Teeth cleaning

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Hi all, long time no see. ;)

Now that we're settled in one spot for the winter again, it's time to start thinking about getting Robin's teeth cleaned. At her last vet visit, which was the first vet visit she's had since we got her, the vet mentioned her teeth are pretty bad and one might even need to be extracted.

So, we've been checking with vets in the area and we are finding out that prices vary widely on teeth cleaning. The first big issue is whether they need to be sedated or not. It's about $150.00 to do it without sedation, but that would be a cleaning only - if extractions are necessary, the price jumps significantly! The one place quoted a starting price of $800.00 for a sedated cleaining, then extractions would be on top of that. She said a typical price with extractions is $1,200.00! I had no idea this procedure is that expensive! :eek:

So I was wondering, what are others out there paying to have their cats' teeth cleaned?

CJ could use a cleaning, but the vet said his isn't as critical as Robin's, so the good news is we don't need to do both of them at the same time. WAY easier on the pocket book that way. ;)

By the way, they are both doing well and we will be in Indio, CA for the winter instead of in Arizona. I found one Cat only clinic within a reasonable distance, but it turns out that vet retired and they are doing boarding only now, so I guess it's back to waiting rooms with d-o-g-s for the snots again. ;)

[emily_the_spoiled]

I had Oliver's teeth done a couple of months ago and I was taken back at the $550 for a sedated cleaning. I guess I won't complain when I read about the prices you have :eek:

[Grace]

Good grief - when we had Red's teeth cleaned, including one extraction and sedation, it was only $300.

For the others, cleaning under sedation, no extractions, it runs about $250.

[Barbara]

Even with the exchange rate you better think in investing in a flight over here: Tooth cleaning with sedation like 100 Euro. :)

[Killearn Kitties]

That sounds unbelievably expensive. I have looked out the invoice for the last time we had Sam's teeth cleaned. She had some problems and needed four extractions. I remember the vet saying that a couple of the teeth were stubborn, and she was under anaesthetic for just under an hour.

Anaesthetic - £57.02
Oxygen - £12.77
Dental work - £102.00
Inject Amoxycare - £4.94
Inject Metacalm - £5.32
Dispense antirobe caps - £7.69
Bloodsample £17.45
Various tests 5 x £5.96

The total invoice came to £236.99 plus tax, and the vet was falling over herself to explain why it was so expensive. With the current exchange rate that bill would be around $480, but more normally it would be a similar amount in dollars.

[Cinder & Smoke]

I had no idea this procedure is that expensive! :eek:

We will be in Indio, CALIFORNIA, for the winter instead of in Arizona.

I think "expensive" and "California" are synomonous!

[carole]

I have been quoted around 300 dollars for sedation and it could get higher,but i do know of at least two extractions needed, so hoping that is included in the price,just about as expensive as a human dentist.

[Taz_Zoee]

Taz had a tooth extracted a couple years ago, but I don't recall the exact amount. I don't think it was $1200, and I am in California. I'm going to look up my invoice when I get home, now I am curious.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

The price for sedation, cleaning, and antibiotics for Oreo last year was under $250. (And I'm in CA.)

She's a dog, but I don't see how that would change the price drastically...

[Freedom]

I haven't paid anywhere NEAR the prices you are posting!

And the vets I've used, they charge per extraction -- $75 -- but you only pay for a maximum of 5 extractions. If the cat needs 6 or 16 teeth out, you only pay for 5. If the cat needs 3 out, you pay for the 3.

I can't imagine cleaning a cat's teeth with no sedation. :rolleyes: I wasn't even aware they offered such a thing!

Oh, and if the cat is 7 or older, they insist on doing a blood work up first, to ensure the cat can tolerate the sedative with no unknown complications.

[Medusa]

Good grief! Are ya kiddin' me?! The highest I've paid is $200, no extractions, and that included anesthesia and take home meds and I thought that was high!

[Catlady711]

$800 for a general sedated teeth cleaning with no extractions is highway robbery even if it included standard pre-op lab work! Heck we had a lady recently that took her large breed dog to a pet dental specialist and had to have 2 teeth extracted plus lab work, plus the cleaning and I think she only paid $600 and at that it was way more expensive than the regular vets in my area.

