Cat teeth extractions

[Whatsnmynameagain9]

Took my 19 year old boy to the vets today for a check up and jabs and the vet said he had stage 4 periodontal disease. He seemed to have a Quick Look at his teeth and there was some red and inflammation. I couldn’t see a lot because he was quite wriggly and unhappy but some of the teeth seemed quite small to me too.

cost wise it’s going to be £850 ish for GA, pre blood tests (liver, kidney, blood count) and the extractions.

im concerned more though with whether he would survive the trauma. He does very well for his age. Doesn’t go out much at all anymore, only really under the cover of adult protection if we are banging the washing out or gardening. Sleeps most of the day and enjoys cuddles although less so recently. So perhaps is suffering some discomfort

any stories of success you can share

What would you do

2 of my cats have had very extensive tooth extractions with absolutely no issues whatsoever. However they were an awful lot younger - 4 and 7. I think personally I would wonder whether a 19 year old would get through the anaesthetic, much like you are.
you probably need a further discussion with your vet about it.

I wouldn't put him through it unless he's not eating or is in a lot of pain.

My cat is 18.5 and I wouldn't put her through that. If he seems uncomfortable, could painkillers help? I wouldn't worry about the long term effects of medication as he's really very old already.

Our last cat had six out, and she was grand - furious at having the equivalent of Corsodyl for a week after! But she was much, much younger, I think only about five at the time. I’m not sure I would go ahead with such an old gentleman unless eg he’s not able to eat.

This was recommended to my cat last year for the same reason. I was told to think about it as they could see I was very cautious having had a previous cat years ago not wake up from anaesthetic for the same procedure. I left it a few months as my cat didn't show any signs of pain and was still eating and looking pretty healthy. All seemed ok and when I took her for a check up 6 months later to get flea injections I didn't mention the tooth and it was a different vet and they didn't mention anything about the teeth even though they checked them. All I would say is if your cat isn't showing any signs of pain or stress it might be best to wait. However, cats will tolerate pain for a long time without sign and it really depends how bad it could get. I would get a second opinion first.

Our cat will be 20 this year and has had several teeth out over the last couple of years. He was obviously struggling to eat each time, therefore we felt we had no choice as he would have starved otherwise.

He’s been absolutely fine ever since.

17 aged cat and told the exact thing a few months ago. Worried about coming out of anaesthetic. Was told by vet "you can think on it but don't take too long. Doing it at 17 is very different to doing it at 20".

I still don't know what to do

Thank you everyone. Gosh I don’t know what to do now. I’ll give it more through. Might get a second opinion even.

My girl is 18 but loves her food but apparently her teeth are bad, tempted not to do it as she has no issues in terms of appetite and wolfs everything and anything down plus she has kidney issues

My friend's cat had 9 teeth out at 17 and she did really well after. She seemed much happier in herself so they think she was disguising the pain. The vets were really good with her and her surgery was delayed once because they were worried about test results that came back but it was a false alarm.

At that age I would not, my poor Ernie had problems and he was 14, had two surgery and had to tube fed round the clock to survive as stopped eating. He did survive and had a happy extra year, cost thousands. Would not attempt with a cat of your’s age , as could be cruel. Hard to say goodbye I know, but that would be my decision to do the best for the poor cat. Thinking of you and wish you well whatever you decide