Giles entered our family in 2005, as a two year old Abyssinian, retired from the Cat Show circuit. During his Cat Show days, he won over 14 ribbons. When he joined our family, he was ready to enjoy a life of leisure. As his name would suggest, he has always acted like a British Gentleman since he joined our family. He's the most polite and well behaved kitty I've ever seen.
Last Friday I took Giles and Buffy in for their yearly vaccines. Upon examination, Giles' gingivitis was much worse and the dental cleaning (under anesthesia) that my vet had been bugging me to schedule for Giles was no longer optional. It was a necessity. I was told this procedure needed to be done ASAP and that Giles might even need to lose a tooth. (Gingivitis-allergy to tooth plaque- is more prevalent among purebred cats)
So on Monday we scheduled his teeth cleaning procedure. The estimate they gave me was $623 at the best case scenario and $1244 at the worst, depending on the condition of his mouth and how much work he needed. Apparently his mouth was worse than the worst case scenario. Because when the vet put him under anesthesia, she found that he did not have a single tooth past the canines that was intact. Since he didn't have any tooth remaining that were matching up, the Vet deduced that Giles had been swallowing his kibble whole for quiet some time. He also had a severe case of stomatitis. (oral infection causing inflammation and extreme mouth pain) Even for those teeth that were rotted away, she had to remove each and every root .
Our kitty is now completely toothless past his canines. The good news is that up to 80% of cats with severe Gingivitis/Stomatitis will be completely cured after the removal of their back teeth.
Total amount of teeth removed: TEN
Total amount of Vet bill: $1521.60
Getting our kitty to feel good again: PRICELESS
oh poor Giles... and poor you for that bill.... prayerfully he is feeling better!!!
ReplyDeleteWho would accuse you of not loving helpless animals? Poor little kittie. Our pets go through as much as we do. Sometimes money becomes obsolete ie family and pets.
ReplyDeleteI think that the two of us must be insane. After our $1200 vet bill for the intestinal blockage...I just wonder how many other issues will be in our futures...
ReplyDeleteOur little malti--poo broke his leg last Christmas and we also had a pricey vet bill- not the best timing, but necessary for their comfort!
ReplyDeleteCute kitty.
So when my vet says I need to take my puppy in to get her teeth cleaned, I really shouldn't just wait and pray it goes away?
ReplyDeleteHm...:-)
Hey Jules - sorry about Giles. He's a cutie! I have a good friend with a kitty that had the same affliction and had all but 4 of his teeth pulled two years ago. The last time we were over there, he was out hunting and brought home a possum he'd caught so he doesn't seem to miss his teeth much at all ;)
ReplyDeleteOh poor Giles and your pocketbook. At least he will be doing much better.
ReplyDeleteOhhh poor guy (and yes, poor you). We've been lucky to not have horrible dental problems like that but ... I'm sure something fun will pop up soon. Here's hoping Giles recovers fully and quickly!
ReplyDeleteI am glad this will solve Giles' issues. You're a good kitty mama.
ReplyDeletePoor little peanut! I was getting so worried while I was reading this post because I was afraid that something tragic happened since he came home.
ReplyDeleteHope that Giles is feeling better real soon...so sorry to hear about all that.
ReplyDeletePoor Giles! And your poor checkbook! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteAw, poor kitty! And your poor budget, ouch.
ReplyDeleteOh Giles - sounds like he was totally stoic about the whole things. yes, our furry children sometimes surprise us with large vet bills, but there is no question it is worth it.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping his mouth is all healthy soon.
So does he get soft cat food now?
Wowza! I about fell off my computer chair - over $1500?!? I hope Giles feels better - and he doesn't have to deal with anymore dental work. : )
ReplyDeleteAh, yes, this is why we don't have pets....
ReplyDeleteUm, you did name him after a British character my friend...
ReplyDeleteSadie, who apparently must be linked to Sadie Frost, has a similar situation. Three teeth, each having cost a number with a comma and not a one up front to maintain. Not sure why she needs any as she only uses them to chew her rump.