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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...

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  • CA_POPPY's avatar
    CA_POPPY
    Explorer
    Oct 19, 2013
    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?
  • USA_Traveler's avatar
    USA_Traveler
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2013
    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.
  • M_GO_BLUE1's avatar
    M_GO_BLUE1
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2013
    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
    Oct 18, 2013
    hard for me to imagine my cats without teeth... They are always chewing on something...
  • dturm's avatar
    dturm
    Moderator
    Oct 18, 2013
    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_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2013
    I think your question is better asked of your vet than in an internet forum.

    Your vet knows your cat the best.
  • Go_Dogs's avatar
    Go_Dogs
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2013
    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!
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2013
    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.

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