2014, 05:41:28 PM
I cancelled her surgery tomorrow.  She just doesnt seem to be completely back to herself, after the vaccinations.   A little off.  Nothing I can put my finger on. 
As weird as it may sound... I have had a weird feeling for a few days.  Thought maybe it was just me over worrying.  Had a dog, once, that didnt make it back to normal after a dental. Maybe that is in the back of my mind?
Anyway the vet isnt in today, so I wasnt able to find out the results of her senior panel work.  I dont want something to get over-looked and then her get put under and have it back fire.
Maybe it is just me, being a nut... But I'm going with my gut... for once. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 15, 2014, 07:18:08 PM
I don't blame you one single bit. I am a firm believer in female intuition.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Pookie on January 16, 2014, 08:34:20 AM
Maybe it is just me, being a nut... But I'm going with my gut... for once. 

I don't think you're being a nut, I think you're being smart.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 17, 2014, 05:23:50 AM
Always go with your gut on things like this.  If it didn't feel right to you there was a reason. Have you heard back on the blood work yet?  Is she feeling better?  The vaccines surely could put her off.  But of course resorptive lesion pain can too. Let us know when it's rescheduled so we can send her lots of good vibes!
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 18, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
I quarantined her, for two days, so I could keep track of her exact input and output.  She seems to be doing okay.  I'm hoping the vet is in on Monday, so I can find out the senior panel results. 
Also, whatever testing they do before a dental... those results are only good for 2 or 3 weeks.  ??  I don't want to put off the dental any longer than necessary. 

Funny story... When we removed all the carpet and put in tile, that left a bit of space under the bedroom doors.  Tonight when I put down everyone's dinner, I slid Lucy's plate under the door.  She isn't a fan of By Nature.  She will eat it, but not with a smile.  She ate most of her dinner and then slid her plate BACK!!  She's a character. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 18, 2014, 08:38:32 AM
Quote
Funny story... When we removed all the carpet and put in tile, that left a bit of space under the bedroom doors.  Tonight when I put down everyone's dinner, I slid Lucy's plate under the door.  She isn't a fan of By Nature.  She will eat it, but not with a smile.  She ate most of her dinner and then slid her plate BACK!!  She's a character. 

That is WONDERFUL! It's funny how little rituals are created when we want our cats to eat.  I hope it works all the time!

For Queen Eva, if she shows disinclination to eat she has trained me to follow her into the bathroom, put the dish of food on the floor and shut the door.  When she is finished she knocks on the door to let me know she's ready to come out

My vet will let blood work stand for anesthesia for up to three weeks.

Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 18, 2014, 11:11:33 AM
I assumed she was sliding the plate back, because she didn't like her dinner.  I could "see" her doing the burying ritual... and the plate flying back under the door. 

Queen Eva knocking on the door.... toooooo cute! 

Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 24, 2014, 03:36:23 PM
Lucy's elder cat blood panel... receptionist said nothing Earth shattering.  Hmmm  I'll get a copy, for myself, next Thursday.  Lucy's dental surgery has been re-scheduled then.   Happy thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.   
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 24, 2014, 03:54:26 PM
 HangInThere
I hope she's feeling better than what she seemed to be when you cancelled the appointment the first time!

grouphug

Hopefully everything will go okay this time.

GoodVibes

You have all our prayers and best wishes for this time to go perfectly.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 27, 2014, 02:16:13 PM
Yes, Lucy is doing fine.  I'm just a bit worried.  If she wasn't feeling so hot after vaccinations... what will dental surgery be like for her?  She has to have it done, the senior panel was done, and the pre-test was done. 
She will be fine.
She will be fine.
She will be fine.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Pookie on January 27, 2014, 03:49:39 PM
She WILL be fine.  fingerscrossed grouphug
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 27, 2014, 04:00:41 PM
 grouphug GoodVibes GoodVibes HangInThere GoodVibes GoodVibes grouphug
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Amber on January 27, 2014, 05:29:45 PM
GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes Everything will be fine.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 28, 2014, 04:57:16 AM
Lucy will be okay.  Does your vet use sevoflurane anesthesia?  If not, can you ask for it? It's nerve wracking though I know.  I know you'll be glad when it's over so you can stop worrying about it all.

 GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes CatHug
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 28, 2014, 03:07:48 PM
I think he does use sevoflurane anesthesia.  It sounds familiar.  I checked Lola's records... just states "anesthesia."  I'll have to ask.  His statements aren't very detailed.  :(   
I think my worry is just working over-time.  After the Lucky "ordeal"...
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 30, 2014, 04:48:30 AM
Thinking of Lucy today, and you!

 GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes GoodVibes grouphug
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 30, 2014, 07:00:11 PM
Thank you, MC.

I explained, this morning, breakfast would be later than usual.  I had planned to feed everyone after taking Lucy to the vet.  Yeah, good plan but...not going to happen!  There was all kinds of hissing and swatting.  Sooooo, I put Lucy in solitary confinement and fed the others.  Talk about feeling like a total creep!! 
Jenkins (the non-people cat) kept running back and forth to me and to the door Lucy was behind.  He doesn't meow, he squeaks.  Squeak.  Run.  Run. Squeak.  I think he was letting me know that I missed feeding one!  That certainly added to the guilt.  lol 

Lucy just kept looking at me, with big wide eyes, and softly mewing.  She is normally a yeller (and a hitter), if she wants my attention.  The softness was sooooo out of character for her. 

Anyway, once the vet got a good look inside her mouth... 4 teeth pulled and a 5th one was already gone!   :o 

She is home.   dance1 She ate a little of her favorite food.  Checked out the house... like she is seeing it for the first time.  Now she is resting.  The others are totally leaving her alone.  Thank Goodness.   

It might be a bit late, but I think I am going to HAVE to "push" raw chunks on everyone.  Other than brushing, that is the only way to keep their teeth in somewhat decent condition...right?

Lucy and Lola's recent dentals make me think of the people (myself included) that think their cats are just fine.  The others (not me) are usually arguing for dry, but... it just floors me that a cat that seems "just fine," isn't. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 30, 2014, 07:13:32 PM
SO glad to hear she's doing well!

Other than brushing, that is the only way to keep their teeth in somewhat decent condition...right?

Lucy and Lola's recent dentals make me think of the people (myself included) that think their cats are just fine.  The others (not me) are usually arguing for dry, but... it just floors me that a cat that seems "just fine," isn't. 

It's rather expensive, but I've heard nothing but good about this spray: http://www.lebalab.com/

I've heard the newer, cheaper sprays on the market don't work the same for some reason.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 30, 2014, 07:34:42 PM
I just can NOT imagine a spray working.  Not saying it doesn't... I have NO clue.  Do you use it? 

I know people are going to want to know....

Quote
What are the INGREDIENTS?
The herbs are Mints (latin name Lamiaceae) and Roses (latin name Rosaceae) in trace elements (small amount), stabilized in Ethyl alcohol 25% & distilled water.
All the ingredients are human grade.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on January 30, 2014, 07:41:24 PM
I just can NOT imagine a spray working.  Not saying it doesn't... I have NO clue.  Do you use it? 

I know people are going to want to know....


I've never used a spray except a mouthwash type spray after I brush their teeth. http://www.petco.com/product/111562/TropiClean-Fresh-Breath-Fresh-Mint-Foam-Dental-Wash-And-Freshener-for-Pets.aspx

I've heard about it being great for years though. But with a large dog, I can buy a LOT of toothpaste for $50+ & it keeps them used to someone handling their mouth for the vet.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on January 30, 2014, 07:48:04 PM
Maybe now that their mouths aren't so messed up... getting near them, with a toothbrush, will be possible. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on January 31, 2014, 05:41:07 AM
So glad to know Lucy has been through her ordeal and is doing well.  Once those extraction sites heal, I bet she will be a new cat.

There is no known preventative for resorptive lesions.  I brushed nightly with c.e.t. for years, it made no difference in Tolly's FORL.

I finally stopped with the c.e.t. because I couldn't reconcile myself with the bad ingredients, namely the sorbitol, which seemed to make both Tolly and Queen Eva sick. I didn't make the connection until I stopped for a while, then started it up again and certain symptoms came back in both cats. Then I had that lightbulb moment. I don't like the ingredients in any of the dental cares for pets products.  I refuse to use any of them.

