Should my FIV+ senior cat with health issues get teeth removed?

Question

8 weeks ago I adopted a 12 yr old cat from a shelter who had recent dental surgery and was severely underweight. Once I got him home I took him for a complete exam. During the exam we found a mouth infection, ear infection, elevated liver levels, swollen lymph nodes in his stomach and that he is FIV positive. In the past 8 weeks he has had 3 ear infections, 2 mouth infections, an abdominal infection and gardia. My vet wants to do surgery to remove his 5 remaining teeth. Is this a good choice? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 years and 7 months old | 9 lbs

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

Removing the teeth is often indicated in severe cases of stomatitis. It may help with the infections. However you must consider that an FIV positive cat has a compromised immune system and it sounds like this kitty is quite badly effected. I would certainly consider his health as a whole before doing significant procedures.

Should my FIV+ senior cat with health issues get teeth removed?

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