Case Notes: The Cat Who Refused to Open Her Mouth
Presenting situation
Duchess, a white Persian of great age and greater self belief, arrived for a routine check up. She sat in the chair, looked directly at Dr Calloway, and refused to open her mouth. This was, by all accounts, a standoff.
Attempt one: encouragement
Dr Calloway attempted to coax Duchess into opening by making soft encouraging sounds. Duchess observed this with the expression of a monarch watching a minor official. Her mouth remained shut.
Attempt two: distraction
Nibbles Fenwick waved a feather on a stick. Duchess followed it with her eyes, but not with her jaw. Nibbles then produced a small cardboard tube. Duchess regarded it as a joke.
Attempt three: the window
At this stage Dr Calloway turned to the window and began to describe a pigeon. She said very little, and she did not look at the patient. In the words of the clinical notes: “The pigeon was pecking. Duchess listened. A single eyebrow was raised.”
The breakthrough
After approximately forty minutes, the pigeon flew away, and Duchess let out a sigh. Her jaw dropped, as though from the weight of the day. Dr Calloway, still facing the window, said “Oh, hello” and glanced briefly into the open mouth. She saw teeth. They looked fine, in the way that teeth do.
Findings
- Teeth: present
- Gums: pink and mildly offended
- Breath: faint, noble tuna
- Attitude: significant
Outcome
The patient was discharged with a sticker and a recommendation to brush when possible. She accepted both with a nod. On leaving, she stopped at the door, turned, and stared at the dentist for a long time. Dr Calloway felt, for the first time in years, that she was being looked at, and has asked that this never happen again.
Reflection
The case taught us that a patient will open up if one waits long enough and discusses a bird. Our policy of looking elsewhere is now supported by a case history, however informal.
This case is fictional. Please consult a real vet about your real cat.
