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What is oldest Sphynx you have put under anesthesia or know of for dental or other?

SphynxMom1993

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I am curious the oldest Sphynx you have put under anesthesia for a dental or other surgery? Is it just Ketamine to avoid? Do they usually do ok on anesthesia? Our Sphynx is 15 years old. We've fed raw for 10 years and our vet said last year and even UT vet school in 2013 her teeth looked fine. I told them I smelled them. My Daughter kept saying the smell was raw meat. It's not. When she licks me or grooms herself I smell her teeth about 2 feet away. I bought Petzlife Oral Gel and have used it a lot for 3 months but it's made no difference.

I'm scared to death to have her a dental yet don't want the teeth to cause heart or kidney failure :-( Thanks for any info... both good and bad.. Kim
 

Yoda mom

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@SphynxMom1993 , is this Remi kitty ?

I would talk to your vet about Pre surgery blood work and cardio check .
I would ask if they Use "ISO" Isoflurane gas anesthesia which is easier on them rebounding coming to.

Definitely NO Ketamine ( it can have a hard rebound effect on the heart )

*** Has the vet done a visual check ? I would do that first -
And discuss options - if they only use Ketamime I would switch vets for the dental or ask for a referral to one that used ISO or the equivelant

I would ask the vet based on visual dental exam X-ray? check if
Oratene antiseptic gel would be beneficial to try first
I have that antiseptic gel on hand as well as the maintenance gel
Oratene Veterinarian Antiseptic Oral Gel for Dogs & Cats, 1-oz tube

Not sure if the ingredients different than the oral gel you tried -
Sometimes kitties have to have dental surgery -
amd we have seen many kitties do well here -
Hope others with senior kitties that have had dental will chime in-

You always want to watch for infections * In kitties it can go to the heart -

**** If there is a strong smell like you describe I would definitely have her checked ASAP
- she may need antibiotics before any dental procedures

(( head smooches))))) (((hugs)))))
 

GoldHazel

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I am curious the oldest Sphynx you have put under anesthesia for a dental or other surgery? Is it just Ketamine to avoid? Do they usually do ok on anesthesia? Our Sphynx is 15 years old. We've fed raw for 10 years and our vet said last year and even UT vet school in 2013 her teeth looked fine. I told them I smelled them. My Daughter kept saying the smell was raw meat. It's not. When she licks me or grooms herself I smell her teeth about 2 feet away. I bought Petzlife Oral Gel and have used it a lot for 3 months but it's made no difference.

I'm scared to death to have her a dental yet don't want the teeth to cause heart or kidney failure :-( Thanks for any info... both good and bad.. Kim

@SphynxMom1993 please be sure that the stench IS coming from her teeth. It may be coming from her stomach or her throat, etc. If you do decide to have her teeth cleaned or any other procedure at this age, I would only recommend ISO. It is THE safest anesthesia to use. Also, very important, make sure that your sphynx is put on a heating pad right afterwards to keep the body temperature from dropping.

Good luck and upddate us please.
 

SphynxMom1993

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@Yoda mom Who is Remi? Does Oratene disolve tarter/plaque? We had the HCM heart test done at UT in 2013. One thing was a little lose (forgot what was but will fine) but heart was good.
 

GoldHazel

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@GoldHazel What is the oldest you've heard having a dental? If Godforbid stomach or throat probably cancer? Have you ever heard of one dying on iso or afterwards? :-(

@SphynxMom1993 anything is possible. But I can tell you that we had a 20 1/2 year old red and white tabby that passed away in August. My vet had wanted to do surgery on his side. He had a tremendous cyst that kept on opening and closing on his side for a few years. He assured us that using ISO would be safe for him. I do trust my vet and believed him, but we opted not to do the surgery and instead give him antibiotic injections once in a while since that helped him temporarily. ISO is the safest anesthesia to use.

Since you've noticed this stench coming from his mouth, has he been moving his bowels normally? I'm asking because I had a furry years ago that ate a V E R Y long piece of thick industrial thread. We didn't know it, but her mouth had a very necrotic odor coming from it and then one day when she used the litterbox to poop, there was a little bit of that heavy thread peeking out. I went to remove it thinking it was an inch or so long. I landed up shocked at how long it was when I went hand over hand gently pulling. The thread smelled so bad of rotten meat. I took her to the vet and she was put on Flagyl. Who knows how long that thread was in her?! She wasn't backed up or anything, she was still using the litterbox...so go figure.

