Kitties need dentists too!

18-year-old cat with a tooth root abscess

Do you have an older cat that you haven't taken to the vet in years? Look at his back teeth today. Gently pull his upper lip backward near the corner of his mouth. Does he have heavy calculus (tan material) on his molars? If so, it is time to schedule a check up. Call us at 515-304-5277. A dental can take off that calculus to prevent a tooth root abscess or loose, painful teeth. Some cats develop painful resorptive lesions that often lead to broken teeth. We spot these on exams. Occasionally, I chip off moderate calculus with my finger nail and am glad that that cat came to the vet.

My favorite way to prevent calculus is Hill's Oral Care food, which can be found on our online store:

St. Francis Vet Online Store

I also like Greenies Dental Chews for Cats daily.

The cat in the photo above had very severe calculus and periodontal disease. He had five teeth extracted and is feeling much better now. He is a very handsome and sweet boy.

This kitty got his drain out today and is doing well (photo below). His cheek had a small eschar (dead area) when we drained his abscess that will heal with time. Another, similar case had a large eschar that I had to excise. The cellulitis in that case was so extensive that she needed a longer than typical course of antibiotics to maintain healing.