HELP - Cat just home from having dental procedure

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 02:33 GMT

Just brought my cat home after dental cleaning and having an absessed tooth
pulled. The vet said her breathing would sound congested from her having a
tube down her throat. Indeed her breathing sounds like she has a very loud
congested purr (but there is no purr). The doctor didn't say how long this
would go on... anyone know?

She looks so tired, but she will not sleep. She was sent home with a
morphine type liquid med in syringes for pain, and I gave that to her 1-1/2
hours ago. I hoped that would make her comfortable and let her sleep, but
she just sits up, occasionally paces, and looks worn out. Shouldn't she be
tired and be out by now?

I've never had a cat go through this before, so if anyone can answer my
questions, I would appreciate it.

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Cheryl - 20 Oct 2007 03:02 GMT

> Just brought my cat home after dental cleaning and having an
> absessed tooth pulled. The vet said her breathing would sound
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> I've never had a cat go through this before, so if anyone can
> answer my questions, I would appreciate it.

Drugs that make us sleepy often have the opposite effect on cats.
And depending on the type of anesthesia used, it can make a cat
act completely freaked out for a while. Shamrock has had several
dentals (he's only about 6 years old) and each time he's had a
different reaction. I think it also depends on what time of day it
was done.

Shamrock's last dental was very hard on us all. He was dopey when
I picked him up from the vets office. He couldn't walk, yet he
wouldn't stay still. I had to take him to my lower level family
room and prevent him from trying to attempt the stairs because he
couldn't balance or walk right. It took him hours to come out of
it. He wouldn't even sit quietly on my lap during this time. He
just walked around in circles and tried to jump up on the couch
and when he wasn't comfortable, he would try to jump down. I ended
up putting him in the carrier to keep him safe until he was
finally coming out of it. He yowled, but he was much safer. I
think they must have used a different anesthesia that time. The
next time he needs a dental I'm going to insist that they look up
his records from his first dental and use that anesthesia. He was
practically normal when I picked him up that day.

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 03:22 GMT

but what about the congested breathing? the vet said something about it
being from the trach tube, etc. but I didn't think to ask how long it would
last... she seems really uncomfortable about it. If still bad in the AM,
I'll call their office.

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SantaSteeler - 20 Oct 2007 04:16 GMT

many vets do not use the trach tube anymore. they actually hang the cat by
the back legs there in the tube for breathing is not a necessity.

> but what about the congested breathing? the vet said something about it
> being from the trach tube, etc. but I didn't think to ask how long it
> would last... she seems really uncomfortable about it. If still bad in
> the AM, I'll call their office.

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 04:19 GMT

I'm not sure whether to call you a creepor a jerk.

> many vets do not use the trach tube anymore. they actually hang the cat
> by the back legs there in the tube for breathing is not a necessity.

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SantaSteeler - 20 Oct 2007 14:59 GMT

Thanks a lot. I come on here with true info and get insulted.

> I'm not sure whether to call you a creepor a jerk.
>
>> many vets do not use the trach tube anymore. they actually hang the cat
>> by the back legs there in the tube for breathing is not a necessity.

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SantaSteeler - 20 Oct 2007 15:24 GMT

by the way that is how they did my mom's yorkie. of course it does only
work for small animals. it is a true procedure.

> Thanks a lot. I come on here with true info and get insulted.
>
>> I'm not sure whether to call you a creepor a jerk.
>>
>>> many vets do not use the trach tube anymore. they actually hang the cat
>>> by the back legs there in the tube for breathing is not a necessity.

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 22:29 GMT

Then I do apologize. It sounded like it was too far out there to be a true
procedure. Doesn't sound like something I'd want done to my pet.

> by the way that is how they did my mom's yorkie. of course it does only
> work for small animals. it is a true procedure.

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cybercat - 20 Oct 2007 04:59 GMT

> many vets do not use the trach tube anymore. they actually hang the cat
> by the back legs there in the tube for breathing is not a necessity.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>> would last... she seems really uncomfortable about it. If still bad in
>> the AM, I'll call their office.

That seals it, I am never having my cats in for dentals.

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 05:46 GMT

> That seals it, I am never having my cats in for dentals.

Well then, you are as dumb as I was. My cat is 9 years old and never in
for dental work. She ended up with horrible tartar, an absessed tooth, and
the beginnings of kidney problems because I was scared to bring her in.
So, bite the bullet like I did and bring your cat in sooner than I did. It
will be easier on your cat, and you, if you don't wait as long as I did.

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-Lost - 20 Oct 2007 17:00 GMT

I have no clue about your problem, but I am hoping I can ask you
something without being insulted...

How did you know your cat had a dental problem? Something you noticed?
Abnormal behavior?

Thanks.

Signature

-Lost
Remove the extra words to reply by e-mail. Don't e-mail me. I am
kidding. No I am not.

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cybercat - 20 Oct 2007 17:19 GMT

>I have no clue about your problem, but I am hoping I can ask you
> something without being insulted...
>
> How did you know your cat had a dental problem? Something you noticed?
> Abnormal behavior?

Who are you talking to?

If you include a snippet of the post to which you are replying, we might
know.

> Thanks.

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Tara Legale - 20 Oct 2007 22:30 GMT

I could see plaque on her back teeth. I had no idea she had an absessed
tooth until they took an x-ray. She showed no signs of pain or trouble
eating. I can't believe her teeth now.... I wish mine were so white and
perfect! :-)

> How did you know your cat had a dental problem? Something you noticed?
> Abnormal behavior?

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