Infection and dental work

[PamR]

@Dr. Jeff
@Dr. Jean Hofve
@Dr. Christina

This is for 14 yr old cat Morticia, spayed shorthair, 6 pounds, eats raw, no new vacs since adoption.
Has chronic teeth problems. Tartar, decay, missing several.
Her teeth are smelly and she sometimes shakes her head after eating as if food is stuck in her mouth or she's having some pain.
Beam is slightly low and I can tell she's not feeling well.
Her appetite is good -- she eats all her food, and drinks a good amount of water -- but retreats to her bed afterward.

Went to local vet. He recommends teeth cleaning and removal of a loose tooth that bleeds when pressed.
Blood work revealed all okay EXCEPT for 27.1 white blood cell count.
He wants to put her on antibiotics immed, then do the dental work. He offered a shot that lasts 10 days or oral mediation for a few days.
He already gave her one dose of buphrenorphine before sending her home. And gave me the med to continue, but I haven't.

Thoughts, recommendations?
On top of all this, she has been having trouble eliminating. The vet expressed one clogged duct and recommended psillium. I'm giving her a pinch of fiber powder and some pumpkin to see if it helps.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Pam!

I'm sorry to hear about Morticia's mouth issues. Please remind me, is she on methimazole for hyperthyroidism? It's been awhile since we spoke and I have a vague recollection about discussing her thyroid.

Blood work revealed all okay EXCEPT for 27.1 white blood cell count.

It looks like most of her high WBC count is from neutrophils. Probably in response to dental infection.

Her rise in SDMA and cr may also be related. If the vet is comfortable doing her dental (ideally with IV fluids before, during and after) then I'd follow his recommendations.

Then recheck her bloodwork in 3 weeks and use probiotics before, during and after the dental (and drugs).

 

[PamR]

Hey Pam!

I'm sorry to hear about Morticia's mouth issues. Please remind me, is she on methimazole for hyperthyroidism? It's been awhile since we spoke and I have a vague recollection about discussing her thyroid.

It looks like most of her high WBC count is from neutrophils. Probably in response to dental infection.

Her rise in SDMA and cr may also be related. If the vet is comfortable doing her dental (ideally with IV fluids before, during and after) then I'd follow his recommendations.

Then recheck her bloodwork in 3 weeks and use probiotics before, during and after the dental (and drugs).

Thank you so much for your response, Dr. Jeff.
Morticia is not on any medications. Her remedy of choice has been arsenicum album.

So you think the antibiotic (amoxi drop) before the dental work is ok? Or is it necessary? Vet wanted her to take it before the procedure.
And I get your recommended fluids before, during and after.
I have Adored Beast feline flora and Feline Gut Soothe. Use both?

 

[Dr. Christina]

Pam, it sounds like you were working with Dr. Jeff (arsenicum album mentioned). the trouble eliminating, the lower energy, mouth issues can all be helped with one remedy, or a series of carefully selected ones. With cats having chronic issues, I do recommend very regular follow-up homeopathy appointments, even if a brief one to say all is well.

Like one the carousels in a playground, it takes a big push to get it started, then just tiny pushes to keep it going. If some of the kids are dragging their feet on the ground, it may slow down until that is corrected. This is how homeopathy works the best - avoid obstacles to health and keep nudging the vital force early rather than waiting till worse.

Dr. christina

 

[PamR]

Pam, it sounds like you were working with Dr. Jeff (arsenicum album mentioned). the trouble eliminating, the lower energy, mouth issues can all be helped with one remedy, or a series of carefully selected ones. With cats having chronic issues, I do recommend very regular follow-up homeopathy appointments, even if a brief one to say all is well.

Like one the carousels in a playground, it takes a big push to get it started, then just tiny pushes to keep it going. If some of the kids are dragging their feet on the ground, it may slow down until that is corrected. This is how homeopathy works the best - avoid obstacles to health and keep nudging the vital force early rather than waiting till worse.

Dr. christina

Thank you, Dr. Christina. I love the carousel analogy. Makes a lot of sense.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

So you think the antibiotic (amoxi drop) before the dental work is ok? Or is it necessary? Vet wanted her to take it before the procedure.

I generally advise doing whatever you and your vet are comfortable with. Lots of reasons pro and con re-anti-biotics in the face of dental dis-ease.

If you'd rather avoid the negative effect on her microbiome then perhaps discuss this with the vet nurse or vet.

I have Adored Beast feline flora and Feline Gut Soothe. Use both?

Sure, if that's what you feel is best. There is some overlap of probiotic species, but that's OK.

 

[PamR]

I generally advise doing whatever you and your vet are comfortable with. Lots of reasons pro and con re-anti-biotics in the face of dental dis-ease.

If you'd rather avoid the negative effect on her microbiome then perhaps discuss this with the vet nurse or vet.


Sure, if that's what you feel is best. There is some overlap of probiotic species, but that's OK.

Thank you!