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Conference misery::feline

Title:	Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:	purrrrr...
Moderator:	JULIET::CORDES_JA

Created:	Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	1079
Total number of notes:	28858

790.0. "Tooth-brushing Alternatives" by USCTR1::SCHILTON (MRO3-1/E9, DTN 297-7558) Thu Aug 11 1994 06:49

    
    I'm new to this conference, have two babies - Max & Daisy - siblings
    who are 9 yrs old, and wonder if anyone has any suggestions.  Max has
    terrible breath, because of his teeth, and he won't tolerate having
    them brushed.  Consequently, he needs to have them cleaned every couple
    of years, which upsets me because it requires anesthesia.  Last time
    he needed to have 3 teeth extracted and it's time for him to have
    them cleaned again.  The vet recommends brushing or treated wipes to
    rub over his teeth and gums, neither of which are an option with Max.
    
    Are there any brands of food or treats which would help the situation?
    
    He does prefer "wet" food more often than Daisy and I know that makes a
    difference, but because of the problem I only put down a (small) can of
    food twice a week.  The rest of the time they get dry food.
    
    Thanks for any suggestions...
    
    Sue

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
790.1	But you must take care of the teeth!	PCBUOA::FALLON	Moonsta Cattery	`Thu Aug 11 1994 10:02`	9
	Sue, I am sorry to say, there is no food that will help. Your only options are what you have mentioned. A guaze pad soaked with Chlorhexidine for the mouth is about the best you can do with a difficult cat. And that at best could be war! If you are afraid of the anesthesia, you could ask to see what type the vet uses. Isoflurethane (sp) is about the safest on the market today. Karen
790.2	re .-1: it's called Isoflourane	PTPM06::TALCOTT		`Fri Aug 12 1994 06:23`	2
	Trace
790.3		PCBUOA::LOMME		`Fri Aug 12 1994 07:47`	3
	thanks!! Karen
790.4	Why can't he brush his own teeth?!	USCTR1::SCHILTON	MRO3-1/E9, DTN 297-7558	`Fri Aug 12 1994 08:16`	8
	Thanks to both of you. I guess I either need to control him, have him hate me for a bit while I invade his mouth, and "give" him clean teeth/gums or else I end up subjecting him to the bigger terror of going to the vet (and the anesthesia, discomfort, etc of the actual procedure). Sue
790.5		TOOK::GASKELL		`Mon Aug 15 1994 08:43`	9
	You have my sympathy--I to have a cat who doesn't like having anything done to his teeth (in fact, several cats who don't like it either). I have tried treated wipes, I even half contemplated Freedent :^). I am now considering getting an electric tooth brush and see if that will help. Afterall, what's $70 when compared to everything else those cats have cost me (I could use one too, but not the same heads of course). Best of luck.
790.6	Do you want to live?	PCBUOA::FALLON	Moonsta Cattery	`Mon Aug 15 1994 09:25`	6
	The noise from an electric toothbrush could totally freak the cat! I use mens electric clippers to do the ear hair for some of my show cats. Some tolerate it, others just go balisitic!! I couldn't imaging coming at a cat that already doesn't like its mouth fooled with, with anything electric. Good luck if you try it! 8^o Karen