I’m feeling really worried and could use some advice. My cat, Whiskers, had dental surgery a few weeks ago to remove some bad teeth, and while she seemed to recover well initially, I've noticed her breath smells pretty awful. I’m talking so bad that I can smell it just sitting next to her on the couch! I expected some odor after the surgery, but this seems beyond normal, and I'm starting to worry that it could be an infection or something. She's eating and drinking okay, but I'm hyper-aware of every little change right now. I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. Has anyone else experienced something like this with their fur baby? Should I take her back to the vet, or is this just part of the healing process? Any insights would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks for reaching out with your concern about your cat's breath. After dental surgery, it's not uncommon for cats to have some noticeable bad breath while they are healing, but it's important to distinguish between what is normal and what might be a sign of an issue.
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by several factors post-surgery. It may be due to remaining food particles, natural healing, or even the medication given during or after the procedure. However, if you notice an extremely foul odor, it could signify an infection or other complications, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, or difficulty eating.
At home, ensure your cat is eating a soft diet as recommended by your vet and keep any follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery. A clean, quiet space will aid their healing process. Avoid brushing your cat's teeth until your vet gives the go-ahead to prevent discomfort or injury.
Watch for signs of infection like excessive drooling, persistent bleeding, or refusal to eat, as these could indicate a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
I recommend booking a video consult with us at Dial A Vet to discuss your cat’s symptoms in more detail and ensure everything is progressing well with their recovery.
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