A 14-year-old cat has a painful left facial swelling - rotten teeth
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 09/06/2015

Jun 5, 2015. A 14-year-old cat has a painful swelling below the left eye. One month ago, the first vet refused to anaesthesize the cat despite the owner's informed consent but gave some antibiotics.

Anaesthesia showed the cat had decayed premolars as suspected by the owner. The upper gum near the premolars was swollen. The teeth were extracted and the cat sent home with antibiotics. 

No X-rays or blood were done owing to the need to lower medical costs. It is possible that the gum swelling was a maxillary sinus abscess (malar abscess) or tumour but no further tests were authorised.

The owner's suspicions of rotten teeth were confirmed.