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M_GO_BLUE1's avatar
M_GO_BLUE1
Explorer
Oct 18, 2013

ROTTEN TOOTH (Update 11/24/2013)

Took our soon to be 20 year old cat, Blue, to the vet yesterday because one half of her face was swollen...turned out to be a rotten tooth is her upper gums (I didn't think she had any teeth left)...

Anyways they gave her a shot of Covinogen (antibiotic) to help but that ususally wears off in about 2 weeks...

Question is the tooth will eventually have to come out I'm sure which involves putting her under anesthesia which makes me nervous...so for the local vet here s it possible she will come through this OK? Hard question to answer I know but I'll have to eventually make a decision...

29 Replies

  • It's a hard call at that age, but I remember my own abcessed teeth being horribly painful. I hope the antibiotic helps. Is she eating normally?
  • I have no advice, but want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. 20 years is a very long time to become attached to a furbaby, I do hope that all turns out well.
  • She was at the vet yesterday and that is where we got the shot of Covinogen...we are going to see how she is goint to react over the next 2 weeks...if she seems "better" then we will most likely go ahead and get the rotten tooth taken care of
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    hard for me to imagine my cats without teeth... They are always chewing on something...
  • While always cautious about anesthesia in a 20 year old, the dangers of a chronic infection are greater than the anesthesia IF all other systems are OK. Precautions can be taken to minimize the risk. If your vet feels the risk is warranted, then go for it.

    Doug, DVM
  • I think your question is better asked of your vet than in an internet forum.

    Your vet knows your cat the best.
  • Yes, speak with the vet! Please realize that repeated use of antibiotics can be tough on an older cat, too. Plus, the infection itself must be painful. Good luck!
  • M GO BLUE wrote:
    Took our soon to be 20 year old cat, Blue, to the vet yesterday because one half of her face was swollen...turned out to be a rotten tooth is her upper gums (I didn't think she had any teeth left)...

    Anyways they gave her a shot of Covinogen (antibiotic) to help but that ususally wears off in about 2 weeks...

    Question is the tooth will eventually have to come out I'm sure which involves putting her under anesthesia which makes me nervous...so for the local vet here s it possible she will come through this OK? Hard question to answer I know but I'll have to eventually make a decision...


    I would ask your vet as he/she knows your cat and it's health history. Maybe even get a second opinion.