The veterinary team will need to reassure the client and discuss dental disease, and the reasons for and details of the recommended procedures. (See Resources.) Use the following responses to address her concerns.
Discussion: Dental health and its importance to overall health
Client's concern: The cat’s teeth must not bother him because he is still eating.
Veterinary team: Explain that is common for pets to continue eating, despite oral pain; that dental disease progresses slowly; and how animals will compensate for their discomfort by eating less dry food or by trying to shift the food in their mouth, indicated by food being dropped.
Discussion: The entire procedure in detail, including risks and precautions
Client’s concern: Her neighbor’s cat died under anesthesia
Veterinary team: Advise the client that such complications are rare and emphasize again the care her cat will receive.
Discussion: The suspected dental pathology, the pain associated with tooth resorption, and how extraction will alleviate the pain and the potential for a tooth root abscess
Client’s concern: Her cat needs those teeth
Veterinary team: Explain the differences between humans and animals and how they use their teeth. Also, explain that humans and domesticated animals chew differently; animals will chew more deliberately and slowly without painful or diseased teeth. Assure the client that the goal is to leave her cat with only healthy, comfortable, and functional teeth. Show her images of tooth resorption grossly and on dental radiographs so she can see that her cat’s teeth are not normal, which will help her accept the team’s recommendations. (See Figures 2 and 3.)