Dental health in animals is largely genetic, anyway. Feeding the best diet you can is, in my opinion, really the only safe way to combat it. My vet has suggested to use a gauze or soft rubber brush and just rub their teeth, but I've decided not to do it. Gauze can be too abrasive on the gums, so you have to be careful to target only the teeth. (per vet instruction) and I haven't been able to find a "soft rubber brush".

 All three cats have good strong healthy mouths at the moment, thank goodness.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on February 03, 2014, 09:53:27 AM
Lucy normally is one that does not eat real raw chunks of anything... ever.  Except yesterday.  She grabbed a gizzard and ran with it!  It took her a while, but she ate it. 
With her not liking real raw, and her recent surgery... I was stunned. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on February 03, 2014, 07:57:25 PM
Just goes to show how much better she feels with those resportive lesion teeth gone!

bananamiddlechild
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on February 04, 2014, 04:10:30 PM
Just goes to show how much better she feels with those resportive lesion teeth gone!

bananamiddlechild

I was afraid it was a bad thing, so soon after surgery!  I was feeling terrible. 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on February 04, 2014, 06:44:49 PM
I would think you can trust her 'judgement' on whether she can eat something or not.  Did she show any signs of pain after eating that gizzard?  Were you able to watch her eat it?  Wondering if she swallowed it whole. Did she keep it down?

She had four extractions, right?  Were they all on the same side of her mouth?  Dissolving stitches?
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: FurMonster Mom on February 04, 2014, 08:25:17 PM
I'm sure she will be fine.   HeadButt
Belle has had so many resorptive teeth pulled, she has hardly any teeth left in her mouth.  Still, she surprises me sometimes with the pieces she will pick up and work on.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on February 05, 2014, 11:35:19 PM
Lucy ripped it to shreds!  She ate it a little slower than the others, but she ate it all.  She kept it down.
The reason I felt badly was because, I was thinking I wouldn't want to be eating chunks of anything... right after dental surgery!  lol
She had 4 extractions... one from each side...top and bottom.  Back teeth.  She also was already missing one.  Not too many left, other than the tiny ones up front. 
FMM, that is good to know that a cat, with limited amount of teeth, can still eat raw.  I'm guessing they use their front teeth, more than I realized? 
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on June 11, 2014, 01:00:23 PM
I JUST took a closer look at Lucy's lab results. 
Bilirubin - Unconjugated is flagged as being high.  0.2. 
The reference range is...  0.0 to 0.1   
From what I have read Googling... liver.  Is that something to ignore?  I don't want to be looking for trouble, but I don't want to be blowing off something important.  Even if my vet is.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: DeeDee on June 11, 2014, 04:26:42 PM
I'd for sure be asking, "So, when is high Bilirubin considered a problem? Should we be doing something now to help it from getting worse?"
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on June 13, 2014, 07:44:05 PM
What makes me crazy is ... test results aren't mentioned (other than good to go or not good to go), unless something life threatening (at the moment) is going on.  If I hadn't asked for a copy of the results, I would still be clueless. 

Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on June 14, 2014, 07:34:31 AM
That is annoying.  Vets are just so used to people not questioning anything I guess.  I have a friend with a cat in kidney failure and I've told her countless times to ask for copies of the blood work and to ask what this or that means, but she never does. She asks me instead.
Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Lola on June 14, 2014, 04:21:01 PM
I think a lot, of what he says and does, is due to his location/clients.  Trying to think of how to explain... 

The majority of his clients, just want the basics of pet care.  That is all they can, or are willing to afford.

For many years his hands were tied, because he didn't own the practice.  Only so much he COULD say or recommend.  He also tends to lean towards conservative.  Costly tests may give answers, but.. in the end, if the result will be the same, he doesn't suggest the tests.  Or if x amount will save the pet, but it will only live for a short time. 

For Lucy being 10 years old and being fed kibble, for so many previous years... "good for her age" is an understandable explanation...from his point of view.  It would be an acceptable explanation to 99.9% of his clients.  For me... 10 years old is NOT the end of the road.  In a non-kibble feeding world, 10 years old is still youngish. 

I can TOTALLY understand your friend asking you.  When a vet does tell me something... you are the first person that comes to my mind, to ask for a better explanation!!!  You "know" me and my pets.  You know where my head is at...

Title: Re: Edit: Lucy and her dental cleaning...
Post by: Middle Child on June 14, 2014, 05:01:02 PM
Thank you for the nice words!  And I agree with what you said about the vet.