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Cat died days after teeth extracted

cookingrvc
15 years ago

A colleague of mine brought their cat (Benjamin)in for surgery to remove some teeth that were rotted. No problems detected before surgery, but the cat apparently developed an 'infection' and declined sharply in the week after. Because of his outward signs of pain (verbal and behavioral) they put him down.

The vet has said that it was an infection, but there is no way of noing how or why. Of course the family is feeling guilt and wants answers, but there appear to be none they believe.

I know my Sophie cant have her teeth out due to a murmur, but no such diagnosis was made with Benjamin.

Anyone have any ideas or an experience like this?

Sue

Comments (44)

  • joepyeweed
    15 years ago

    Its always sad to loose a beloved pet...my condolences to the family.

  • runsnwalken
    15 years ago

    Was cat on dry?, do ask.

    Felinefuture.com has picture of dry fed cats and their dental disease.

  • quasifish
    15 years ago

    I'm sorry to hear about Benjamin

    I have an older cat with the same health issues as Laurie, and a lot of the same reservations as she had regarding dental. Before committing to it, I did a lot of reading online and was surprised how often I saw reports of cats doing badly after dental work. It was often healthy cats that had this issue, perhaps because more precautions are taken with those that are already known to be sick?

    I am curious as well as to whether Benjamin was on a course of antibiotics before or after? Since it was known that he had bad teeth, it probably would have been advisable to put him on antibiotics beforehand to reduce his bacteria load.

    My boy kitty had to have dental surgery on short notice for a broken fang last summer. Since he couldn't be on antibiotics beforehand, he got a long course afterwards- he had beautiful teeth though, and a very clean mouth so that probably helped. He passed away unexpectedly from cancer a few weeks ago, so sometimes things come up that surprise us.

    I hope your friends don't dwell too long on what took Benjamin from them too soon, but remember him for his special place in their lives. At the same time, it is good to do some research and have lots of information from which to ask questions if they ever find themselves in it again. I trust my vet, but not blindly- but this was only learned from dealing with a situation sort of like Benjamin's where a vet didn't err on the side of caution and a cat I had suffered for it.

    (((Hugs))) I hope your friends can find peace in this.

  • debd18
    15 years ago

    My dog had several teeth pulled a few months ago because they were loose. My vet also put him on a round of antibiotics for the previous week in order to prevent bacteria from spreading into his bloodstream.

  • Meghane
    15 years ago

    Laurie provided very good information about dental infections. A common cause of endocarditis (infection of the heart valves) is dental disease, which can lead to sudden and not-so-sudden death. Dental disease can also lead to kidney infection which can also be fatal.

    Cats with heart murmurs are at much greater risk for endocarditis than other cats, and actually need dentals MORE than cats without heart disease. Animals with heart disease should also go on antibiotics prior to a dental procedure to prevent endocarditis. A heart murmur does not preclude safe anesthesia- I anesthetize animals with heart murmurs all the time. The anesthetic protocol must be altered to account for whatever type of heart disease is present (a heart murmur is not a disease, but a clinical manifestation of some type of heart disease). Blood pressure monitoring is extremely important for animals with heart disease, as general anesthesia combined with heart disease can lead to hypotension, which can cause severe kidney injury and may even lead to death.

    I am sorry about your colleague's cat.

  • runsnwalken
    15 years ago

    me too

  • runsnwalken
    15 years ago

    The sad thing is if the cat was fed raw or the like, it wouldn't have ever needed dental work in the first place.

  • Cat Lubber
    7 years ago

    My vet did not give my pet an antibiotic. I figured they knew better. Within three weeks, she quit eating, deficating, magically diagnosed with am unconfirmed lymphoma, and put down from recommendations of two vet's. I am seeking retribution. Legal, of course. If not, I will tell people thru social media.

  • Cat Lubber
    7 years ago

    Yes! An infection caused by negligence on the part of your vet, as mine: although 4 doctors colluding refused to admit: "No antibiotic was given to prevent infection. File a grievance with your state. Say nothing, nothing changes and vet gets away with murder.

  • hooked123
    7 years ago

    Our healthy young dog had a massive stroke four days after a tooth extraction, and died four days after that. I was very upset, we had an autopsy done and know that it was a stroke. Our Vet had recommended another Vet that did extractions. Our Vet felt so awful that he did the autopsy for free as he wanted to know what happened. The vet that did the extraction refused to even speak to us about our dog dying. I am still bitter and sad about our dog in all honesty. My children were so sad that they cried for weeks, and so did I.

