Thursday, November 15, 2018

All and Nothing



Tucker had his dental surgery today. It will be his last. All of his remaining teeth were removed, leaving none.

When I was told of the results, I was surprised that so many had been taken out. But I had instructed the doctors to remove any teeth that looked bad, or threatened to become so in the future. While Tucker can live and thrive without teeth, operations that require anaesthetic become increasingly dangerous as a cat grows older. Even at thirteen years, the roly poly one is no longer at the optimum age for such a procedure. So, like cutting back brush and under-growth in a wood to prevent the possibility of future fires, I wanted any potential dental problems solved while the circumstances allowed.

My boy is back home. He was very hungry, of course, and, since it had already been five hours since he had come out of the surgical theatre, it was safe to give him small portions of food. He has eaten what I consider a satisfactory amount for the time being. Indeed, he seems finished with eating for the evening, though I will offer more later. I think the pain-killers he had been given at the hospital are wearing off. He will receive more tomorrow morning, and, though I will feed him then, I will be back at lunch-time to offer more food; he will by then again be feeling the effects of anaesthetic.


Tucker is trying to figure out what to do with his tongue. It is no longer restrained by his teeth and keeps coming out. He will grow accustomed to the new situation, and come to an agreement with his tongue, but in the meantime, he must be wondering where his teeth went, and why.

I feel bad for him. His white paws are pink, stained with diluted blood. He is in pain and will suffer discomfort for some time. I know it is for the best, in the long run, though the realisation does not make his confusion easier to watch. But the healing has already started, and will soon be complete. Battered and bruised, Tucker has given all and been left with nothing. But sometimes, that’s a good thing.

18 comments:

  1. Poor Tucker. That must have been quite a shock for him to wake up to no teeth and a wayward tongue. Once his gums have healed he will feel so much better and soon get used to using his gums to eat. I am sending him love and best wishes for his recovery.

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  2. Surgery on humans is hard but so much worse for our pets who don't understand what happened. Tucker is lucky that he has such a loving and sympathetic nurse. Hope you soon feel well dear Tucker.

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  3. Aww please give Tucker a pat for us and whisper in his ear that we hope he feels better soon.

    Julie and Poppy Q

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  4. Poor Tuck. It's been a rough period for your crew, but I hope all of them will be feeling 100% very soon.

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  5. Tucker...sending you so much warm hugs and loves.

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  6. It's great to hear Tucker came through his surgery with flying colors. He is eating, and that's a good thing. I think you'll find that each day he will get better and better. Meanwhile we'll keep fingers and paws crossed that he'll have a speedy recovery. Thank you for keeping us posted.

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  7. Poor love, I feel so badly for him, but yes, it's far better to have all his teeth taken now. He will heal and adjust, as you've written, and this will be his new normal. Give him a scritch from me, and know I'm "burning" my (LED) candle at work for him today, for speedy healing. Purrs from Nicki and Derry.

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  8. Tucker will feel so much better once the healing is done and we're glad all went well.

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  9. Poor Tucker, but we cats are tough. I get it about the tongue, tho. Mine starts hanging out uncontrollably sometimes cuz I had my teefers pulled and I look totally stupid. Speedy healing purrs for Tucker! - Tom x

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  10. purrs to Tucker. we know he won't be feeling good in the short term, but better to be done with it all and not have to deal with this again.

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  11. Poor Tucker. I hope they sent him home with something for pain. If you email me your address at pilch92@aol.com I can send him some toys from the "Tooth Fairy".

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  12. Poor Parker. I feel so bad for him. But it is for the best and he will enjoy better health once the pain and discomfort subside. Please let Parker know we are thinking of him.
    We spent last night at the vet and today Holly has a bit of discomfort too.

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    1. I'm afraid it's Tucker this time. But I get the names mixed up all teh time. I hope Holly is all right, despite her discomfort. What happened?

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  13. Oh no - I meant Tucker. I hope he is not too offended. Holly had a very swollen eye which may be the result of allergies. She is busy licking her collar cone.
    We hope poor Tucker is feeling better soon.

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  14. Oh no - I meant Tucker. I hope he is not too offended. Holly had a very swollen eye which may be the result of allergies. She is busy licking her collar cone.
    We hope poor Tucker is feeling better soon.

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  15. Oh Tucker! After the healing, he'll be happy those nasty teeth are gone. John, we certainly suffer with our babies, so as much snuggling as he'll allow is a must!

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  16. Oh Tucker I imagine you feel like you got the raw end of a the deal, but like your human says in the long run this was the best solution for you and once you adjust to the new feelings in your mouth being without teeth will not bother you one bit. Hoping this weekend finds you feeling oh so much better.

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