7/3 - Pookey - Dental day | Feline Diabetes Management Board

7/3 - Pookey - Dental day

Tim & Pookey

Tim & Pookey

Active member
Hi all,

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6/16 - Pookey - Upcoming Dental

Just dropped little man off. He did really well in the car, this was our first time using gabapentin for the ride. He’s got one of my shirts and his favorite food, so he should be good.

They’re going to call if there’s any updates during the procedure. They’re thinking early afternoon for pickup.

Have a great day! - Tim
 
Aw...great idea to send the shirt, Tim! That will be comforting, I'm sure.

Keeping your little man in our thoughts! Hoping for a smooth procedure and quick bounce back from the anesthesia.

Keep us posted!
 
Okay he made it through and is awake and alert, but some not so great news. He had to have two canines extracted. He wasn’t breathing for them so they couldn’t do x-rays after the extraction. They said these teeth were clearly bothering him, and they are sure they got the entire tooth.

He’ll be on Onsior and Gabapentin when he gets home.

I feel so bad for him and I’m scared.
 
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I'm sure Wendy and Sienne will have thoughts too-- but If they weren't able to get the x-rays after to confirm complete extraction, I would be asking them about pre-scheduling a follow-up appointment to confirm he's healing well. Just speaking from experience with Esse's extractions (which included a canine) last year... having to take him to the urgent care vet for the infection and then another primary care f/u after that was stressful and I think could have been prevented if we had planned just to have him go back to the regular vet 3ish days later.

And I'm sorry he had some complications! If he's awake and alert, I think that's a great sign.
 
Lauren & Esse said:
I'm sure Wendy and Sienne will have thoughts too-- but If they weren't able to get the x-rays after to confirm complete extraction, I would be asking them about pre-scheduling a follow-up appointment to confirm he's healing well. Just speaking from experience with Esse's extractions (which included a canine) last year... having to take him to the urgent care vet for the infection and then another primary care f/u after that was stressful and I think could have been prevented if we had planned just to have him go back to the regular vet 3ish days later.

And I'm sorry he had some complications! If he's awake and alert, I think that's a great sign.
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Good idea, thanks Lauren. I’ll see about scheduling a follow up. They are a home vet for most things, so maybe they could just come by the house next week.
 
Aww sweet Pookey
I'm glad he's done and slowly recovering. He's awake so that's good. Nestle was apparently very slow to wake up which of course was worrisome for me. And they kept him till 5:30pm that day. He was still very much out of it when I picked him up. So remeber Pookey might be high as a kite when you pick him up. He might be hungry as he might not eat anything at the vet's but remeber so feed small meals throughout the rest of the day and night.
Maybe ask when they administered the painkiller last and when his next one should be given. I know sometimes in situations like that it's easy to forget such simple questions.
He he has a speedy recovery and will be back to normal in a few days. He'll def feel better with some fresh teeth.
🤗✨️🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃✨️🤗
 
That sounds scary, Tim 🤗. Poor little guy, it's heartbreaking to put them through these procedures. I am certain we take it harder then they do, he will bounce back quickly. He should be ready to chow down by the time you get home.

It was necessary and hopefully one and done! Sending you both all my healing vines. The next 2 days are likely to be worrisome for you -cause you love that little man with your whole heart! And he will love you even more when he's all healed up.🤗💕
 
Karolina & Nestle said:
Aww sweet Pookey
I'm glad he's done and slowly recovering. He's awake so that's good. Nestle was apparently very slow to wake up which of course was worrisome for me. And they kept him till 5:30pm that day. He was still very much out of it when I picked him up. So remeber Pookey might be high as a kite when you pick him up. He might be hungry as he might not eat anything at the vet's but remeber so feed small meals throughout the rest of the day and night.
Maybe ask when they administered the painkiller last and when his next one should be given. I know sometimes in situations like that it's easy to forget such simple questions.
He he has a speedy recovery and will be back to normal in a few days. He'll def feel better with some fresh teeth.
🤗✨️🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃✨️🤗
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Thank you Karolina and good points. I’ve got a list going of reminders and questions for them when I go back in a few hours. I’m sure he’s going to be short on calories today, would you try to make that up by feeding more? Or would the priority be just small snacks, just to get something in him?
 
