Simon the cat needs braces
Donation protected
This is Simon. He was born in May 2015 and adopted from the Farmers Branch Animal Shelter on August 16th, as a birthday present for my son. He’s very affectionate and playful, and is very well loved.
A couple of weeks ago (early October), I noticed one of his bottom canine teeth was sticking up out of his mouth. At first it was cute, but then I saw it poking hard into his upper lip. I thought, “That’s probably not good,” and Simon went to the vet last week to have it checked out.
Simon has an anatomical malocclusion – his upper canine teeth are pointing in and his bottom ones are pointing out. This is rather uncommon – our vet, Dr. Landers, has only seen one other case, and that was a dog eight years ago. We’ve been referred to a veterinary dentist for a consultation. Dr. Landers told me we’re probably going to be given three options:
Pull the bottom canines – this is not ideal, because it can affect the stability of the lower jaw (most of a cat’s tooth is below the gum, the opposite of humans). Dr. Landers can do this in his office (no dentist required), and if we go this route will only pull the tooth currently causing problems. This will be the cheapest option.
Do a crown reduction (exactly what it sounds like – a reduction of the amount of tooth sticking up).
Braces, to realign the teeth. Yes, braces on a cat. Dr. Landers believes this is going to be the best option for Simon. It will also cost between $2000 and $2200.
Of course, we are waiting to consult with the veterinary dentist in a couple of weeks before making any kind of decision. But I like to plan ahead, so I’m starting this fundraising campaign now. I’m a single parent, and a $2k procedure is way beyond my means (I have good dental coverage, but BCBS doesn’t consider pets to be family members).
If you want to see a feline wearing braces, help a kitten out. Every penny will go directly to Simon’s care – I will post the dentist’s paperwork and invoices in future updates for all to see. And if you donate $25 or more, you will receive a personalized pawprinted picture of Simon with his braces.
A couple of weeks ago (early October), I noticed one of his bottom canine teeth was sticking up out of his mouth. At first it was cute, but then I saw it poking hard into his upper lip. I thought, “That’s probably not good,” and Simon went to the vet last week to have it checked out.
Simon has an anatomical malocclusion – his upper canine teeth are pointing in and his bottom ones are pointing out. This is rather uncommon – our vet, Dr. Landers, has only seen one other case, and that was a dog eight years ago. We’ve been referred to a veterinary dentist for a consultation. Dr. Landers told me we’re probably going to be given three options:
Pull the bottom canines – this is not ideal, because it can affect the stability of the lower jaw (most of a cat’s tooth is below the gum, the opposite of humans). Dr. Landers can do this in his office (no dentist required), and if we go this route will only pull the tooth currently causing problems. This will be the cheapest option.
Do a crown reduction (exactly what it sounds like – a reduction of the amount of tooth sticking up).
Braces, to realign the teeth. Yes, braces on a cat. Dr. Landers believes this is going to be the best option for Simon. It will also cost between $2000 and $2200.
Of course, we are waiting to consult with the veterinary dentist in a couple of weeks before making any kind of decision. But I like to plan ahead, so I’m starting this fundraising campaign now. I’m a single parent, and a $2k procedure is way beyond my means (I have good dental coverage, but BCBS doesn’t consider pets to be family members).
If you want to see a feline wearing braces, help a kitten out. Every penny will go directly to Simon’s care – I will post the dentist’s paperwork and invoices in future updates for all to see. And if you donate $25 or more, you will receive a personalized pawprinted picture of Simon with his braces.
Organizer
Rachelle Hale
Organizer
Dallas, TX