Mary Allen
Gingivitis in cats is a relatively common condition that can be difficult to treat. We have compiled the most important information for you in this article.
Gum disease in cats: what is it exactly?
Gingivitis in cats is a painful inflammation of the gums. The gums lie against the teeth in the area of the tooth necks and the jawbone. If the rest of the mucous membrane in the mouth in the area of the cheeks and/or the palate is also affected, this is referred to as gingivostomatitis.
The gums are part of the so-called periodontium, periodontium. This also includes the jawbone, the roots of the teeth, and the fibers that connect the two together. If it is not treated, the cat’s gum inflammation can develop into an inflammation of the periodontium, periodontitis.
Gingivitis in your cat: causes
There are several causes of gingivitis in cats. These include infections with various viruses (e.g. herpes, caliciviruses, FeLV, FIV) and dental diseases.
Special mention should be made of FORL (feline odontoclastic-resorptive lesion): This very painful disease causes the roots of the teeth and the fibers that hold them to dissolve. Remnants of tooth roots are left behind and cause inflammation of the gums. You can find out more about FORL in cats here.
Bacterial deposits (plaque) and tartar cause inflammation of the gums and the rest of the mucous membrane in the mouth, also change the oral flora (the composition of the bacteria in the mouth), and damage the suspension system of the teeth through enzymes and metabolic toxins. Bacteria can penetrate the resulting gaps, causing inflammation of the gums.
Broken teeth also lead to gingivitis.
An autoimmune disease, the eosinophilic granuloma complex, causes changes in the mucous membrane of the mouth that, at first glance, can appear similar to gingivitis. However, there are ulcers on the lips or z. B. the tongue. It is not yet understood where this disease comes from and what mechanisms are behind it. What is clear, however, is that it has a large genetic component, i.e. it is strongly inherited.
During the change of teeth, however, red, irritated gums are not a problem, and there is also an odor from the mouth. Both should go away on their own after the change of teeth, otherwise please have them checked!
Gingivitis cat: symptoms
If the cat has inflammation of the gums, it usually shows discomfort, is calmer and withdrawn, and may not want to be touched. Such animals sometimes salivate, groom themselves less and eat badly, and lose weight. The picture emerges of a chronically ill cat with a shaggy coat that suffers quietly.
If you look into the mouth, you will see red, swollen, and sometimes bloody gums.
Feline gingivitis is not a problem for old cats but can occur in young animals. Sometimes, however, you don’t notice anything for a very long time because the cats hide their suffering.
Gingivitis in cats: diagnosis
The vet will take a close look at the mouth. The further detailed examination usually only works under anesthesia: With a dental instrument, a probe, the veterinarian checks whether pockets have already formed in the gums of the teeth, in which the bacteria can nest particularly well and whether the touch of the gums bleeds. If this is not the case, the gingivitis is less pronounced, if it bleeds on its own, a high-grade inflammation can be assumed.
An X-ray of the teeth and jawbones is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Some veterinarians have a special dental X-ray machine. For this purpose, the cat is put under a brief anesthetic, otherwise, the quality of the recordings would not be sufficient.
The X-ray image then shows which lower-lying parts of the teeth are already damaged and the cause is often found, for example in the form of residual roots.
Gingivitis in your cat: therapy
The basis of the therapy is to find and eliminate all causative and accompanying factors of the inflammation. After the detailed diagnosis (only possible under anesthesia), this usually means extensive tooth rehabilitation. This is also performed under anesthesia. All diseased teeth are extracted – in cats it is unfortunately quite possible that only a few teeth or none remain because they are already damaged in their roots or at the tooth neck. All plaque and tartar are thoroughly removed from the remaining teeth and the surface of the teeth is finally polished – this way it offers less surface for new germs to attack.
After the treatment, another X-ray check is necessary to ensure that e.g. B. all root residues have been removed.
Drug treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs, immunomodulators (means that support the immune system) and, if necessary, antibiotics are only carried out after the procedure, if they are still necessary. It is not uncommon for the removal of the teeth to ensure rapid recovery. Treating a cat’s gingivitis with medication alone usually does not lead to a cure!
If the possible surgery date is still a few days away, painkillers can be started immediately to make things a little more comfortable for the cat.
Gingivitis cat: home remedies
Since the cat’s gingivitis usually has tangible causes that need to be eliminated, we cannot recommend the use of home remedies.
Gingivitis in cats: prognosis
For the treatment of severe and/or long-lasting gingivitis in cats, a canine and feline dentist or a veterinarian who has a lot of experience should be consulted. If the rehabilitation is carried out professionally, there is a good chance of recovery.
However: Please bring some patience with you! Feline gingivitis can be a frustrating condition that takes a long time to heal (it can be as long as half a year). This is especially the case if it has existed for a long time. There is also a small percentage of cats whose gingivitis never fully heals. We will try to create as good a condition as possible.
Gingivitis in my cat: A cat without teeth?
For many pet owners, the idea that their beloved furry friend could no longer have any teeth is very uncomfortable. The fact is those cat teeth are primarily used for coarsely crushing food, not so much for chewing. After pulling out several teeth, the cat is initially only allowed to eat wet food. But once all the wounds have healed, dry food is usually not a problem either. The cats usually get along very well and are often much more active than before the procedure very quickly because the massive pain is no longer there.
Gingivitis in cats: prevention
You can prevent your house tiger from inflaming the gums: Brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Brushes and toothpaste for cats are obtained e.g. B. at the vet. If you practice it regularly, the animals will get used to it.
You should also have your cat’s teeth checked regularly by a veterinarian – just as you yourself regularly go to the dentist for prophylaxis. In this way, diseases can be detected early. The vet will also remove the tartar, which reduces the risk of gingivitis.
Gingivitis cat: conclusion
Gingivitis in cats is a highly painful disease that causes great suffering to the animals. Their treatment sometimes requires a little patience and teeth often have to be extracted. However, the animals usually get along very well with it and are very happy when the pain is finally gone.