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Posts: 8
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Registered: Feb 2003

posted 02-05-2003 03:28 PM         

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My Sabrina is 14 years old and the vet says that she needs her teeth cleaned. I am TERRIFIED to put her under general anesthesia at that age. There are always risks with anesthesia, but they are increased in older cats. I would never forgive myself if she didn't come out of it, but I see the vet's point about dental health. If I don't have her teeth cleaned, she could get gum disease or loose some teeth.

Any advice or experiences with anesthesia in older cats? She's my whole life - I don't take these decisions lightly.

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Member

Posts: 30
From:seymour, IN, USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 02-05-2003 05:15 PM         

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Hi Sabrina's Mother,
I am new to this message board, my Shaman past away on Monday and I have found a little consolation here which I am grateful for- thought I'd pass on some friendly advice as many people have done for me....I don't have much experience with older cats (I don't know how old Shaman was as I brought her home from the shelter 6 years ago) but I have heard of complications in older animals (including us) with anesthesia, my advice would be not to do it. If she doesn't have problems with her gums now, its very possible that she will not develop any. Perhaps tartar control treats might help to remove some of the gunk? There is always the option of cleaning her teeth while she is awake- though I know that is MUCH easier said than done!!! good luck with your decision!

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posted 07-22-2003 07:59 PM           

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Hi,
I ran across your post in my search for advice. We just brought my boyfriends 17 year old cat, Moocher, to the vet for a drooling problem and she recomended having his teeth cleaned and looking for a bad tooth. We just did that today and he came home this evening. He's still groggy (kinda like he's drunk) and missing a little patch of fur on his arm from the IV, but other than that is doin quite well. The vet explained exactly what was going to happen and also did blood work, and pulled a bad tooth and checked for masses in the mouth and throat that older cats sometimes get. Our vet had a good idea of how he was going to come out and I think if you talk to your vet and they have no concerns, it should be no problem for the cat.

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