Cat tartar removal under GA?

[Flying Penguin]

Just brought our 2 cats (5 & 7 years old) back from the vets; routine check, worming pill, etc.

Vet mentioned again that both cats have a small amount of tartar buildup and (very slightly) irritated gums. She suggested tartar removal under GA and a blood test prior to the treatment. Got £ 360 total quoted for both cats.
The vet stated tartar build up is very common and that sometimes requires removal up to twice a year.

Just wondering: for years, both cats have been on a "premium- stuff" dental care dry food diet, in addition to their wet food. So what the hell are Pro Plan, etc charging stupid money for, if the cats still need tartar removal 1- 2 times a year? I do not dare to imagine what would happen if the cats would be on ASDA dry food?

Our previous cat passed away 10 years ago at the age of 19 and never ever has had problems with teeth or gum disease despite that "cat dental food" as such had not even been invented by that time (happy to stand corrected on that one).

Our two cats do not show any signs of discomfort or bad (breath) smell. Their teeth are not stained, dark or anything and just look normal to me (but then again I am not a vet); the only sign is the gum which is a little more red at the back compared to the front teeth which are (said to be) healthy.

I am just not sure as it seems a bit like a sales pitch from the vet?

The treatment cost is- luckily- of no concern whatsoever.

What does concern me- and it is my only concern- is to having put both cats through GA, if potentially there is no real need for it (tartar buildup "normal"/ not as dramatic as the vet says = no need for removal = no need for GA).


Or am I just being paranoid about GA (= man TF up, get the teeth treatment done and then back to the "... a bit council" thread)?

And what can I do to prevent tartar from building up again? Brushing is NOT an option (I would require hospital treatment upon trying)...

[bexVN]

I am a vet nurse. I cannot say your vet is wrong, obviously but in truth I would not be rushing in to get my cats teeth done at 5 and 7 years unless they had obvious gingivitis issues or calici issues.

They are more likely to need twice yearly cleaning once the first dental is done.

Cats (unlike dogs) will usually show dental discomfort quite quickly.

Redness of gums suggests irritation but being as most cats get this I would not be advocating dentals all the time (and yes even those fed raw bones etc still can get gingivitis however raw chicken wings can be a useful control in tartar build up)

Hexarinse can be useful. Soak a cotton but a spread as best you can on the gums (not the easiest!) the chlorhexadine in it is very beneficial in gum care.

Edited by bexVN on Thursday 8th December 22:11

[Flying Penguin]

bexVN said:

I am a vet nurse. I cannot say your vet is wrong, obviously but in truth I would not be rushing in to get my cats teeth done at 5 and 7 years unless they had obvious gingivitis issues or calici issues.

They are more likely to need twice yearly cleaning once the first dental is done.

Cats (unlike dogs) will usually show dental discomfort quite quickly.

Redness of gums suggests irritation but being as most cats get this I would not be advocating dentals all the time (and yes even those fed raw bones etc still can get gingivitis however raw chicken wings can be a useful control in tartar build up)

Hexarinse can be useful. Soak a cotton but a spread as best you can on the gums (not the easiest!) the chlorhexadine in it is very beneficial in gum care.

Edited by bexVN on Thursday 8th December 22:11

OK raw chicken wings 1- 2 times a week from now on it is, then. Will see how it goes for a couple of months and then decide. GA "on hold" for now.

Thanks for your comments.

[bexVN]

Did you have a look into introducing raw food (not sure if you have fed it before) worth having a quick read into it (ie raw should be frozen first then defrosted when needed)

[Jasandjules]

Flying Penguin said:

OK raw chicken wings 1- 2 times a week from now on it is, then. Will see how it goes for a couple of months and then decide. GA "on hold" for now.

Thanks for your comments.

Yup, raw meat and bones for them to chew on will soon "clean" those teeth the way nature intended.

You can also, if you can stomach it, buy DOCs (Day Old Chicks) and mice and rats of varying sizes for them to eat. It may also help the local wildlife stay free !

[Flying Penguin]

Jasandjules said:

Yup, raw meat and bones for them to chew on will soon "clean" those teeth the way nature intended.

You can also, if you can stomach it, buy DOCs (Day Old Chicks) and mice and rats of varying sizes for them to eat. It may also help the local wildlife stay free !

Thanks for the DOC/ mice suggestion but then I'd most likely pass out twice a day.

Regarding local wildlife, I just don't know what to do. Both cats are a TOTAL disgrace; the carnage they leave behind is absolutely disgusting.
A few times we just about managed to "rescue" birds, mice, baby rabbits, etc but most of the time it's too late and full- on slaughterhouse of the worst kind.
I know it's a natural thing for them but oh my god sometimes I deeply & sincerely hate my cats for that.

Back to topic- thanks for the input, anyway