Cuddles is recovering, I hope.

[Freedom]

Cuddles went in for her annual vet check last Thursday. Time for her rabies shot. For some reason, I'd not had her in to the vet in the 3 years since her last rabies shot. Her mouth was a mess, she had to have a dental and at least 2 teeth extracted, due to infection. So that was done today.

Turns out she had 7 extractions. One canine tooth had a . . . fistula (not sure if that is the term). A hole right through the gum and the root coming out of the hole. This is very painful for a cat. I feel awful she was like this. She had also lost 4 teeth. The vet said her gums are just mush. She is on pain meds for the next 5 days, and goes back for a recheck at that time to see if the hole is closed / closing / improving. Cuddles also had a Convenia shot - 2 week slow release antibiotic - and she will have another one at the end of the 2 weeks so a full month of antibiotics.

When I went in to pick her up, the vet had already left for the day. I asked if the gums will recover, the vet techs did not know. I'll find out, probably wait till the next post surgery recheck.

I am so sad that my poor girl got in to this condition and I had no clue.

[snakemama]

Aww, poor Cuddles, I'm glad she's recovering.

Please don't beat yourself up about her! Kitties are so masterful at hiding discomfort, especially in their mouths!

I honestly didn't know, from looking into Annie and Emma's mouths, that there was ANYTHING going on, but their jaws were trying to reabsorb their teeth! They both lots a LOT of teeth and were much happier after their recovery!

[Karen]

Aww, poor Cuddles! That must have been so painful, it is too bad they hide their pain so well!

[Randi]

Oh, poor Cuddles. At least she has been treated now and is hopefully pain free and will recover. It is so difficult to know when cats are in pain, since they hide it so well, and often they won't let you look in their mouths.

When I had to give Fister medicine, I found out how un-cooperative he was, so I practised how to hold him, stroked his gums every day and learned how to check if something was wrong - but it took a long time and patience before he would cooperate.

Sending lots of positive thoughts to sweet Cuddles.

[Freedom]

Thanks for the support. I was really feeling terrible about this yesterday. It helps to hear others enforce the message that cats are masters at hiding pain.

[phesina]

We are all sending along our love and prayers and healing energies for Cuddles and for you too, Sandie. Agree.. cats are indeed masterful at hiding pain.