As to the non-anesthetic dentistries, here is some information EVERY pet owner should be aware of...


http://www.avdc.org/position-statements.html#cadswa

Companion Animal Dental Scaling Without Anesthesia


In the United States and Canada, only licensed veterinarians can practice veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine includes veterinary surgery, medicine and dentistry. Anyone providing dental services other than a licensed veterinarian, or a supervised and trained veterinary technician, is practicing veterinary medicine without a license and shall be subject to criminal charges.


This position statement addresses dental scaling procedures performed on pets without anesthesia, often by individuals untrained in veterinary dental techniques. Although the term “Anesthesia-Free Dentistry” has been used in this context, AVDC prefers to use the more accurate term Non-Professional Dental Scaling (NPDS) to describe this combination.


Owners of pets naturally are concerned when anesthesia is required for their pet. However, performing NPDS on an unanesthetized pet is inappropriate for the following reasons:


1. Dental tartar is firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth. Scaling to remove tartar is accomplished using ultrasonic and sonic power scalers, plus hand instruments that must have a sharp working edge to be used effectively. Even slight head movement by the patient could result in injury to the oral tissues of the patient, and the operator may be bitten when the patient reacts.


2. Professional dental scaling includes scaling the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gingival margin (gum line), followed by dental polishing. The most critical part of a dental scaling procedure is scaling the tooth surfaces that are within the gingival pocket (the subgingival space between the gum and the root), where periodontal disease is active. Because the patient cooperates, dental scaling of human teeth performed by a professional trained in the procedures can be completed successfully without anesthesia. However, access to the subgingival area of every tooth is impossible in an unanesthetized canine or feline patient. Removal of dental tartar on the visible surfaces of the teeth has little effect on a pet’s health, and provides a false sense of accomplishment. The effect is purely cosmetic.


3. Inhalation anesthesia using a cuffed endotracheal tube provides three important advantages – the cooperation of the patient with a procedure it does not understand, elimination of pain resulting from examination and treatment of affected dental tissues during the procedure, and protection of the airway and lungs from accidental aspiration.


4. A complete oral examination, which is an important part of a professional dental scaling procedure, is not possible in an unanesthetized patient. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed.


Safe use of an anesthetic or sedative in a dog or cat requires evaluation of the general health and size of the patient to determine the appropriate drug and dose, and continual monitoring of the patient. Veterinarians are trained in all of these procedures. Prescribing or administering anesthetic or sedative drugs by a non-veterinarian can be very dangerous, and is illegal.
Although anesthesia will never be 100% risk-free, modern anesthetic and patient evaluation techniques used in veterinary hospitals minimize the risks, and millions of dental scaling procedures are safely performed each year in veterinary hospitals.

For general information on performance of dental procedures on veterinary patients, please read the AVDC Position Statement on Veterinary Dental Healthcare Providers, which is available on the AVDC web site (www.AVDC.org). For information on effective oral hygiene products for dogs and cats, visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council web site (www.VOHC.org).

[catmandu]

JOSEPHS WAS 197 DOLLARS, NO EXTRACTIONS AND CAME WITH MEDS FOR HIM SO HIS GUMS WILL STAY CLEAN. HIS TEETH ARE SOLID, ITS HIS GUMS THAT ARE THE TROUBLE!!
HE WILL BE ON SOFT FOOD AND IAMS SENSITIVE STOMACH FOR A WEEK UNTIL I AM SURE HE CAN TAKE THE BIGGER TEMPTATIONS.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/4Edwina.jpg
JUST HAVING HIM HOME AGAIN IS A BLESSING.

[jazzcat]

It's been about 4 years since Ripley had his done but I think with blood work, sedation and cleaning it was around $185. He didn't have any extractions but Disney did and it usually just ran about $25 a tooth. Of course she was a dog but I don't think that mattered in pricing.

Great to see you back by the way.

[Bengalz]

Hi Debbie!

