He seemed lethargic and irritable. The Doctor recalled first meeting Fiddler and his owners a week before the surgery. One look into the cat's mouth revealed abscessed tissue and rotted teeth. It was obvious that Fiddler had not been to a veterinarian in some time and had never been provided with appropriate oral health care. Today, nearly all of Fiddler's teeth will be removed.
Domestic cats can live a full life without teeth.
But oral disease caused by poor dental care is the leading cause of premature death in cats, and in dogs as well. Fiddler is brought to the treatment room. Within a few minutes he is resting comfortably as the anesthesia takes effect. The Doctor begins her work. One by one the teeth are extracted.