Awww, Pookey....I'm sorry he had a scare. They always look rough coming out of the anesthesia, it hurts the heart. 🙏 I'm glad he will have 2 types of pain meds, not sure how easy he is to medicate, I assume they will send you home with antibiotics as well, maybe ask about pills vs. liquid based on what's easier for you. Karolina and Lauren had good questions too, I'm sure others will help with that as well. Please keep us posted as best as possible.Still praying for you both! 💗
 
Laurie & Petey said:
That sounds scary, Tim 🤗. Poor little guy, it's heartbreaking to put them through these procedures. I am certain we take it harder then they do, he will bounce back quickly. He should be ready to chow down by the time you get home.

It was necessary and hopefully one and done! Sending you both all my healing vines. The next 2 days are likely to be worrisome for you -cause you love that little man with your whole heart! And he will love you even more when he's all healed up.🤗💕
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Thank you Laurie. I hope things go okay at home and he does want to eat. So many thoughts going through my head, but I really appreciate your words, they help.
 
Tim & Pookey said:
Thank you Karolina and good points. I’ve got a list going of reminders and questions for them when I go back in a few hours. I’m sure he’s going to be short on calories today, would you try to make that up by feeding more? Or would the priority be just small snacks, just to get something in him?
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When Nestle was having his dental done Wendy advised to feed small meals more often. The main things is for them to eat something. Depends on the kitty though. Some might be in pain and don't want to eat. With Nestle was the opposite. He came home and almost ran to his food bowl. He's a hungry hungry hippo. 😋 🦛

Also don't forget if they give you antibiotics just in case to prevent infection (Nestle was sent home with some) then remember to give probiotic approx 2 hrs before the antibiotic.
And also keep in mind any oral medication will be a challenge to administer for the first few days as obviously they're in pain and it's a tender and sensitive area.
 
Jack & Mopem'sMom said:
Awww, Pookey....I'm sorry he had a scare. They always look rough coming out of the anesthesia, it hurts the heart. 🙏 I'm glad he will have 2 types of pain meds, not sure how easy he is to medicate, I assume they will send you home with antibiotics as well, maybe ask about pills vs. liquid based on what's easier for you. Karolina and Lauren had good questions too, I'm sure others will help with that as well. Please keep us posted as best as possible.Still praying for you both! 💗
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It was so scary how she described it on the phone. They had to manually breathe for him? Idk what that even means.

They didn’t say anything about antibiotics but I’ll ask. He does well with meds in his food. I suppose even if he’s off his food, I could learn how to pill or syringe the food/meds into him. And the emergency vet is open on the holiday tomorrow, just in-case.
 
They may have given an antibiotic shot (e.g. Convenia) while he's there--they'll be able to tell you or it'll be on the invoice. I think vets have mixed opinions on giving prophylactic antibiotics (due to antimicrobial stewardship concerns), I know our vet only gives them if the pet has certain risk factors or a history of dental infections. But I agree with the others that it's worth asking about.
 
Tim & Pookey said:
It was so scary how she described it on the phone. They had to manually breathe for him? Idk what that even means.

They didn’t say anything about antibiotics but I’ll ask. He does well with meds in his food. I suppose even if he’s off his food, I could learn how to pill or syringe the food/meds into him. And the emergency vet is open on the holiday tomorrow, just in-case.
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That is seriously scary- maybe they did CPR and bagged him like a human? IDK what that means, but maybe ask? (not sure if I would be brave enough to though.) Maybe ask why they think he had a problem though...bad reaction to particular anesthesia, age, heart/lung issues? That would be important for any future procedures/decisions on procedures. I'm sending you so much love and positive energy...hang in there! 🙏
 
Christine has some excellent question about what the stopped breathing means for any further procedures - which hopefully he won't need. Make sure you keep the list of all drugs given and what might have caused the reaction. And find out if they recommend any further testing to see why it happened.

