On our last visit to the vet, she recommended getting my kitties teeth cleaned -- of course this is a service her office offers -- but, I'm wondering if it's worth subjecting them to anesthesia (the vet has to completely put them out to do it).

Has anyone had this done or does anyone have a professional opinion on the subject?

Thanks

Apples, Iggy and Jinx

I swear you yanks are obsessed with teeth and how they look.

thesexofit said:

It is absolutely worth doing. She's not trying to swindle you. As pets live longer, dental care is as crucial for them as it is for us. And like humans, some critters have more trouble than others, and need cleanings more frequently.

Anesthesia is very safe these days (especially if you do the reccomended pre-op bloodwork and the IV catheter -- a good vet hospital will want to make sure the organs are healthy prior to anesthesia and run IV fluids during the procedure to make sure blood pressure stays up), and having grungy teeth can really shorten a critter's lifespan. Not to mention that dirty teeth eventually become infected, which causes pain.

I did veterinary dentistry for several years, and never had a patient be injured by anesthesia during a dental. I did see lots of misery and disease caused by lack of dental care, though.

thesexofit said:

applekisses said:

Yes have them cleaned!

CynthiasSocks said:

This is probably true.

I would not suggest having pets teeth cleaned merely to make them look pretty. There is a medical purpose.

HOWEVER.

There are now veterinary orthodontists. Yes, people can get braces for their pets.


I am so not even fucking kidding.


Occasionally there is some medical reason to want to use orthodontic devices in critters, but my understanding is that they're mostly used by people who have "show dogs" with bad teeth.


totally-not-kidding edit
[Edited 1/1/07 20:55pm]

HereToRockYourWorld said:

I was hoping you'd see this thread
That's something we'll consider, then, for the next vet visit. I just want to cause the least amount of trauma to my kitties as possible...but, if the anesthesia is safe, then I think it'll be a good thing to get it done.

HereToRockYourWorld said:

That is so wrong. Why do people put their pets through unnecessary discomfort or pain?

applekisses said:

Virtually all vets now use anesthetic gas that is as safe as what is used in humans, with similar monitoring procedures. It's extremely rare to have problems with healthy animals.

It is, however, expensive, and nobody wants to do it more often than necessary. After you get it done, talk to the vet about preventative measures. If you're not willing/able to brush their teeth, there are diets and other things that can help.

applekisses said:

People who breed and show animals are almost universally insane.

HereToRockYourWorld said:

Thanks for the advice, lady
I'm going to have to wait til I get my tax returns to get it done for both kitties. I feed them science diet dry (canned - on occasion) and they get tartar control treats, but I do think brushing their teeth would be a good idea. I haven't gotten into the habit with them because it's not something I was told to do with them by their previous vet, but I'm going to start trying with the new vets help and instruction

HereToRockYourWorld said:

applekisses said:

You're very welcome.

It can be hard with cats, honestly.

I have, however, NO EXCUSE for not brushing my dog's teeth, so now I too have to use my tax money to have his done. Bah.

Yes. You may also wish to consider putting those kitties on Science Diet Oral Care food, which helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup. It works very well on our cats and has prevented buildup following the cleaning procedure we had done 2 years ago.
[Edited 1/1/07 21:47pm]

We just brush our dogs teeth at home. Our oldest dog is too old to go under anesthesia, especially since she has heart murmurs.

They sell in the pet stores, a rubber toothbrush that you can slide over your finger, and pet toothpaste, if you want to try and clean your pets teeth yourself as ongoing maintenance.

i apply crest whitestrips to my cat's teeth every night before bed.

I have had my cats' (all three of them) cleaned. I highly recommend it, since cats are prone to dental problems, just like we are. In fact, two of my three cats had to have several teeth pulled because the teeth had gotten so bad (I felt sorry for them, poor kitties!) I think when cats get tarter buildup on their teeth, stuff like that happens. I even asked the vet what I could do to prevent it, and she told me that there was really nothing that could be done, that sometimes cats are prone to having teeth that go bad.

Bottom line, I would definitely get my cats' teeth professionally cleaned, if I were you. Yes, they are put under with anesthesia, but it definitely is worth it. In fact, I need to schedule an appointment with my vet to get my cat, Prince's teeth cleaned . Need to make that call.
[Edited 1/2/07 9:58am]

Anx said:

LMAO!!!!

applekisses said:

Some pets are alergic to it. Some places, some times, things go wrong. Is it worth taking that chance? If there is an issue with the teeth outside vanity, then you gamble with the life of your pet, because you have to.

Though profestional cleaning may or may not make the pet happier and more confertable in its older years.

MickG said:

If they have dental disease, yes, it will make them happier and more comfortable. How do you feel when you have a toothache?

HereToRockYourWorld said:

1) one's pussy should always be kept clean
2) one's pussy should always be kept neatly trimmed. Bushy hair on a pussy is unattractice
3) one should always play with one's pussy, to keep it from getting bored

BlackAdder7 said:

But, what about the teeth?

applekisses said:

Its worth it!! My dog has his teeth cleaned twice a year. It helps keep their gums healthy, their urinary tract clean, and it even keep their coats nice and bright.

applekisses said:

pull those fuckers out!

applekisses said:

Wow, those 2 have great benefits! Even the Actors in the SAG union don't get free dental care

HereToRockYourWorld said:

I believe you I worked at a pet store for a summer and we sold doggie Kotex!

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Well...you know I'm a habitual liar...my cats aren't actually my cats...they're two Albanian midgets.
[Edited 1/2/07 14:07pm]

applekisses said:

....debating on whether or not to tell apples the truth about what those midgets did to me during the middle of the night.....

.
[Edited 1/2/07 14:03pm]