Veterinary Dentistry Requires Anesthesia

Whether it’s a puppy or a mature dog; their teeth need attention.
Veterinary Dentistry Requires Anesthesia
A dog's teeth need care. Tsuguliev/Shutterstock
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Q: My holistic veterinarian says my 10-year-old cat Moses has rotten teeth, and at least one tooth has fallen out. Because of his age, I don’t want him anesthetized for dental treatment, so the vet said she would clean his teeth using only essential oils and light. I’m concerned about Moses feeling stressed. What should I know about dentistry without anesthesia?

A: We veterinarians have a saying: Age is not a disease. So, as long as a physical exam and lab work show Moses is healthy, anesthesia poses no greater risk for him than it would for a younger cat.

Lee Pickett
Lee Pickett
Author
Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at AskTheVet.pet. Copyright 2024 Lee Pickett, VMD. Distributed by Creators.com