I would not give Convenia. Full stop. I have no Convenia written on file. Once Convenia is in, nothing you can do, hopefully he's had it before and not had a bad reaction. Clindamycin is more appropriate for the mouth. But Clindamycin tastes awful if the liquid form and is very strong, like any AB it can kill good bacteria as well as bad. Ideally he should go on a course of probiotics if he's also on antibiotics.

Onsior is only to be given for 3 days (according to even the manufacturer). Do they have a backup plan for something past 3 days if needed? Hopefully not needed.

Neko was so hungry when she came home, that she tried to snack on her corn litter. 😂 Little bits of food, spread out is key. Soft food, like all meat baby food or some of the mousse like ones will be easier. Pookey is going to learn to eat without the canines, it may be confusing for him at first. Yes, he will recover from it.

A follow on a week later to see how he's healing was standard from the dental vet here.

You got all of us here rooting for Pookey Tim.
 
Tim, that picture hurt me too 😿.

Glad to see he's recovering now from the procedure, and sorry to hear he lost 2 teeth. Must have been so scary for you all. One thing I did not expect from one of my kitties after a major dental and having most of her teeth pulled was how she pawed at her mouth, and it scared me because I was not expecting it. Also, as the sutures (not sure if Pookey has any) dissolved they drove her nuts and made her paw even more.

Sending loads of vines and hopes that he has a speedy recovery with no issues. 🤗
 
Kat & Trixie said:
Tim, that picture hurt me too 😿.

Glad to see he's recovering now from the procedure, and sorry to hear he lost 2 teeth. Must have been so scary for you all. One thing I did not expect from one of my kitties after a major dental and having most of her teeth pulled was how she pawed at her mouth, and it scared me because I was not expecting it. Also, as the sutures (not sure if Pookey has any) dissolved they drove her nuts and made her paw even more.

Sending loads of vines and hopes that he has a speedy recovery with no issues. 🤗
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Thanks Kat. He does have some sutures. Do you remember how long that went on for? I’m nervous what to expect later, sounds like we’re in for a strange week at least.
 
Tim & Pookey said:
Thanks Kat. He does have some sutures. Do you remember how long that went on for? I’m nervous what to expect later, sounds like we’re in for a strange week at least.
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The first 3 days after were the worse for her as she got used to feeling them in her mouth and then gradually the pawing became less and less. The first day wasn't too bad since she was so "gorked out" on paid meds.
 
Oh my gosh. Poor Pookey!! I'm so glad there are people here on the forum to offer such good advice!

Tim: two canines! I'm just glad you followed your gut and took him in even though it looked like it was just some tartar build up! And the breathing issue is horrifying. I'm so glad he pulled out of that! I will be interested to hear what they think might have caused this.

The only thing I don't think was mentioned above is an oral feeding syringe, which is something I always keep on hand, just in case Pookey decides not to eat, and just in case you need to get a little food into him when he's taking his meds, etc. You might not be able to get your hands on one over the holiday weekend, so you might want to pick one up today. The vet might have a larger size syringe for this?

Oh, and this--and the vet probably will tell you this. Keep him in a contained area so that he doesn't have the opportunity to jump up or down. My vet told me to do this with Jude for 48 hours, but Jude also didn't lose any teeth and wasn't on any medication following the procedure, so keep him protected at least for the duration that he's medicated.

Please keep us posted on how he is doing, and hang in there! Pookey is so fortunate to have you caring for him.
 
Mary & Jude said:
Oh my gosh. Poor Pookey!! I'm so glad there are people here on the forum to offer such good advice!

Tim: two canines! I'm just glad you followed your gut and took him in even though it looked like it was just some tartar build up! And the breathing issue is horrifying. I'm so glad he pulled out of that! I will be interested to hear what they think might have caused this.

The only thing I don't think was mentioned above is an oral feeding syringe, which is something I always keep on hand, just in case Pookey decides not to eat, and just in case you need to get a little food into him when he's taking his meds, etc. You might not be able to get your hands on one over the holiday weekend, so you might want to pick one up today. The vet might have a larger size syringe for this?