Your vet should maybe take an x-ray (not invasive at all) and your vet should look in the mouth for an abscess, but your vet should really take a towel to the end of your cat's tongue and pull it out and look into the throat with a medical flashlight to see if there is any discharge dripping by the throat which can certainly cause an awful smell.

As far as cleaning the teeth or doing surgery of any kind, it's your call and your vet's call. I cannot tell you what to do...what is best. Please don't jump to conclusions thinking it's cancer, it could be a backdrip, it could be something your cat ate and it rotting.

I know I haven't given you the answer you are looking for, @sphynxmom19, but I trust you will know what to do.

Please keep us updated as we care. HUGS
 

SphynxMom1993

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@GoldHazel Was your red and white a regular cat or a Sphynx? We had 3 regular cats that lived to be seems 19, 20 and 21. Regular cats seem to live longer than Sphynx. At least people on here and other lists would be shocked how old Rabbi is. That makes me sad :-( Her poop is fine. Is backdrip like sinus in us? Oh my gosh! Did you see more thread eventually? Rabbi used to eat stuff and will chew a plastic bag quick! I always watch and hopefully my Daughter hasn't goofed. Does @Sphynxmom19 have elderly ones? Please pray all is fine... we go at 2:30 tomorrow. Thank you! Kim PS someone told me kidney problems can make breath smell. Her labs have always been perfect, but I know Godforbid things can change. She doesn't seem to have trouble of any kind.
 

Yoda mom

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@SphynxMom1993 ,
Paws and fingers crossed for her appointment tomorrow-a lair full of positive vibes your way!
Please keep us updated -
Head smooches and prayers f

I will get ou the link for the Oratene with more detail you can ask your vet about too

Pet King Brands Products

(I get it and the maintenance gel at chewy.com. Here in 2-3 days not including sun or Monday's bcz Fedex doesn't deliver those days )
 

Catzzzmeow

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We have always done pre-surgery and cardio work ups before any type of surgery or teeth cleaning. Even when they were very young. I prefer to follow the better safe than sorry adage. Our vet will. It do cleaning on our 19 year old Bengal or our 13 year old Sphynx. We have maintained their health and teeth over the years regularly...but too risky now he said. Last time either was put under was at about age 10.

Patti
 

GoldHazel

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@GoldHazel Was your red and white a regular cat or a Sphynx? We had 3 regular cats that lived to be seems 19, 20 and 21. Regular cats seem to live longer than Sphynx. At least people on here and other lists would be shocked how old Rabbi is. That makes me sad :-( Her poop is fine. Is backdrip like sinus in us? Oh my gosh! Did you see more thread eventually? Rabbi used to eat stuff and will chew a plastic bag quick! I always watch and hopefully my Daughter hasn't goofed. Does @Sphynxmom19 have elderly ones? Please pray all is fine... we go at 2:30 tomorrow. Thank you! Kim PS someone told me kidney problems can make breath smell. Her labs have always been perfect, but I know Godforbid things can change. She doesn't seem to have trouble of any kind.

@SphynxMom1993 my red and white tabby was a DSH. She could have a back drip from her sinuses.

No, I didn't see any more thread from my cat back then. I got it all when I pulled hand over hand. I had no idea it was more than an inch or two! It all came right out, no resistance.

All of my nakeds love plastic shopping bags. I can't put my groceries down for a split second without them coming over to chew, chew, chew on the bag. I've seen them throw up many times over the years and there would be some plastic in it! I'm so neurotic and careful now. Everything goes in to their mouths! They chew off tails of fake mice toys, etc. I have to literally cut off tails and ears when I give them toys like that ... otherwise I know it's going to be missing in a few hours and then trouble with stomachs begin.

I pray that she will be fine when seen by your vet tomorrow at 2:30. Please update us when you get back. Some vets won't pull a cat's tongue forward with a towel (for gripping purposes) to see way into the back of the throat, others will. No harm in having your vet tomorrow do that. It just rules out if there is a problem there causing the odor. It's easy for a vet or anyone to jump to conclusions and just assume the smell is coming from the teeth. Again, I'll be praying for good news, @SphynxMom1993.
 

