My cat Boots is about 10 years old, and he is going to get his teeth cleaned for the…
This is a fabulous question! I certainly understand your concerns about putting Boots under anesthesia for his teeth. However, death following surgery/anesthesia is very unusual in a healthy cat. In most cases, it is usually due to an underlying condition or disease and not due to the process of anesthesia itself. There are multiple things to do and ask to be sure your cat is getting good care. First, be sure your veterinarian feels Boots is healthy for anesthesia and it is always a good idea to have labs done before surgery to look for any hidden underlying disease. I would also talk to your veterinarian about how they monitor your cat during anesthesia and during recovery. Technology now allows us to easily monitor things like blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels with the right equipment. Also important is that they manage any pain your cat may experience. You are certainly also within your rights to ask about training the staff receives regarding anesthesia, surgery and dental care. I hope Boots does great….I’m sure he’ll come through with flying colors (and clean teeth!)
Original post by Cat Advice (Emotional): Purina® Cat Chow® Mentor Amy Shojai and software by Elliott Back