Oh, and this--and the vet probably will tell you this. Keep him in a contained area so that he doesn't have the opportunity to jump up or down. My vet told me to do this with Jude for 48 hours, but Jude also didn't lose any teeth and wasn't on any medication following the procedure, so keep him protected at least for the duration that he's medicated.

Please keep us posted on how he is doing, and hang in there! Pookey is so fortunate to have you caring for him.
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Thank you, Mary. I do have oral feeding syringes. Part of my hypo kit! Someone will be watching him like a hawk at all times this weekend… I’m walking in now to speak with them.

Edit: agreed about the wonderful support here. So grateful.
 
He’s home! And hungry! He is very wobbly, but is purring, so that seems like a good sign.

The vet explained the breathing thing as a reaction to the anesthesia. She said this is why they intubate all their patients. They did have to use the bag to breathe for him while they brought the anesthesia level down to get his body to take the breathing back over. Whether this is true, or they just did too high of a “dose” of anesthesia, I’ll never know.

Edit: Two other interesting points. He was 391 on an AT3 during the procedure. They also provided before and after pics, and wow. It looks like they did a nice job with the cleaning.
 
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So glad he's home and hungry and purring! Things might be a bit different once the drugs wear off, but yay for pain meds! Hopefully, the at-home meds will keep him comfortable in the coming days.

391!!! Yikes! It will be interesting to see how his bg is once he's had a chance to relax.

Good to know that their efforts paid off with the cleaning.

What did they say about future anesthesia? Also, what about a follow-up to ensure everything is good?
 
So glad he's home! Sounds like he is too. 🤗 Petey was ravenous when he got home.

Hope his BG comes down easy. I vaguely recall there is some medication they use during surgery that contains glucose, but I may be mistaken. Being sedated I would think that may help the stress BG spike...

Have a good cuddly evening, you two. 🐈‍🤗
 
So glad he's home and in his safe and happy place. I'm sure his BG is nothing to worry about right now and will go back down. What about his blood pressure, did they re-check that while he was there? I know you also mentioned that they might aspirate the lump on his leg, did they do that?

Sending more healing vines Pookey's way ❤️‍🩹
 
Hi Tim, so glad to hear your sweet Pookey is home and will now begin his recovery. What a long and scary day. I’m sorry the procedure had more drama than anticipated ❤️‍🩹

Ivy only has one canine left, too. She lost most of her teeth a few years ago during a dental. She’s adapted just fine and still manages to bite me with the one she still has 😫

You’ve gotten such good advice here. Now we just need him to rest and recover.
We are sending you lots of prayers and healing vines and will keep you in our thoughts 🍃🍃🍃🍀🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏🙏
🐈😻❤️‍🩹💕
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Hi Tim, so glad to hear your sweet Pookey is home and will now begin his recovery. What a long and scary day. I’m sorry the procedure had more drama than anticipated ❤️‍🩹

Ivy only has one canine left, too. She lost most of her teeth a few years ago during a dental. She’s adapted just fine and still manages to bite me with the one she still has 😫

You’ve gotten such good advice here. Now we just need him to rest and recover.
We are sending you lots of prayers and healing vines and will keep you in our thoughts 🍃🍃🍃🍀🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏🙏
🐈😻❤️‍🩹💕
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Aww thanks Staci. Sad about her missing them too, but I’m glad that didn’t take away any of her spice. Soooo thankful for everyone today and the advice. I owe you all!
 
The only other thing I would add is that some kitty's are easily overstimulated. A quiet room with dimmed lighting can help -- or whatever works that is reassuring for Pookey. Like Wendy noted, easily eaten food is a plus. The anesthesia and pre-anesthesia tend to stimulate appetite. OTOH, a sore mouth may be a factor. Small, frequent meals is key.
 
Oh boy, poor Pookey 😔 I’m so so glad to hear he’s home, hungry and purring. What a relief that must’ve been! Great job today, it sounds incredibly scary and worrisome and still, you made it through. You’re advocating for Pookey and he’ll be all the better for it! Can’t believe they just wanted you to send photos?! How very formal and medical. Glad you pushed for the home visit and booked it in.