GoldHazel

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@GoldHazel I'll get him to do that and update ya'll ASAP. Thanks for the prayers! Kim

@SphynxMom1993 and if your vet doesn't want to do that, it's because he's scared of getting bit! So help him out if that's the case and you do it while he takes a look with his light. Some vets are "funny" with cats ... some will look at their teeth with no problem while other vets ask you to open their mouths for them.
 

SphynxMom1993

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He doesn't have a dental x-ray machine :-( I'm copying what I wrote someone else... We are home. Her labs are totally perfect. Her teeth are nasty in the back. I'm crushed as too what to do. My Daughter said she wasn't going under anesthesia , but I know her teeth will one day kill her. I wish our vet and UT had of listened I smelled her teeth. I think they only looked good at the front as she is hard to hold. Our vet said his wife has an elderly Chihuahua with liver problems he won't neuter due to anesthesia. I told him if we decided to do it I would want her on ISO only. He said they use Telazol (sp) and don't have the machine to keep them on ISO. He said at her age there is a local Veternarian dentist he would want her to go to that uses ISO as he though some of the teeth may need pulled. He said we could try enzymes but he doesn't think they will help. We have used Petzlife and it's not phasing it. She does a blowing sometimes through her nose that makes me wonder if decay has perferated to her sinuses? Gosh, I don't know what to do... either way could be a death sentence. I'm so sad :-(
 

GoldHazel

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He doesn't have a dental x-ray machine :-( I'm copying what I wrote someone else... We are home. Her labs are totally perfect. Her teeth are nasty in the back. I'm crushed as too what to do. My Daughter said she wasn't going under anesthesia , but I know her teeth will one day kill her. I wish our vet and UT had of listened I smelled her teeth. I think they only looked good at the front as she is hard to hold. Our vet said his wife has an elderly Chihuahua with liver problems he won't neuter due to anesthesia. I told him if we decided to do it I would want her on ISO only. He said they use Telazol (sp) and don't have the machine to keep them on ISO. He said at her age there is a local Veternarian dentist he would want her to go to that uses ISO as he though some of the teeth may need pulled. He said we could try enzymes but he doesn't think they will help. We have used Petzlife and it's not phasing it. She does a blowing sometimes through her nose that makes me wonder if decay has perferated to her sinuses? Gosh, I don't know what to do... either way could be a death sentence. I'm so sad :-(

@SphynxMom1993 if you have her teeth cleaned...then going to the specialist that uses ISO is the only way to go in my opinion.

Being that you keep on hearing her blow air through her nose like that really makes me wonder if the smell is coming from something else. Did your vet look to see if anything is dripping down her throat?
 

SphynxMom1993

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@GoldHazel He did look at back of her throat and back of tongue. I looked too. I could see the back teeth are funky. Night before last I tried looking back there and touched one tooth and was 99% sure I smelled it :-( We've taken her every year sometimes more to the vet... I'm disappointed they got like this as I'd asked and asked about them.

@SphynxMom1993 if you have her teeth cleaned...then going to the specialist that uses ISO is the only way to go in my opinion.

Being that you keep on hearing her blow air through her nose like that really makes me wonder if the smell is coming from something else. Did your vet look to see if anything is dripping down her throat?
 

GoldHazel

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@GoldHazel He did look at back of her throat and back of tongue. I looked too. I could see the back teeth are funky. Night before last I tried looking back there and touched one tooth and was 99% sure I smelled it :-( We've taken her every year sometimes more to the vet... I'm disappointed they got like this as I'd asked and asked about them.

As a house cat ages, their teeth do tend to deteriorate many times. Chances are that there will be extractions if you decide on surgery. It's a difficult decision for you. Honestly I wouldn't know what I'd decide if I was in your shoes. Try not to drive yourself crazy for now. See what the dental vet has to say when you go there.
 

GoldHazel

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@GoldHazel I am sure he will say a dental.. Scared not too, and scared too :-( Do most Sphynx have perfect labs at 15 years old?

@SphynxMom1993 I don't have the answer to most 15 year old nakeds having perfect lab results. You have been so blessed to have your naked still with you. So I understand why you are driving yourself crazy now with this dilemma.

ISO and a heating pad would be the only way I'd even consider surgery and ONLY if it had to be done. If my cat didn't seem to be bothered by an ailment, then I think I'd skip the surgery. But I don't know, I'm not in your shoes and I can't tell you what is best.
 

