Question:
While Bruce & Isobel were up for their annual visit this morning, the vet discovered that Bruce has the beginning of a cavity, so he'll be going in for a cleaning, etc. later on this month. Poor baby Luckily, Isobel's teeth are excellent.

On a positive note, Bruce has lost 1.3 lbs since I put himself, Hamish and Isobel on the diet food I'm going to weigh Hamish myself later to see how he's doing.

This will be the first time I've ever had a kitty's teeth cleaned before and already I'm a nervous wreck


Answer:
A cavity? I had no idea that cats could get cavities! I learn something new everyday...

That said, I wouldn't worry too much. I'm sure that it will be fine. <--for you and Bruce.


Answer:
Thanks! Yup, dogs and cats are just as prone to dental probs as we are, unfortunately. Even more unfortunately, my work dental/medical plan doesn't cover my cats! Dogs and cats can even get gold crowns, and there are eight teeth in a cat's mouth large enough for a vet to put fillings into - wild, huh? The vet reckons Bruce has a cavity, as the gum round that tooth was very red.


Answer:
He'll be fine!! Dentistries are usually very quick (compared to other 'surguries'). I sure he'll feel alot better too. Teeth problems can cause a whole host of other problems.


Answer:
Thanks for that, Lixx. I've got him booked in for this Thursday morning. Poor wee thing will have to be starved from midnight Wednesday onwards, but I know he'll feel so much better after his mouth has been seen to.


Answer:
Good news - Bruce doesn't have a cavity after all. The vet took an x-ray and the teeth are absolutely fine. His gum was inflamed. Not sure why - will find out more tonight when I go to collect him.


Answer:
Could be an infection. You'll pry have some oral gel or something similar to give him. I'm glad he's okay overall!


Answer:
Awww, poor Brucie. First his eye and now his teeth. I'm glad it's not a cavity and hopefully it will just take an antibiotic to clear the infection.


Answer:
Hope Brucie feels better soon.

PS: Brucie was my nickname in high school - we have something in common!!!


Answer:
Nope, no antibiotics. Apparently his gum had gone up over the base of his tooth and the vet believes a bit of bacteria got trapped. Luckily it's not an infection, although I suspect if it had gone unchecked it would've become an infection so I'm really glad I got him in for his cleaning straightaway *phew* When he goes back in 10 days for his recheck we're going to discuss options of how I can keep his (and hopefully everyone else's) teeth clean.

The vet team told me that Bruce was a happy drunk, bouncing around and headbutting everyone as he was coming to. He was making the most appalling grunting noises last night when I brought him home and it took awhile to figure out what it was -- he was trying to purr! He sounded more like a wild boar!

It's been 20 hours of everyone hissing at Bruce and at each other since I brought Bruce home! I knew the reaction he would get from everyone, but I must admit I'm surprised at how long it's gone on. Everyone is still quite upset at the smell Bruce brought home with him and he's feeling like a leper, definitely. He's not afraid of anyone and is moving about the apartment freely but I think his feelings are hurt. I actually stayed home today from work to supervise as there were a few times last night when Isobel looked like she was going to attack him! Fortunately, Hamish's reaction is growing less and less intense - hopefully he'll be back snuggling with Bruce by the end of the day.