  • jenniferaclark1956
    6 years ago

    My cat had four teeth extracted on wednesday. She was let home that night and the next day was blood all over the floors and walls. She was taken back to the vet. And died through the night. I was never warneed how anaesthetic could affect my pet.

  • Tracey Andrews
    6 years ago

    My cat had 3 teeth extracted told he fine all well, week later lost 60% body weight killed him infront me, still don't have reason or anything why yet he was fine they said, no cancer operation had worked etc

  • HU-163019286
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    My healthy 15 year old cat had 2 teeth removed 3 weeks ago. The sockets keep opening and getting infected. He’s had 2 surgeries since to redo the flaps. 2 rounds of antibiotic. He’s miserable. Barely eating, he doesn’t want to be touched. Lost a lot of weight.

    What am I missing? What else can I do or should I ask the vet to do? Do I need to go to a pet hospital or er? I wish I had never agreed to these extractions

  • annztoo
    5 years ago

    Personally, I wouldn't go back to that dentist but I would call and ask for a referral to a vet dental specialist, or just call one if you can't get a referral. 2 surgeries following the extractions is 2 too many IMO.

    Do they have your cat on pain meds in addition to the antibiotics? If he's hurting he's not going to try to eat. You need to make sure your cat is staying hydrated and if he's not, a vet can give him fluids plus, he may need IV fluids if he's lost too much weight. At this point you need to try feeding anything your cat will eat. Feed only soft, pureed food but keep in mind that antibiotics and some pain meds can cause loss of appetite. The (new) vet should be made aware of your cat's weight loss.

    If you can't find a new vet or specialist soon, I'd take him in you the ER.

  • HU-163019286
    5 years ago

    Thank you❤️ Thats what I was thinking. He’s barely eating and drinking. I’ve tried everythin.

    I’ll google pet dental specialists again. Yesterday, most any vet that provides dental care came up in my search. We are new to the area so we don’t have our trusted veterinary care. This is going to be so expensive. The cleaning and extractions were $750.

    I feel absolutely sick to my stomach, can’t believe this is happening.

    He has had a few days of pain medicine after each surgery. I will pick up more today. Again, thank you.

  • bonjourthewayer
    4 years ago

    My cat died 8 days after dental surgery. Seemed fine till 7th day. couldnt get up. Fluid coming out of mouth. Gurgling in her lungs. X-ray showed lungs filling. Pain meds were sent home. Died 8 hours later. Watched her die/drown to death. Feeling sick inside couldn’t do anything but lay next to her to comfort and keep warm. Don’t know what happened. A lot of money trying to save her. Feel like I killed her by trying to save her. Wasn’t prepared for that.

  • HU-858193904
    4 years ago

    im worried about my cat now, she had 8 extractions yesterday, the vet did not give any antibiotics or painkillers to take home even though I asked. Today she is drooling and can't close her mouth, I don't know what to do :-( I hope she'll be okay.

  • annztoo
    4 years ago

    If you have a local veterinary ER, take your cat there. I find my ER to not be that much more expensive than my vet. The walk-in charge is $15 more but it's worth it for immediate care.

    Your cat needs to be on antibiotics and pain meds.....especially after 8 extractions. Also buy some canned wet food (the classic/pate type will be even better) to encourage your cat to eat.

    At the moment, she's in pain and is not going to eat or drink.

    Since your vet didn't give any meds, I wouldn't go back to them. See if you can find a vet that specializes in cats, or call around until you can find someone that will see her immediately. The new vet, or you, can request any medical info from the previous vet.

    Personally, I would call the first vet and ask how they could send home an animal that just went thru such an extensive surgery and not prescribe meds.

  • Susan
    4 years ago

    I have always had cats - several needed to have their teeth cleaned - a vet at a cats only vet practice recommended Hill's Science Diet Oral Care which I did start using immediately - it really helped clean the teeth of the 2 cats that I had at the time and I have used it ever since along with canned/wet food. No tooth extractions but maybe just lucky. Good info just in case. Am so sorry!

  • Cat Lubber
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Susan,


    PLEASE GET YOUR PET TO ANOTHER VET; HE/SHE NEEDS ANTIBIOTICS. Please sue your other veterinarian for incompetence and get as much as you can!!!! HE SCREWED YOUR PET.

    Do not take pet to ER unless urgent. Do first thing in the morning!


    Also, DO NOT GET 2 week dose of antibiotics, get the yummy tasting stuff you give every few hours by droppers. Ensure your pet gets water via syringe, too, and nice soft food that smells and will entice him to eat. DO NOT LET HIM STARVE FOR 3 days!!!


