Should cat have Operation

TripleH

Our eldest cat (will be 18 soon) has just come back from the vets. She has a touch of arthritis but generally is in good health and to be honest is full of more life and enthusiasm than she was 3 years ago.

The issue is that the vet has identified 2 of her back teeth as rotten and in need of possible removal. The concern raised is if she will get over the anaesthetic at her age (she has had anaesthetic before but when she was a lot younger).

She doesn't appear to be in pain or discomfort (but that doesn't mean she isn't in some).

We are going to observe her over the next few weeks, but I would appreciate people's insights into this to help me with my thoughts.

sheramber

What does your vet advise? He knows your cat and the risks involved.

However, pain is not the only consequence of rotten teeth, bActeria from them can enter the blood stream and could cause kidney or heart disease.

You need to assess the risks to a 18 year cat from either scenario.

TripleH

I think the vet has left it to us (my wife took her in) to decide after presenting the facts.

I know her blood sugar levels were high last time (she had blood taken) and wonder if the illness she had (lost her voice around Christmas) is connected.

Yes, we are thinking it over and any input provided is much appreciated. It would be easier if she appeared unhappy in life but as the naughtiness of her younger self creeps in.

I know today my wife gave her a meat stick and she was fine on one side but not on the other.

Just to add, part of my wavering is because my late father went in for a serious but routine operation and basically they realised on the operating table that he was too late to save. I know different circumstances but puts my approach into more context.

donnac2558

Bad teeth can cause kidney problems.

One of my cats had teeth out at 18 totally fine then developed cancer two months later.

TripleH

Thank you. It's strange but I could cope better if she didn't wake up one morning or if she had to be taken to the vets and pets because she was suffering (also think that would in some way work better for our other 3 cats). It's choosing an operation that might finish her off that I'm struggling with. It's also that we thought we were loosing her in March 2020 but she turned a corner then.

With the other 3 I've always had a good bond with them, but my wife had our eldest before me and I've put more effort into earning her respect which happened over time.

sheramber

There is obviously a risk with an aneasthetic in an elderly animal but vets know this and take precautions against it. 

My fall back is to ask my vet what he would do if it was his animal. 

If you go ahead and she dies under aneastheitic you know you tried what you thought best.

If you do not go ahead and she  develops pain and it is too late to operate- as she gets older the risk gets higher- or she suffers kidney or heart problems, how will feel that you didn't take the risk. 

Only you and your wife can weigh up the alternatives and make that decision. 

Torry_Quine

My cat was 18 when she had teeth out.  She's under weight and on steroids but came through well. it's over a year now. Be guided by the vet

TripleH

Torry_Quite, thank you, thats very reassuring. I accept things may not go as planned, but I am less concerned than I would be 2 years ago about her. I know she has put a bit of weight back on since Christmas (that may be partly as we have made an effort to feed her away from our youngest) as the vet did express concern if she lost more weight. Although we felt that was because she was getting more exercise.

TripleH

Update : I thought I'd come back to this thread and give an update.

Our cat did have her operation on Thursday and came through fine. She's now hitting her little brother because he's offended her.

She had 2 teeth out and blood tests showed kidneys were in very good condition for her age (vet would say her age was no where near the 17 years she actually is.

That's not to say we weren't worried sick from when we dropped her off to when we picked her up.

Torry_Quine

I'm pleased to hear that she came through well. 😺

TripleH

Thank you. After so many sad stories I thought I'd bring some happy news.