When a shy but affectionate 5 year old tortoise shell by the name of Florence was surrendered to Ten Lives late last year, it was clear from her initial vet examination that she had some issues due to stage 2-3 dental disease.
On a follow up examination, the Vet Team were able to take a closer look in the mouth. Stage 2-3 dental disease will generally require several extractions, though another issue was discovered. Florence had severe stomatitis – inflammation of the general mouth structure. Some of the teeth had already fallen out.
Stomatitis is a distressing condition for any cat to endure and it was apparent that Florence was in a lot of pain. The condition is common in FIV+ cats, though Florence tested negative. The exact cause in this case is unknown but is likely to be immune related. All her teeth would have to be extracted to resolve the dental disease and alleviate the stomatitis.
Florence was booked in for surgery.
Our vet for the day was Evelyn, with Volunteer Vet Nurse Elise.
Florence was anesthetised and intubated. As a full extraction is a significant undertaking, the procedure is performed over two sessions with a week in between.
Focusing on the right side, Evelyn got to work using an elevator to work around the tooth. The filaments between the tooth and the alveolus are broken away until it’s able to be gently pulled out.
The single rooted teeth are removed without difficulty. The molars which can have up to three roots require extra treatment.
A dental drill is used to split multi-rooted teeth into parts. Now each part can be lifted from the socket.
The process is meticulous and time consuming, but one by one, the teeth come out.
With all the teeth on the right side now removed, except for the canine, Evelyn sutures up the sockets. As the tissue is inflamed this is no easy task and takes a few attempts work with the tissue to achieve closure.
Over 2.5 hours passed since the surgery began. This is about the maximum time we can have an animal under to reduce complications with the anaesthetic.
Florence is awoken and placed in a recovery kennel under a warm blanket. She will be picked up by her foster carer who will take her home and care for her until she is ready for the second half of the extraction in a week.
She will adapt to her new mouth. The stomatitis will resolve and the inflammation will subside. The gum pads will become firm allowing her to chew.
But most of all, once she heals she will be without pain.
As a V.E.T.S. Club member it is your subscription that allows the Ten Lives vet team to provide the much needed care that Florence received – and for cats just like her. So, thank you.
Words and images by: Rich East, Ten Lives Creative Team