    Also buy SPARK powdered multivitamin, mineral and probiotic, sprinkle in food each feeding, and get Fortiflora for cats, a probiotic and give pinches once a week to keep the gut clean and nourished. GET YOUR PET TO ANOTHER VET PRONTO!!!!! Fire the other guy, keep all documents and sue his sorry ass in small claims: do not get a lawyer. They won't even bother, but you can sue for thousands (5k) as our pets are considered "personal property". Your vet is an incompetent asshole. Sorry. Just is.


    First of all, our pet's teeth I just forced myself to learn how to brush and do preventative things. I have wipes, a gel, and toothpaste. 2 of 3 of my cats died from vet-teeth related issues. Coincidence? Baby had a tooth extracted, but unknown to me until after I put her down, she was not given an antibiotic: THEY MUST HAVE ANTIBIOTIC WITH EXTRACTIONS! You had a quack! Sue his sorry ass. Sorry. Too late, but ALWAYS, with extractions, not just cleanings, the kitty needs that. I prefer liquid to the 2 week idiotic doses as they DO affect their desire to eat, and really make the cats immune system vulnerable to infection.


    My recent visit to a vet, the doctor noted inflammation over one fang. The odd thing she said was, "nothing to worry about:yet." Um, inflammation? Yes it is to worry about, and she oddly did not prescribe a solution to help him until he gets his teeth cleaned properly.


    SO, I took matters into my own hands, did some research to find products, so now, I clean his teeth as best I can and all 3 cats will permit, the gels I use assist, but don't give food for a half hour after giving.


    But yes: your vet screwed you and needs to be dis-barred: he's an idiot. Think common sense: would you have 8 teeth removed and holes left wide open in your mouth? No. Then why on earth would you do that to a cat. Your poor baby suffered and that vet should be shot for sheer stupidity. Just because a vet has a DR. in front of his name, does not mean he/she is ept. He obviously is IN-ept.


    Sorry to hear. I have another story, but too painful to discuss. An example of a vet who made a mistake, failed to tell me, and my boy died as a result of infection from acute Gingivitus and other complications due to the infections. Doctors tried to convince me it was allergies after he was given a clean bill of health: he was 12. The fang was broken while getting cleaned; infection more likely entered that tooth and the rest is history. Very complicated, but 3000 dollars and misery for him, and still for me.

    We pet owners must be careful with our pets and vets: the vets mean well most of the time, but some are incompetent. All are trained by the same corrupt state people who will not get rid of vets killing our pets due to stupid procedures or doing what yours did to your cat. What a freak.


    God bless you. It hurts me to hear this, but it is very common. Feel free to contact me as I have learned a lot, and have 3 more cats that I promised myself NOT to repeat mistakes with.


    mleggett

    salisbury, nc


    email me for more cat tips. I have learned many hardships with vets, god bless them. But many are idiots and work for the money. Sounds like he just wanted to suck you dry as every tooth extracted makes him money.


    maleggett6191@gmail.com

  • Jenn TheCaLLisComingFromInsideTheHouse
    4 years ago

    Wet cat food will provide at least minimal hydration to a cat, while dry food will be difficult for a cat to eat because they're in pain already. My last cat passed away at the end of July 2014, aged 19. I was grateful that she passed at home with me there by her side, it was much less traumatic for both myself and the cat, than having to get her into the carrier and drive over to the vet where there were other animals and the unfamiliar (sanitizer/medical/antiseptic) smells that a vet office/exam room usually have.


  • samantha hawkins
    3 years ago

    I think my girl is having an infection right now from a dental! She had it two weeks ago on Tuesday, vet didn’t provide and antibiotics said they weren’t typically prescribed since in most to all cases removing the bad teeth usually clears up the source of infection. She ate fine the first week but once she stopped getting the pain meds they prescribed she slowly started to refuse food and last night didn’t eat at all. Gave her a dose of the three doses extra of the pain meds and she ate half her food this morning. Taking her to vet this afternoon to check for infection, and more pain meds. Unfortunately if they do not feel it’s an infection nor give anything to help with pain, or help get her to eat we will unfortunately have to assume that her kidneys (which are half the size they should be, and was diagnosed with early early very beginning of kidney disease) that she just couldn’t handle the anesthetic, and pain meds, and will be put down.

  • prairiemoon2 z6b MA
    3 years ago

    Sorry for your trouble with your cat. Heartbreaking what pets have to go through.

  • samantha hawkins
    3 years ago

    Well she doesn’t have an infection, so the vet gave some fluids, b12&vitamin b shots and sent appetite Stimulating pills. But said her issues atm are 50/50 chance cause of her kidneys

  • prairiemoon2 z6b MA
    3 years ago

    Well....I hope your cat pulls through!