Yoda mom

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@SphynxMom1993 , let me know what the dental vet thinks of supplementing the clindamycin with the Oratene antiseptic gel
Rubbed on gums or applied with gently with a qTip? Or the Oratene water additive -?
I called the company and asked questions - website says at vets only but it is now available online at chewy and other sites

Pet King Brands Products

It's so stinking hard to know what to do for our seniors -
That's when I started getting Oratene products for my senior dog at the time -
all you can do is educate yourself amd get second or even Third opinions like we do with our own bodies - then make the best informed decision going with your gut-

In my life with myself , senior pets I always try the least intrusive treatment amd alternatives unless obviously an emergency -

I got prescribed clindamycin ( often prescribed for dental ) for my own dental abscess that 2 dentists said the only way was extraction and an expensive implant - one said I need all kinds of stuff for $47,000 for a purrfect smile- nuts! I take dam mood care of my teeth -
I went for a third opinion - well, he went with creativity amd put on his thinking cap-
He said the $47 k elsewhere was hogwash -
Viola! No extraction or dental implant ! All done fixed for under 1k and it's been fine for two years
I even upped my care credit limit just in case I needed it ( can use at vets amd own dental or vision)

Just an example example of sometimes 2nd third opinions can make a difference -
I went to a small local dentist with an awesome reputation that didn't have all the TV ads etc

Same With pets - find one you are comfortable with and trust with your own kids , life is how I decide -
ask your friends , church community etc for vets that you could contact perhaps for an opinion -

Rabbi at 15 yrs old , I totally understand ..
I can't decide what is best for her just share input and products to ask vets about for your senior baby girl

Please give precious Adorable Rabbi head smooches from me!
Plesse keep us updated often
 
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SphynxKid

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My sphynx Flufy, had a terrible jaw infection and abscess last October. She is 13 yrs old. She ended up having a full dental extraction with the exception of 3 canine teeth. My vet used propofol for anesthetic. Prop is safe and effective for older animals. It is a type of IV sedative. Isoflurane is a gas and is quite expensive so many smaller places do not use or carry it.

Fluffy did great with her extractions. She was sore for a few days after but it was a needed procedure and she had gotten quite ill and the infection would have spread quickly had she not had it done. Even her eyes are so much better now. Now she needs to eat soft food but she seems happy overall!

Jen
 

SphynxMom1993

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We have always done pre-surgery and cardio work ups before any type of surgery or teeth cleaning. Even when they were very young. I prefer to follow the better safe than sorry adage. Our vet will. It do cleaning on our 19 year old Bengal or our 13 year old Sphynx. We have maintained their health and teeth over the years regularly...but too risky now he said. Last time either was put under was at about age 10.

Patti
Patti, Does your 13 year old Sphynx had heart problems or did he say no cleaning due to her age? Rabbi is sensitive on her back right molar so needs a dentist. Gosh, they even have to put them under anesthesia for the xrays. The vet chipped the plaque off with his nail, but she's sensitive so he couldn't on the right side :-( Thanks for any info! Kim
 

SphynxMom1993

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My sphynx Flufy, had a terrible jaw infection and abscess last October. She is 13 yrs old. She ended up having a full dental extraction with the exception of 3 canine teeth. My vet used propofol for anesthetic. Prop is safe and effective for older animals. It is a type of IV sedative. Isoflurane is a gas and is quite expensive so many smaller places do not use or carry it.

Fluffy did great with her extractions. She was sore for a few days after but it was a needed procedure and she had gotten quite ill and the infection would have spread quickly had she not had it done. Even her eyes are so much better now. Now she needs to eat soft food but she seems happy overall!

Jen
Hi Jen, Did you go to a vet dentist or your regular vet? How did they determine the infection in her jaw? Is propofol and iso the safest being Rabbi is 16 years old? How long was she under? Oh gosh, I can't imagine your fear... I'm heartbroken trying to decide what to do :-( Thanks for any info! Kim
 

Catzzzmeow

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@SphynxMom1993 My guess is because of both reasons. He did say it is one thing if there is an infection or severe issues, then he would do it. Sounds like with the sensitivity your vet is pretty sure something is going on. Cats hide pain very well so many times people don't realize dental issues until their cat starts drooling, bad breath or sometimes stops eating etc.

Patti
 
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