Eve had her first dental checkup (with anesthetic) this summer and the overall cost was approximately $550. This included bloodwork, pre-hydration and heart-monitoring throughout the procedure; the procedure included scaling and flouride. Fortunately she didn't require any extractions :D as that would have added to the cost. I know this is expensive however, given the problems that unhealthy teeth and gums can cause in a kitty, I felt it was a worthwhile investment in her well-being.

Many years ago our male cat endured some pretty invasive dental work and the costs were horrendous not to mention the discomfort he experienced. It was a lesson learned and I have been extremely vigilant ever since.

I hope you are able to find a vet that you (and Robin) are comfortable with and one who is thorough in the process and willing to review it with you so that you know exactly how your little girl is being treated.

Good luck and let us know how everything unfolds.

Betty

[Edwina's Secretary]

I think "expensive" and "California" are synomonous!

Amen brother!

The E's are going together... :eek: :eek: :eek: to the vet this Saturday. I will ask the price of cleaning and extraction (and pray neither of them need it!)

[slick]

Max had his toofies cleaned in either 2003 or 2004....I can't remember just when.....and he had 2 extractions. The total bill only came to about $400 and some change. That's Canadian money don't forget and now it's up to $1.10 US last time I checked. hee hee

Good luck!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Debbie, Even for CA these prices seem way too high. I just looked up Storm's dental cleaning record and he had his teeth cleaned in Jan.2006. He had the pre-op blood work done and one tooth extracted. This was at my old vets and they were also having a dental special so I saved 20% off of the cleaning. Here's the breakdown of the cost:

Laboratory -Inside.......
Pcv-Total Protein 16.00
Pre-Op Panel- In House 42.00

Injectables...............
Antibiotic Injection 42.50 Intravenous Catheter 34.50
Pain Control Injection 42.50

Dentistry................
Dental Special Feline 2006 140.00
Office Call/Exam Oral
Induction- Minor
Isoflurane- Short- 15-30
Dental Cleaning-Feline-Routine
Polish Teeth- Feline -Routine
Flouride Treatment- Feline
Dental Charting
Chlorhex Dental Chews
Dental Special Discount Feline
Extraction(s)- Routine 75.00

Prescription Medications........................
Clavamox Tabs 62.5mg 13.81
Buprenex Oral (Per ml) 20.45
______
Total 427.26


Starr had his teeth cleaned at the same vet in Dec.2006 without any extractions.

Pain Control Injection 46.50
Pre-Op Panel -In-House 46.50
Antibiotic Injection 46.50
Intravenous Catheter 36.50
Pcv-Total Protein 18.00
Antirobe Aquadrops 20ml 11.50
Dental Cleaning-F9 Package 199.00
Level-1 Hospitalization 48.00
Discount-Dental Special 2006 -90.50
______
Total 362.00

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Neither Tubby nor Peanut ever had their teeth cleaned (vet never mentioned they needed it), so this is all new to me.

We found another vet that is actually nearby that quoted "around $500.00" depending on "which phase" her teeth and gums are in. I guess it goes from Phase 1 to Phase 5, with Phase 5 being the most expensive. Let's hope and pray for Phase 1. ;)

The people in this place were way nicer than the first place we went. The first place we went is a HUGE place with probably 10 vets, and I got the feeling it wasn't to personal of a place, where you'd never see the same doctor twice, much less the same person at the front desk. The 3 place - which is the $500.00 price - was just sooo much nicer. A lady came in with a 14 week old Doberman and she and Terry were talking while I was asking questions at the front desk. Turns out this lady had recently had her 15 year old Rottweiler put down. She was telling Terry how she had taken it to the expensive place because they are the only emergency vets in the area. When she went to visit the dog, they had her tied in a cage where her head was forced up into an uncomfortable position by the leash - supposedly to restrict movement. The lady was appalled at the treatment. First of all the dog was 13 years old and had obviously been traumatized by whatever the emergency was. Second of all she was not an aggressive Rottie and had never been a problem for any vet she had ever been taken to. The lady said it took her 3 weeks to get the dog's spirit back after that one overnight stay.