  • PRO
    meria551
    2 years ago

    Do not take your cat to get extraction
    I wish I read all these comments before hand my snowflake is 12 years never had a problem or ever sick in the past 12 years
    we took her for a routine visit and vet doctor said she needs dental cleaning so it cost $350 then the vet said while cleaning teeth we noticed 5 teeth need extraction that bill was $750 today after extraction my cat has a fever of 104 does not eat so we went back to vet
    Results vet doctor said she can not help us to why cat has a fever…take her to hospital

  • PRO
    meria551
    2 years ago

    This is my dying cat after extraction

  • Cat Lubber
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Meria551

    So, your pet DID die? If so, I am so sorry.....If she is otherwise, let us know....I've got tons of experience in this area, too.........

  • HU-913808346
    2 years ago

    I'm glad I read these horror stores my vet told me today my cat needs some extractions due to periodontal issues she said it could effect his heart if I don't do it I really don't like the outcome of some of these

  • Cat Lubber
    2 years ago

    Bear in mind, not all experiences are bad, but our pets do need their teeth cleaned, and if they are really bad, they need to be removed. If you like, get another vet's opinion. It is what they do afterwards that matters.


    For example: extracted teeth requires sootchering and antibiotics to prevent infection. My vet this last time with Alex, did not use antibiotics, but she did use Laser Treatment which helps the tissues to heal. I was scared to death no antibiotics were used, but I made darn sure Alex was seen 2 weeks after, then 4 weeks.


    If antibiotics are used, NEVER use the 2 week injection!!!! 0mg: IT DOES HAVE BAD SIDE EFFECTS, such as no appetite. Once your kitty quits eating, that's when his immune system is open for infection. THEN, here comes another problem. ALWAYS use the tasty antibiotics YOU administer, but follow the instructions to the end.


    My Baby did not get sootchered for her open wound; at the time, I did not know much. And NO antibiotic was given. Many vets prefer no antibiotics because they do have some negative effects, however, screw that: there are ways to overcome lack of appetite: CBD oil for one, good quality wet food with a tasty odor. Always give your babies a good powder vitamin, mineral, enzymatic mix with their meals to boost immunity and fortify their cells. No different than you and I do with supplements.


    In short, if you have had your vet and trust him/her, they won't pull teeth just for the money. They are putting their reputation out there to save your kitty: bad teeth will cause many problems, and once infection sets in, this is where the vets love to make money: running tests after tests. Had you simply kept up on kitty's teeth health, you deal with far less issues.


    Recommend:


    Liquid Vet unflavored , a supplement for teeth and gums. So far, I love it for all 6 of my cats.


    Water additive: Petkin is good, or any reputable water additive to help minimize tarter buildup.


    Petkin toothwipes: great way to brush without a brush...but hard to get to back of teeth.


    Corotean gel: I use this and smear on gums and teeth daily, 2-3 times, ALWAYS AFTER MEALS. Don't feed after giving.



  • Susan
    2 years ago

    Hill's Science Diet Oral Care (dry cat food) for cats - this was recommended after moving and finding a new vet who only treated cats. She recommended Hill's Science Diet Oral Care. I have now been using it for 23+ years - my cats have never needed to have their teeth cleaned or to have a tooth or teeth extracted. I also feed them wet cat food. When I started using it I had 2 older cats and on our next vet visit the vet told me that their teeth were much cleaner. Even though I am not a vet - just a cat mom - I highly recommend. It is available through Chewy if you can't find it locally.

  • Cat Lubber
    2 years ago

    Thanks! Never knew it existed. Price is about what I pay for Solid Gold in a 6 pound bag

    I too compliment a dry food with wet to give variety. My pets have hairball issues, so this SG product is not only considered "homeopathic", but free of fillers, gluten, etc...I try to find the best quality for the price I can afford....


    23 years and no cleaning? No kitty breath? No gum issues? No tarter buildup? That's very unusual....your pets have good genes...

  • Marceline Gray
    2 years ago

    sorry for your friend's loss

  • HU-552335651
    2 years ago

    My 18-year-old cat had 4 teeth removed this past Saturday. He was given pain meds and an antibiotic shot. He is perfectly healthy just having annual blood work a few weeks ago. Vet said his X-rays were good and no problems with his health. My cat had been eating one piece of kibble at a time and was pawing at his mouth so I knew there was a problem. The vet warned me that it's dangerous to anesthetize a cat at his age but I had no choice. Since his surgery he has been eating like a pig and mostly acting normal. I'm feeding him half turkey baby food with his kibble smashed with a hammer and I add a little Kitten Milk and he's scarfing it down. My concern at this point is the weird sound his back teeth are making when he gets a bigger chunk of food. It almost sounds like false teeth knocking into each other. Does anyone know if this is normal healing or could it be something else?