Sounds like a lot of great questions and advice here, thank you for flagging. Does make things stressful but what a great group of people we have here for support 😭🖤

Sending absolutely all the healing vines Pookey’s way 🍃🐈🥰 Hope his blood sugar comes down, that he has a calm and quick recovery, not too much fuss with the sutures, the missing canines aren’t missed for long, and that he’s curls up next to you for some comfort and love. He’s in the best hands with you, Tim! Glad you’re through the biggest step of it all 🤗🤗
 
Briana + Binx said:
Oh boy, poor Pookey 😔 I’m so so glad to hear he’s home, hungry and purring. What a relief that must’ve been! Great job today, it sounds incredibly scary and worrisome and still, you made it through. You’re advocating for Pookey and he’ll be all the better for it! Can’t believe they just wanted you to send photos?! How very formal and medical. Glad you pushed for the home visit and booked it in.

Sounds like a lot of great questions and advice here, thank you for flagging. Does make things stressful but what a great group of people we have here for support 😭🖤

Sending absolutely all the healing vines Pookey’s way 🍃🐈🥰 Hope his blood sugar comes down, that he has a calm and quick recovery, not too much fuss with the sutures, the missing canines aren’t missed for long, and that he’s curls up next to you for some comfort and love. He’s in the best hands with you, Tim! Glad you’re through the biggest step of it all 🤗🤗
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Thanks Briana 🤗 definitely not trying to make you more stressed. Sorry! Binx is going to do great tomorrow. But yes, it’s a fact that our cats get better care thanks to everyone here!

It’s interesting the things they do that do and don’t make sense. Like the picture thing. And testing BG today, they were wanting to know if he’d go too low (?). But then other things they’re seemingly on top of. Idk.
 
Tim & Pookey said:
Thanks Briana 🤗 definitely not trying to make you more stressed. Sorry! Binx is going to do great tomorrow. But yes, it’s a fact that our cats get better care thanks to everyone here!

It’s interesting the things they do that do and don’t make sense. Like the picture thing. And testing BG today, they were wanting to know if he’d go too low (?). But then other things they’re seemingly on top of. Idk.
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I think the stress is inevitable but honestly, if anything, I feel much more prepared and equipped - both knowing this information, these questions and that everyone here will be ready and willing to give advice if we run into issues 😮‍💨

Yea, it's very strange and all the more reason to keep on top of everything, because you never know what they're going to be lax about. Good thing you're on top of it!!
 
Oh Tim, that must have been so scary for you! Poor Pookey, I hope he will not be in too much pain, it's great he's hungry already.
Bella had only one canine left, and the tiny incisor teeth in the front, and you know how well she could eat with just those. She even managed to kill a mouse.
The night after her surgery (the second one, the first time she was back to hungry and sleepy but normal in no time), she was very sleepy and did not eat, I gave her some baby food with a spoon. I put a blanket in the kitchen for her and she slept and peeed on. it, which was scary for me since she never did that. But by the next morning she was fine. Our vet said it took longer to recover after surgery the older they are. Hopefully Pookey will be back to good very soon!
I hope you both have a good night now.
 
Cecile and Bella said:
Oh Tim, that must have been so scary for you! Poor Pookey, I hope he will not be in too much pain, it's great he's hungry already.
Bella had only one canine left, and the tiny incisor teeth in the front, and you know how well she could eat with just those. She even managed to kill a mouse.
The night after her surgery (the second one, the first time she was back to hungry and sleepy but normal in no time), she was very sleepy and did not eat, I gave her some baby food with a spoon. I put a blanket in the kitchen for her and she slept and peeed on. it, which was scary for me since she never did that. But by the next morning she was fine. Our vet said it took longer to recover after surgery the older they are. Hopefully Pookey will be back to good very soon!
I hope you both have a good night now.
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Thanks Cecile. He’s been pacing around the house all afternoon looking for food. I’m surprised, he seems to be moving and feeling pretty good. I have him locked in the room with us tonight because he’s still a little unsure with his legs.

Poor Bella. She did enjoy her food though that’s for sure :D. Makes sense about the age thing too. It’s a lot on their little systems to handle.

Thanks for checking in with us!!
 
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