? Older cat tooth extraction

My sugar cat, Bailey, is close to 17 and for most of his life had pretty bad teeth. I've noticed today that above his canine teeth is what looks like some selling of his gums. I am quite positive that he has inflammation around his teeth and am debating if it is a good idea to try and have teeth extracted or is it time to say my Good bye :-(

I feel like he is in pain, he eats his food a bit and goes away. I have him on Gabapentin (pain medication) for arthritis and antibiotics for a possible UTI. He is in Stage IV renal failure as well. That said, CRF plus diabetes plus old age... Vet says he is very concerned about putting Bailey under for dental work. I do not want my cat to suffer even if it means I have to let him go... (insert me crying here)

Thanks!

 

I'm sorry... That's a tough situation. I know there are folks on here in a similar one, and I'm sure they can let you know how they are coping with it. The antibiotics may help with any gum infection. Maybe a larger dose of stronger passion killer will help with the pain. Are you giving sub q's for the kidneys?

 

You could look into using a dental specialist instead of your "usual" vet

They have special equipment to monitor during the procedure and usually have a "dedicated anesthesiologist" whose only job is to monitor while the doctor does the work

 

I had the same problem with my previous elderly lady. She was not able to have any anesthesia so I had to treat her gum inflammations with meds etc. Sometimes a tooth will just fall out on its own after a while, which two of hers did. It was difficult to try and make a decision about what to do. She had to eat only pureed canned food that was mixed with a lot of water.

 

That is a tough situation. I'm sorry to hear it. I really like Chris suggestion - because it can resolve the underlying problem.