Should we really get our cat's teeth worked on?

We have a cat, twelve years old, who went to the vet for the first time in a couple of years today. (She has just become an outdoor cat, since we bought our house!)





The Vet suggested that we have some teeth extracted, since she has four cavities and one tooth has broken off, leaving an exposed nerve.





Now, this sounds horrible, but the cat acts fine. The procedure could cost up to $400, and can only be done if the cat passes some blood tests and such. (We can afford the procedure, but it will put a crimp in some of our spending for a little while.)





I want to be a compassionate pet owner, but on the other hand, I don't want to be paying a lot of money for something I can't tell is wrong, and that doesn't affect the cat's behavior. And she doesn't seem to be suffering.





So, considering the practical, ethical, and financial ground, should let the vet do it? Would you do it?

Should we really get our cat's teeth worked on?
Can you tell if your cat has pain? Just because she isn't "suffering" doesn't mean that she isn't in some lesser form of pain. How would you feel if you had a bunch of cavities and an exposed nerve. It sounds like you are only conserned with the cost and not the cats long term health. Any of those teeth can get infected and abscess and then the vet cost is going to be even more.
Reply:Cats are very good at hiding the fact that they are in pain. How do you know that she isn't suffering? Did she tell you so? If you really want to do the compassionate thing, do the right thing and get the procedure done.
Reply:I say yes. The missing, cracked or rotten teeth can lead up to a variety of other ailments in the future, including heart problems. Also, if the teeth are painful to the animal, they also might have their eating disrupted.





It is always easier to do the treatment when the animal is healthy then to wait till there is a problem.
Reply:I totally understand the cost issue. You might see if your vet can make a payment arrangment or you might contact the SPCA or another pet organization to see if they have any low cost clinics in the area. I am looking inot the same thing.





My cat has a broken tooth and is also 12 and i have a hard time understadning why it cost so much cause there just gonna pull it. i hate the vets make so much money off people like us. I too don't see any real "pain' in my cat, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have any, so like you i am trying to figure out what to do. i did find a low cost clinic and it looks like the best option. I would make some calls, even to other vet office and shop around.





Good luck !





Jennifer
Reply:Please do it. Your cat is in pain (even if she doesn't look like it) and bad teeth can affect other parts of her body (just as it can in a human).


No, it's not cheap, but she'll be healthier.
Reply:If it was my cat I would not have it done unless she either is in some discomfort with it or her breath smells bad. I think animals don't have the same attitude to such things as broken teeth as we do. And I should add that I never consider the financial aspect, if I had to sell my house for something my cat had to have I would do it. She will let you know when it needs doing. On the other hand, one day it will need doing, and she'll be older then...
Reply:If you can afford it, do it. Sometimes you just don't notice when an animal is in pain. I just found my cat had three ingrown claws. I was able to clip them and take care of it myself, but one was stuck in so bad it bled, but she never showed that she was in pain when she walked on it. Your cat might be in more pain that you know when she eats or drinks. If may put a crimp in your spending for a little bit, but that is what you take on when you own a pet.
Reply:Wow! Does no other vet do preventative teeth cleanings? (This is the 2nd question I've answered in 2 days) If the cat has cavities you need to have the teeth pulled. They will eventually get infected %26amp; they may not hurt her now but it will eventually. Its just like if you have cavities, would you not do anything about it if it was your mouth? If you care about the cat you need to get it done. She will be suffering soon. I don't care what it costs I would do it for my cat.
Reply:Oh yeah!!!! How the mouth is doing is a sign of how the whole body is doing!!!!!!!!!!! --For any CREATURE.
Reply:Yes!





Cats are excellent at hiding pain. They know that to show pain, shows weakness, and that other animals can take advantage of that.





My cat, Pepper, died not too long ago of lymphoma (she had to be put to sleep). She didn't seem sick at all for quite some time, but I know how painful cancer is when it goes from the bowels, to the liver, and the pancreas (my Dad suffered from something similar).





Cats feel pain _exactly_ the same as you. The central nervous system is the same, and that part of the brain is shared by certainly all mammals, and most other lower lifeforms as well.





Imagine if you had an exposed nerve in your tooth, or a broken tooth. Imagine how much it would cost you to go to a dentist for that! Where I live it would probably cost almost as much as a dentist, but it sounds like you're in a better area for that sort of thing. If you Are a compassionate pet owner, you will recognize the need to mitigate your cat's pain.
Reply:Get your cat's teeth taken care of for heaven's sake.





Animals are Pros at hiding pain...until they have no choice but to show it. How do you think you would feel if your never was exposed on your tooth? Yeah, ouch, ya think?





Proper dental care is essential, not only for the teeth, but periodontal disease can lead to heart and kidney problems if left untreated.





Pay the $400 and get the teeth done. I have three, I do it as needed and it costs about $400 per cat every time.
Reply:The big worry is that the teeth problems can lead to an infection (that can then lead to organ failure)





And at the risk of sounding horrible myself . . .


If it isn't bothering the cat then I would leave well enough alone (make sure she's eating though. If she's not eating then get her teeth fixed). Older animals don't always handle sedation well.
Reply:Yes. I would do it but grumble about having to pay so much for an old cat. But she is a loved pet and it sounds like you can afford it, even if you are hesitant about it. It is not like you are having to decide between a child's needs and the cat's problem.