Needless to say, after hearing that story, and seeing how the girls at this front desk treated not only the lady and her dog like family, made me feel soooo much better and I went ahead and made an initial appointment for Robin. At that time, the vet will determine the best course of action, and whether or not any extractions will be needed.

Oh, and an initial appointment with the expensive place was $82.50 and at this place it was $52.50. Just in appointments alone I'll save a ton of money with this place.....and receive more personal care too.

I guess the moral of the story is it pays to shop around. I'll be sure to let you all know what the vet says after Robin's appt next Tuesday.

Sara, good luck with the E's this weekend! :)

[Medusa]

There is an emergency clinic like that here, not as expensive as the one you went to, that's for sure, but very impersonal and I didn't like the vibe there, so I never did treat any of my cats there. I went w/someone I was dating at that time and he didn't like it much either but he went there anyhow, only to find another place he liked better soon thereafter. It truly does pay to shop around but sometimes when an emergency strikes, we're left feeling helpless and as if we have no other choice. I'm glad this isn't a real emergency for you and that you found a place you like much better.

[Catlady711]

Debbie, Even for CA these prices seem way too high. I just looked up Storm's dental cleaning record and he had his teeth cleaned in Jan.2006. He had the pre-op blood work done and one tooth extracted. This was at my old vets and they were also having a dental special so I saved 20% off of the cleaning. Here's the breakdown of the cost:

Laboratory -Inside.......
Pcv-Total Protein 16.00
Pre-Op Panel- In House 42.00

Injectables...............
Antibiotic Injection 42.50 Intravenous Catheter 34.50
Pain Control Injection 42.50

Dentistry................
Dental Special Feline 2006 140.00
Office Call/Exam Oral
Induction- Minor
Isoflurane- Short- 15-30
Dental Cleaning-Feline-Routine
Polish Teeth- Feline -Routine
Flouride Treatment- Feline
Dental Charting
Chlorhex Dental Chews
Dental Special Discount Feline
Extraction(s)- Routine 75.00

Prescription Medications........................
Clavamox Tabs 62.5mg 13.81
Buprenex Oral (Per ml) 20.45
______
Total 427.26


Starr had his teeth cleaned at the same vet in Dec.2006 without any extractions.

Pain Control Injection 46.50
Pre-Op Panel -In-House 46.50
Antibiotic Injection 46.50
Intravenous Catheter 36.50
Pcv-Total Protein 18.00
Antirobe Aquadrops 20ml 11.50
Dental Cleaning-F9 Package 199.00
Level-1 Hospitalization 48.00
Discount-Dental Special 2006 -90.50
______
Total 362.00

Basically those sound fairly similar to our prices with a few exceptions...

$46.50 for antibiotic or pain injections??!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: WOW!! :(

[Catty1]

I hope the vet will let you try some good dental treats/food for the kitties - that might make the 'stage' of their care less expensive.

I have also heard stories - one from my friend Donna (in Cochrane!) - that she had a vet who used his thumbnail to pry tartar off kitties' teeth. I guess it actually worked quite well, as the tartar forms on the outside of the teeth.

Maybe if you promise hubby a nice manicure.... :D

[Catlady711]

I hope the vet will let you try some good dental treats/food for the kitties - that might make the 'stage' of their care less expensive.

I have also heard stories - one from my friend Donna (in Cochrane!) - that she had a vet who used his thumbnail to pry tartar off kitties' teeth. I guess it actually worked quite well, as the tartar forms on the outside of the teeth.

Maybe if you promise hubby a nice manicure.... :D

The dental treats/food pretty much only help tartar from forming. Once it's already formed all the teeth brushing and treats in the world won't eliminate it without cleaning. Although it might keep it from advancing further though. They are really helpful once a dentistry has been done to keep teeth healthy longer.

Using a thumbnail to pry tartar off is only cosmetic and doesn't really help dental health any. *see my long post above*

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Neither Tubby nor Peanut ever had their teeth cleaned (vet never mentioned they needed it), so this is all new to me.



Same thing for all my cats...! Is it really necessary to have this done? I don't think they would "approve" :D

[Bengalz]

Needless to say, after hearing that story, and seeing how the girls at this front desk treated not only the lady and her dog like family, made me feel soooo much better and I went ahead and made an initial appointment for Robin. At that time, the vet will determine the best course of action, and whether or not any extractions will be needed.



Sounds like a good plan and a good place. I always need to feel comfortable with the people who care for my furbaby. The thought of leaving her with someone strange is hard enough, knowing that person cares about how she feels makes a difference.

Good luck :)

[Randy_K]

For those of you with young cats, if you start early with in-home teeth cleaning they get used to it and the long term benefits are healthy teeth and gums. There are products like a cat or dog fingertip toothbrushes (http://www.jefferspet.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=0&mscssid=A96HPK5H3FQ39P8V1NNSDTM95GQN8ND5&pf_id=0026950) and toothpaste (http://www.jefferspet.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=0&mscssid=A96HPK5H3FQ39P8V1NNSDTM95GQN8ND5&pf_id=0028832). I have used salmon and chicken flavored toothpaste too.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Well...Eddie needs his teeth cleaned in the next 6 months. Estimate is $477.58 (the .58 is important... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: )

Of that...$316 is anesthesia....the cleaning is $74.00. Geez...

[Medusa]

This was bugging me so I looked up the bill for Boo's teeth cleaning and it was $193.31. It included Clindamycin, pre-op medication, 2 x-rays, anesthesia, pre-anesthesia exam, intubation, cleaning and polishing. No extractions. I think I got a pretty good deal compared to some of the quotes here on PT.

[Catlady711]

Same thing for all my cats...! Is it really necessary to have this done? I don't think they would "approve" :D


If you vet hasn't mentioned needing a dentistry then they probably don't need it yet. Heredity along with diet plays a big factor in when or if your individual pet will need a dentistry and how often.

If your vet says they need one, then it IS important. Like with our own teeth, tartar and plaque get into the gums, and also the bacteria. Once in the gums it spreads to the entire body which if left untreated can even cause heart/liver/kidney problems.

What is really hard at work, is when we have a client that has refused a dentistry time and time again and then have to watch them cry their hearts out when their pet has to be euthanized at a younger age than necessary because of failing heart etc that was totally preventable.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

The results are in. Her teeth are really pretty bad. He showed them to me since I have been unable to get her to show them to me herself :rolleyes: :eek: and they actually do look painful to me. The call it "Stage II" which means it's way more than a regular plain old cleaning. Stage II Dental is $525.00, but then they give a Stage II discount of $105.00. Why not just make the cost $420.00 and forget the discount part - do people really feel like they're getting more of a deal if the price is jacked up then discounted? Oh well.....we'll save that discussion for another day.

Along with the Stage II Dental, there are anesthesia costs, and a simple extraction is only $15.00. He said he won't know if there needs to be any extractions until he "goes in." If there is more than 3 millimeters of root showing, he'll extract.

He says he's been doing this for 47 years, and I really felt comfortable with him, so I think she's in good hands. I made an appointment for this Thursday. I have to drop her off by 8:15 am and I'll be able to pick her up that same afternoon.

I really hate to do this to her. Poor little girl was so terrified she just let him do what he pleased with her, then went hiding in the corner of her carrier again when he was done poking and prodding. But she'll be so much better off once it's done.

Oh, and the kicker on the quote was the bottom line "Complimentary Pedicure.....$0.00" I wish my dentist included complimentary pedicures when I got my teeth cleaned! ;) :D

Will let you all know how she does when I get her home again Thursday afternoon.

Sara, it's almost worth the trip to bring her to your vet!

[Edwina's Secretary]

If it is a "complimentary" pedicure isn't the $0.00 rather redundant????

That's like saying "Free -- you pay nothing!"

Ah well...marketing folks... :rolleyes: ;) :D

[Randy_K]

...or a "free gift"

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that Robin's teeth aren't in the best shape:( but hopefully her teeth cleaning will go well and I also hope that she won't need any extractions. It sounds like she'll be in very good hands. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Please continue to keep us updated about her.

