Does anesthesia cause future problems?

**Medusa** · 07-25-2009, 07:37 AM

I've not heard of this either but I surely hope that there's no basis for it. It's smart to have cats' teeth cleaned because otherwise all sorts of problems could result through neglect, such as gingivitis, which can be painful and some diseases, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can affect the heart and/or brain. I'd still take the risk and have my cats' teeth cleaned but talk to your vet about it if it's really a matter of concern to you. I'm going to ask mine now that you brought it up.

**kb2yjx** · 07-25-2009, 09:42 AM

Our cat Norton, who was hyperthroid and a kidney cat, at 17, had a dental, in which several teeth were removed....he did fine....BEFORE the cat goes to the dentist, your vet should do blood work(a general chem and a CBC)to be sure that the cat is OK. Good luck!!

**Randi** · 07-25-2009, 10:13 AM

I'd be very interested in hearing what your vet(s) has to say about this, as I'm planning on having Fister's teeth cleaned soon. He is now 13 years old.

Last time I asked about anesthesia, the assistent said they have three different kinds. I really want Fister to have the best one, and as little as possible.

**katladyd** · 07-25-2009, 11:34 PM

I'm kind of spooked about having dentals done on my boys. I've heard so many scary stories! They are both vetted regularly and have been very healthy. Ming is on amitryptiline for FLUTD, but has been doing well. Mac is getting up there, he will be 11 in February, so I feel I should take him for a Dental exam then. I'm a little worried about this,though.

**carole** · 07-26-2009, 09:34 PM

I was also worried when i took Ash for his dental and Ellie-Mae, even though Ash was 14 and had CRF, he came through it very well,better than Ellie, but then that is another story, it is just the same for humans Anesthetic is a risk for them too, my friend had her kitty of nine years dental done and she reacted to it, and took a long time to come around,however if your cat is elderly or with health issues, they will do blood tests and also use anesthetic that is better for them and hydrate them if necessary, they are very good and take all the precautions necessary, even though i was fearful of the dental procedure too, i am glad i opted to have it done, not having it done can be worse IMO.,with long term health issues arising because of it and not to mention pain for kitty.

**smokey the elder** · 07-27-2009, 08:07 AM

My vet takes a lot of precautions. Pretty much all cats (any age) by default get pre-op blood work; you can opt out if the cat is under 7 and has no known health issues. They also use a heart monitor for all cats over 7, and all diabetic cats. Moby had dental at age 14 and diabetic, and came out fine.