Purr Request UPDATE

Jessie is now home, she had one tooth removed and the rest cleaned. This was
all done with a sedative rather than a general anaesthetic so she was wide
awake and complaining loudly when we picked her up. I'm very relieved she's
OK, she's not my cat but I'm *very* fond of her.

Monique Y. Mudama...

Glad to hear she's doing well!

W. Leong...

That's good news. But watch Jessie closedly. A friend's cat died after
coming
home from teeth cleaning. I don't know the details, but they suspected
delayed reactions
to the anaesthetic. I know Jessie was only sedated but still ....

Adrian A...

That's what happened to a previous cat that owned my neighbour, hence the
reason we were both aprehensive. Also my neighbour, who is quite elderly, is
not in good health herself at the moment and I think that makes her worry
more about Jessie.

jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt...

You guys are scaring me. I've been putting off getting my kitties'
teeth cleaned for this very reason!

W. Leong...

I don't mean to scare you. Do discuss your concerns with the vet beforehand.
If you have a senior cat, ask if a blood test is advised before putting the
kitty under.
I recall one type of anaesthetic is preferable, but don't recall which type.
Other posters can help out here.
You just have to weigh the pros and cons. My mom't cat had his teeth
cleaned with no problem or any after effects.

My vet suggested shaving Rusty as he has ringworm. But he needs to be
sedated for the shave, and I am concerned over that as he is an older cat.
But if we can't rid the ringworm in a month or two, I may go for the shave.

Adrian A...

The vet said they do 20-25 cleanings per week and lose one cat per year due
to complications, that's les than one in a thousand, so pretty low risk
compared to a lot of things.

Cheryl Perkins...

Yeah, but risk goes up with age. So does the incidence of mouth and tooth
problems. It's hard sometimes to decide what to do with an elderly cat
with problems because there are risks whatever you choose.

Adrian A...

Jessie is 14, so would probaly be considered 'elderly' fortunately she is
healthy.