When is a cat too old to have its teeth cleaned?

[anneboleyn]

Our old man is seventeen years old and he has a heart murmur. The vet is very cautious about it -- she said that he does need a good cleaning (she recommended it) and possibly an extraction or two but she also cautions that there is a real danger if he is put under. He was losing weight but started doing much better after being put on thyroid medicine. He does have some troubles with his teeth, which at this point are not drastic/life-threatening but I am very concerned about the procedure given his age. It is a difficult dilemma. We know several people whose elderly pets died during this procedure.

I would appreciate any advice -- suggestions or experiences?

[dropkickpa]

1. One biggie

If they do not start him on antibiotics BEFORE doing the teeth, don't even think about it. If the vet has a good anesthetist or, even better, an anesthesiologist, on staff, getting the teeth dealt with will make your kitty happier. Bad teeth can suck the life out of an animal.

[DeepBlueC]

3. yup

[DeepBlueC]

2. my kitty was hyperthyroid when he had his teeth cleaned

take the vet's recommendation. Teeth problems are a major source of misery. Don't know what to say but you don't have many years left with a 17 year old cat and I'd go for making them comfortable for him even at the risk of his life. I think it is not a bad way to go, compared to what I have seen. But you have to be emotionally prepared. Ask the vet how the cat is feeling with his mouth in this shape? I know my hyperthyroid fella (not as old as yours but he had renal insufficiency too)perked right up after a cleaning and wow did his breath improve! The heart thing I don't know about. Ask your vet. He will try to assess your emotional needs too if he is any good.

[Orsino]

4. The heart murmur and a blood work-up should enable you to weigh risks.

It may be possible to use gas rather than IV anaesthesia, so as to be able to keep Kitteh under for just long enough for the cleaning.