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My cat has a painful tooth, but my vet won't remove it. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 years old | 12 lbs

Bad tooth vet will not remove. Gave biotics cause constipation led to 2 enema's would not eat in vet care gave stimulant caused tremors gave depressant could not explain symptoms did ultra said must have IBD. Still has bad tooth and they fight me on taking it out. I say solve for the known first and stop over-analyzing. If tooth removal does not solve then dig deeper. Blood work fine. Everything fine just eats sideways and after too painful gives up. Would type entire story limited chars.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2018

So sorry that your cat is having this problem. You could take him to a veterinary dental specialist and see if the specialist will remove his tooth. Or find another vet in your area and take him for a second opinion. If his blood work is normal and he is in otherwise good health, then the risk of extracting a bad tooth is low.

Here is a link to search for a dental specialist in your area.

https://www.avdc-dms.org/dms/list/diplomates-map.cfm

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 7th, 2018
It sounds as though your cat had a tooth root abscess. The best treatment for this is to remove the affected tooth which is what it sounds like your veterinarian did.

Often times these cats also need an antibiotic to help clear up any residual infection. Many times the incision from the extraction is left open to heal on its own because suturing them closed can cause the site to not be able to drain and the infection can persist. This is a fairly routine procedure.

As long is your cat is eating and drinking and seems comfortable it should be fine. If you notice your cat not wanting to eat or a foul odor coming from the mouth then you may want to take her in to be rechecked. It sounds like at this time you are doing everything right.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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