La gingivitis In cats, gingivitis is a common oral disease that primarily affects the gums, teeth, and other parts of the feline's oral cavity. This health problem can significantly impact their quality of life, especially if it is not detected and treated in time. While it is more common in adult cats, any kitty can develop this condition under certain circumstances. In this article, we will explore in depth what gingivitis is, its causes, symptoms, treatment methods, and how to prevent it in the most effective way.
What is feline gingivitis?
La gingivitis It is an inflammation of the gums that is part of periodontal diseases, which also include pathologies such as periodontitis. This inflammation is usually associated with ailments such as dental tartar, poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of bacterial plaque. If left untreated, it can develop into more serious infections such as periodontal disease. chronic gingivostomatitis.
In severe cases, gingivitis can spread, affecting deeper tissues and causing painful ulcers, tooth loss and even systemic infections.
Triggers
There are multiple factors that can cause the gingivitis in cats:
- Accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar.
- Bad oral hygiene.
- Soft diets that do not promote natural tooth cleaning.
- Pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, renal insufficiency o feline immunodeficiency (IVF).
- Viral infections such as calicivirus or feline herpesvirus.
- Presence of foreign bodies in the oral cavity, such as food or grass debris.
Symptoms of gingivitis in cats
recognize the symptom from gingivitis In cats, timely treatment is essential to act quickly and prevent the disease from progressing. The most common signs include:
- Redness and inflammation of the gums.
- Bad breath persistent, known as halitosis.
- Bleeding on the gums, especially when chewing.
- Pain in the mouth, causing rejection of oral manipulation.
- Lack of appetite and weight loss.
- Excessive drooling accompanied by thick saliva, which may sometimes contain blood.
- Difficulty chewing food.
- Changes in behavior, such as lethargy, irritability, or depression.
If your cat has any of these symptoms, it is important to go to the vet immediately to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosing gingivitis in cats
The diagnosis of gingivitis is performed by visual examination of the oral cavity. The veterinarian will look for signs of inflammation, tartar buildup, and receding gums. In advanced cases, it may also be necessary to perform:
- Dental x-rays to assess the extent of damage to underlying tissues.
- Blood and urine tests to rule out systemic diseases.
- Specific tests for viral infections such as FIV or calicivirus.
Treatment of gingivitis in cats
The goal of treatment is to relieve inflammation, control infection, and prevent disease progression. Common methods include:
Medical treatment
- Antibiotics: They are used to combat secondary bacterial infections.
- Anti-inflammatories: They reduce swelling and pain in the gums.
- Professional Dental Care: In severe cases, your veterinarian may perform a dental cleaning under general anesthesia to remove accumulated tartar and plaque.
- Immunosuppressive drugs: In cases of lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis, corticosteroids or cyclosporine may be prescribed.
Home care
In addition to veterinary treatment, it is crucial to maintain a proper oral hygiene. Some recommendations include:
- Use of specific toothbrushes and toothpastes for cats.
- Incorporate mouthwashes designed for pets.
- Provide diets that promote dental hygiene, such as dry foods.
- Offer chew toys and dental rewards.
Preventing gingivitis in cats
The best way to combat the gingivitis is to prevent its appearance. Here are some effective guidelines:
- Regular oral hygiene: Brush your cat's teeth frequently from an early age.
- Balanced diet: Opt for dry foods that help prevent tartar buildup.
- Veterinary controls: Have regular check-ups to detect any dental problems early.
- Vaccination and deworming: Keep your cat's vaccinations up to date, especially against viral diseases such as calicivirus.
La gingivitis It is a health problem that can seriously affect your cat if not treated properly. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and consistent preventative measures, you can ensure a long and healthy life for your feline. Don't forget that oral care is an essential part of your pet's overall health.
Hi Cedric.
In this blog you will find a lot of information about cats. If at any time you have questions, leave your comment and we will help you together.
A greeting.
I have just been told that one of my kittens has gigivitis and that the safest thing is to remove a dental piece, it is only one year old, symptoms as such, only strong smell from the mouth, I am very sorry, I picked it up from the street ... no Would it improve with treatment?
Hi Merce.
I'm very sorry that one of your kittens has gingivitis 🙁. It would be a shame if I lost a tooth so young, so I encourage you to ask for a second veterinary opinion to see what it tells you.
Is that if she only has bad breath, and the cat leads a normal life, perhaps a treatment could be tried. But that can only be told by a professional.
Much encouragement.
My cat got Gingivitis, I thought that her drooling was normal until she got bad breath, and she's thin, and one day she sat down and bled a lot of blood from her little tracer, now she only gets up to eat if she spends it for days done day without doing anything or sleeping weak please help me I suspect that he is getting uterine cancer because he had 2 failures. Since he fell in the stands
Hi Dara.
My advice is that you take her to the vet. I could have cancer, as you say, and the fact that there is bleeding is already very worrying.
Much encouragement.