  • cre8veheart
    2 years ago

    My 14 year old silver shaded girl persian had 5 teeth extracted now two weeks later her spine showing - losing weight

  • cre8veheart
    2 years ago

    Getting her on eating stimulant and fluids at vet today - hope she survives

  • Deep Blue
    2 years ago

    My cat is 7years old he just had 5 teeth extracted and my vet prescribed Meloxicam and i mix it in his wet food and so far hes eating well so must be liking the taste of it

    his behaviour isnt the same yet though he was very energetic the day i brought him home and hes calmer now but wont sleep at all he seems restless not sitting in his favourite window spot im hoping hes not in pain but meloxicam is supposed to be anti inflammatory and a painkiller so it should be enough for tooth extractions

  • PRO
    Danielle Travis, REALTOR
    2 years ago

    Had a routine check-up for my 14 yr. old cat, Chloe in Oct. Her blood tests were all normal, but she had gingivitis and needed some teeth removed. We felt we should do this and could prolong her life. Never were we told of what the consequences could be. She was perfectly healthy. Had good appetite and was loving her KD. She almost died 4 yrs ago, of some kind of poisoning. This could have affected her kidneys. They brought her back then. After surgery, they gave her the opiated meds, stayed over night, no antibiotics. She was lifeless when brought home. Two days later, I knew something was not right. She didn't move. Sat. we took her to vet again. They administered G-SubQ fluids, and noticed the suture had come out. So, they gave her antibiotics then and gave us the meds to take home. She was a basket case. They had said to give the pain meds 12hrs apart but after 7 hrs. at home they said give her more. We didn't want to but we did. By Sunday, she was still not responding. Brought her in again on Mon., they gave her fluids and more meds and this time a shot of anti-biotics that lasts 12 days. By Tues, we brought her in again and she stayed over night where they put IV in and did blood tests and had an ultra sound to see what was going on. They thought she had kidney stones blocking but it turned out to be an enlarged heart. How did this happen? We brought her home on Wed. and had questions for the Dr. Called 4 times and never returned a call. She had pooped and peed and we thought maybe thats a sign. We stopped giving her the opiate. We administered a different antibiotic they sent us home with. Meanwhile she had stopped eating the whole time. By this time we felt we should feed her through a syringe, since the vet never mentioned anything about feeding her. Later we gave her the fluids at home and then gave her the antibiotic they had given us. By this time she was lifeless. Thurs., and Fri came and went. No call from the vet asking how she was doing, NOTHING!! We were on our own. Chloe passed Sat. morning peacefully at 4am. She became so weak couldn't even stand.We were with her till her last breath. We are so sick now. We brought her in to prolong her life and this is what happened. Never did they tell us what the consequences could be. Doing research now and the opiate meds they gave her, say not to give to cats with kidney problems. I feel they overmedicated her and gave her the wrong meds. She was great before we brought her in. Had a healthy appetite, showed nothing of any pain. Still no word from the VET!! I think they know what they did. I truly believe this was malpractice. We miss her so much. It's so hard.

  • Stax
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    With humans that have artificial limbs/joints it was the norm to dose up on antibiotics BEFORE dental work - maybe except for a simple cleaning. There are currently two streams of thought, because of "over-use" of some antibiotics creating resistant strains of bacteria.

    I have two artificial knees and one artificial hip plus some metal in my spine and I am to take four 500mg Amoxicillin tabs an hour before dental work.

    Having read this thread and some other material, I plan to discuss such a prophylactic approach with my Vet before my Greyhound has any future dental work.

  • Tamara Rose
    2 years ago

    that cat had a severe dental infection. when the poison or pus sac was released it poisoned the animal and of course it declined. this is on the owner not the vet.

  • Stax
    2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    Tamara Rose: How could you possibly know this?

    The owner brought the Cat back to the Vet and the Vet put the cat on a different antibiotic.

    You should remove your terrible post as you have no knowledge about the cause of the poor cat's death!

  • HU-889655103
    2 years ago

    Where has my post gone free forum.?

  • HU-889655103
    2 years ago

    My cat died after having 7 teeth taken out recently still don't know why still raw but reading other posts i can see the possibilities why? She was nearly 17 no antibiotics given before or after a check of her prior to going under anesthetic for any underlying issues won't aware of. So sad prevention is better than cure my advice. She was apart from teeth a cat well before i took her in ??