Cats dental

[poiuytrewq]

I know I need to discuss this further with my vet but he’s currently on holiday!
Arlo needs a dental. His breath is a big smelly and his vet just commented when he had his jabs after Christmas that is would be a good idea.
We left it as I’d check his insurance, he is insured and is thought with a fairly comprehensive policy but of course dental isn’t included.
Anyhow, not the end of the world so I called and asked for a rough coat and have been told
£350-£1000
My vets back next week and they can then look at his records and give me a more accurate price.
That’s just so expensive though! I was really shocked.
Is there anything I can do/buy give him to prevent any further damage?
He eats fine and never seems bothered by his mouth however I know animals rarely show mouth pain.
Any other cat owners been here? Do I have any other options?
Once it’s done is it going to be a regular thing not

 

[Arzada]

My advice is to be careful.

Anniebelle Fluffy and I went to my last-but-one vet. A. Fluffy's breath was a bit smelly.
Vet: so your cat has a problem with her teeth
Me: no, she has smelly breath
Vet examines mouth and eventually finds gums slightly pinker in two areas. She shows this to me.
Vet: right so I need to remove 3 teeth
Me: can't you give her antibiotics to start with
Vet: err yes. Are you OK giving pills?
Me: No. Can't you inject?
Vet: ah yes there is one available but it costs more
Me: that's fine

Estimate arrives for removal of 3 teeth. I can't remember exactly - it was either £600 or £800 (about 10 years go)

Smelly breath disappears so we didn't opt for extractions. In fact we never returned to the practice.

A couple of years after that I met new friends, both with cats. Both with similar experiences. Even my neighbour who doesn't have a cat knew about this practice's enthusiasm for extractions.

Three years ago we chose a new vet. General examination followed by thyroid op. Cat stops eating and revisits vet for mouth exam. No problem with teeth. Given a miracle injection and resumes eating.

 

[SEL]

Mine needed a tooth out last year and it was about £900 (I had a very expensive cat vet bill year). She's had just a clean before and that was the lower end of your quote but it's done under GA hence the price.

But definitely ask about antibiotics first - mine had ongoing mouth problems and the extraction sorted it but it's pretty traumatic

 

[poiuytrewq]

It does seem to be pretty common practice, removing teeth.
I had a tooth out and the pain was crazy for a week or more after, the thought of putting Arls through having several taken out bothers me!
I’ll ask about antibiotics, I like to think generally my vet seems to be more on the saving money side of the fence.
I can handle the lower end, I stick it on a credit card and hope that’s the end of it.
His teeth do look yellowish rather than white.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Our recent quote for dental was £850 inc. however many extractions he needed - he is a senior cat and this included a heart scan and a blood test prior to the GA. In the end he needed various other things doing so we paid more, but they didn't extract any teeth in the end and I have to say that his mouth is much better for the clean. His breath isn't disgusting, his mouth no longer seems sore and he has gained weight. It does cost a bomb these days though, I must admit!