[Medusa]

Poor little Robin. She'll feel so much better, though, and so will you. Your bank balance, that's another story. Well, w/your discount, maybe you can get your own pedicure. ;)

[carole]

Just talking about toothbrushes, the vet nurse told me not to buy a special toothbrush for the cat, just buy a babies one at the supermarket, does the same trick and less expensive,mind you i do not clean any of their teeth at this stage, but after they get some dental treatment, i would like to at least try and maintain the treatment and keep their teeth good.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

She's home again, less 4 teeth. Four of them!!! :eek:

She was really wobbly at first, so against her protests, I kept her in the carrier for about 2 more hours. After that, I let her out and her rear end didn't immediately flop to the ground, so I figured she was doing better. She wobbled to the litter box and had a nice big pee pee, then headed for the food bowl. I had put some wet food out for her, but she bypassed that and looked for the bowl with the hard food! :eek: Needless to say, I grabbed that away from her and put it up where she can't get it for the time being.

So over all she's doing well. Wish I could say the same for her daddy. :rolleyes: He always gets so upset whenever the snots need to have anything done. I think whenever I take them in, I should ask the vet for a sedative for daddy too. :rolleyes:

Jackie didn't miss her a bit while she was gone, but boy was he curious about her and all the smells all over her when she got back. When she first got home, she was so out of it she just kind of wobbled on past him, but I know she's feeling better now because she is growling and squeeking at him again. :rolleyes: :)

Oh, and the damages weren't as bad as I expected. The final number came in less than the original quote, even with the 4 extractions.

Thanks everybody, for your thoughts and prayers. She is resting comfortably on her daddy's tummy right now. Hopefully that's making them both feel better. ;)

[Cinder & Smoke]

She's home again, less 4 teeth. Four of them!!! :eek:

She was really wobbly at first ...

So over all she's doing well. Wish I could say the same for her daddy. :rolleyes:
He always gets so upset whenever the snots need to have anything done.

She is resting comfortably on her daddy's tummy right now.
Hopefully that's making them both feel better. ;)

THANKS, God ~ Fur takin care of lil Miz Robin!

We thunk tomorrow was Thursday ... we bad! :(

[krazyaboutkatz]

Debbie,Thanks for the update.:) I'm glad to hear that everything went well, that it wasn't too expensive, and that Robin is now home and doing well. I hope that she'll continue to do well.:)

[Killearn Kitties]

Four teeth?! :eek: Just the same as my poor Sammy had out. Glad to hear that Robyn is recuperating nicely. Perhaps her nice pedicure is cheering her up.

[Medusa]

Glad to hear she's doing better. Four teeth, eh? My Puddy had 6 extracted on her very first teeth cleaning. Since then I've changed vets and Dr. Lee does everything in his power to save teeth. I think the previous vet was yank happy. I'm glad to hear that your sweetie is steady as she goes and Daddy, too. :p

[Bengalz]

Poor widdle girl -- I know about the wobblies :) Eve was just like a little drunk when she got home from her dental and so quiet, it was scary :rolleyes: I'm happy to hear everything went well and she's getting her well deserved cuddles.

And daddies - aren't they just something else??

We just got home from vacation and Evie was at kitty camp on Bowen Island. Poor daddy suffered from Evie withdrawal the entire week :eek: in fact, he woke almost every morning to tell me he had another Evie dream :rolleyes: Actually I'm just as bad :rolleyes: I couldn't believe how much I missed the little squirt - even her bratkat moments :) They sure have us well trained, don't they ;)

[columbine]

If you want to try tooth-cleaning treats, C.E.T. chews come in both poultry and fish flavors, and don't just scrape the tartar off with crunchiness, they use enzymes to jump-start the cat's own tartar-fighting capability. And Smudge says that the fish ones taste delightful! (Although, this being American Thanksgiving, he got a different treat to gobble today.)

Love, Columbine

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Thanks again everyone. Robin is back to adorable little self now. As a matter of fact, she seems better than ever. :D I forgot to ask the vet which particular teeth he pulled, but one day she had a really big yawn and I noticed a big empty space, so that must have been one of them. ;)