Is there a dentist or a veterinarian in the house?

[Jamastiene]

My nerves are shot. Sunday Girl, my cat, looked up at my tonight and her right front fang tooth (eye tooth) is pointing straight out in front of her mouth. That's not how it normally looks. She's been shaking her head and acting uncomfortable. I've been afraid to have her teeth cleaned for fear she won't wake up. Now what? Can I pull it? I tried to tug on it a little, but she acted like it hurt and dug all the teeth on the other side of her mouth into my arm. I know those teeth are ok. I live in a rural area and most people don't place such a high level of importance on a pet, so I am really afraid of letting the vet put her to sleep to clean her teeth or pull it. I was hoping for advice. This just now happened tonight. She was fine yesterday. Oh, please tell me somebody knows with certainty that there is a time frame where I can wait it out to see if the tooth will come out on its own. Or how can I assure she makes it through a teeth cleaning operation. I'm beside myself.

[Jamastiene]

1. Kick.

I'm worried here. Please tell me someone who isn't a dentist or a vet but knows a lot will read this and calm me down.

[Heidi]

2. Jamestiene!

I can't help you with veterinary advice, but please go to this link to an emergency veterinary clinic in Charlotte, and call and ask for advice! http://www.realpagessites.com/hightvet/page5.html

[Jamastiene]

3. Hey, thanks.

I don't have long distance though. I guess I'll call my regular vet in the morning. She seems to be functioning, just grumpier than normal and she's shaking her head quite a bit and rubbing her face on things. I think it's sore. I tried to wiggle it out, but it seems to be hurting. It looks like it's broken. Maybe she'll work it out. I'll keep checking on her throughout the night. She went to bed with my aunt and then got back up to kick Yogi's butt. He's into everything tonight. She wants some peace and quiet. She hates him. He's noisy when he's playful.

[Heidi]

4. She'll be OK with the teeth-cleaning, Jamastiene.

Our five-year-old boy cat gets his teeth cleaned under general anesthesia every couple of years. I'll send you, and your girl, some good vibes. :hug:

[Jamastiene]

5. I hope you are right. She's 13 years old

and I worry about her constantly. I have gotten way closer to her than I ever have any living thing, honestly. She actually understands what I say. She knew I was going to look at her tooth. It's still hanging there, but she's sleeping now. At least she is getting some sleep. I will probably have trouble. I don't know what I will do without her. I know it is inevitable I will lose her, but I am not ready yet. I need her love. She is such a great cat.

[hfojvt]

6. our old dog

lost most of his teeth without too much discomfort, and it certainly did not kill him. I would say that you are about 80% safe to let it come out on its own, but I probably would consult my vet. I do not know about teeth cleaning. Far as I know, we have never done that for our dogs, so it does not seem necessary to me. I have survived some of my own teeth coming out on their own after weeks of pain, and it seemed to hurt my old dog alot less.

[Liz_Estrada]

7. We've been through teeth problems

with 3 or 4 elderly cats over the years, including a fang suddenly at a weird angle as you describe. You definitely want to see the vet. You don't explain your concern about the anesthesia. It hasn't bothered any of ours who've had teeth extractions at various advanced ages, (7 yrs, 10-12, 15+) You should worry about infection which can lead to septicemia/blood poisoning. A couple of times we've had cats put on antibiotics for a few days to reduce the infection before the extraction. It costs some money. . . . but I can't stand to see the kitties feeling so miserable. If you can't get to a vet before Monday, I'd say to keep her quiet and warm and give her soft food and make water easily accessible. If she's still eating and drinking (and fighting back!), that's a good sign.

I'm always impressed when the vet just chips the tartar off their teeth with his/her thumbnail when they're getting their annual shots. If I tried it with any of them, I'd be needing a doctor. . .

--Mom of 7 cats

[Heidi]

8. Welcome to DU, Liz_Estrada!

You're in the company of many, many cat lovers. :hi:

[Dangerously Amused]

9. It will be okay.

My little kitty has had seven - yes, seven - teeth pulled. Two the first time and five the second time. The vet said losing teeth is common for kitties, especially smaller ones, and especially as they grow older. I think you will feel worse if you make the decision on your own, and something doesn't work out. I know I would. Take her to the vet, and see what s/he has to say. Be sure to tell the vet about your anesthesia concerns, they may be able to do a local anesthetic or find another solution that doesn't cause you so much anxiety.

Good luck.

[wildeyed]

10. Post this in Pets Forum.

There is a cat vet who checks in there regularly. Also quite a few posters who are very knowledgeable about cats.

[Flaxbee]

11. Definitely call your vet in the morning...

.. teeth come out all the time, but you might want it looked at just so there isn't a problem that could lead to abscess...

and it isn't bad to be concerned about anesthesia; there are tests now that can determine how much your cat can take (but the tests are about $30) so the costs can add up. We had one of our guy's top left fang pulled several years ago b/c it had died (my husband was oblivious, it was only after I met Tom that I noticed his tooth was in bad shape) and he was fine afterward, tho definitely younger than Sunday Girl.

Let us know what the vet says ... ?

[Orsino]

12. I've had surgery and dental work done on cats older than 13...

...but proceeded only after blood tests to verify that they were likely to tolerate the anaesthesia.

The best advice will come from a vet.

[friesianrider]

13. Relax...you just need to call the vet *immediately*

:hug: Sunday Girl is so lucky to have you worrying about her.

Just call the vet right away - there is likely one on call and he/she will call you back. Explain the situation to them and they will advise you on what to do. I think they will probably say wait and come in first thing Monday morning for the tooth removal. It shouldn't be a big deal at all - lots of kitties have their teeth removed.

But, the best thing is to call the vet and let them know exactly what is going on and your exact concerns about it hurting her, etc. You know how your kitty acts, so you'll have to tell them you think it hurts her.

It'll be ok, I promise. Just call the vet right away (and let us know how it goes, ok?) :hug: