Feline Gum Disease Custom Search Feline gum disease is among the many cat dental problems your favorite feline may face in his or her lifetime. Why? Well, considering that cats have teeth, just as we do, but don't brush those teeth and do not usually have regular cleanings at the veterinarian, feline gingivitis can become a big problem for many cats. The following question and my answer to the reader helps explain and illustrate the importance of having a regular cat teeth cleaning for your feline's dental health and overall well-being, and the links at the bottom of this page include more information about cat dental problems and dental care. QUESTION: My Persian can was seen by a vet. He said my cat has feline gum disease and possible cavities. He wants to remove some of his teeth. My cat seems ok. He is eating and pooping just fine. Whathappens if I do nothing with his teeth? Joyce Dental care is as important for cats as it is for people. It is well-known now that bacteria from the mouth travels through the bloodstream and can infect and cause serious disease in many organs in the body including the kidneys, liver and heart. Cats with teeth problems will often appear to be eating well and to have no problems with pain or discomfort. It seems that cats are just more stoic than we are. They absolutely have pain from cavities and feline gum disease. If nothing is done when a cat has gum disease and possible cavities, the condition will just worsen. The gingivitis will become more severe, the cavities will deepen, the risk of infection spreading throughout the body becomes greater, teeth will become loose, pain will increase, absesses may develop requiring emergency care, teeth may fall out eventually and somewhere amidst all that your cat may stop eating and become very ill. Heart disease and kidney disease may be the result also. The only thing I question is that you said your vet said there are "possible" cavities, and yet you said he/she wants to pull teeth. The decision to pull one or more teeth is a decision that is best made under sedation during the process of examining and cleaning the teeth. Unless, of course, under regular exam, loose teeth with severe gingival recession that are quite obviously in need of removal are seen. If you trust your vet, have been seeing him/her for some time, know others who have had good experiences there, etc. then you should follow the vet's advice. Otherwise, get a second opinion. However, doing nothing is absolutely not the thing to do. Thank you for writing. You have brought up a very important topic. Best,Dr. Neely What Other Cat Lovers Have Said About Cat Dental ProblemsClick below to see questions or stories about feline gum disease and dental problems from other cat lovers... Bengal cat drooling all of a sudden I have a 4 year old Bengal cat. He is about 16 pounds and has a great personality. Last night while sitting in my chair (usually waits for me to get up ...
Bad Breath in Cats
Senior cat with normal tests still has strange cat behavior/symptoms
Dear Dr. Neely, Cat tongue and drooling after boarding We dropped off our 6 year old cat at the groomer to be boarded for two nights. She came back with a broken collar (the break away kind) and she is drooling ...
My Cat's Tongue is Attached To the Bottom of its Mouth
Excessive Salivation In A Cat
Cats and Their Tongues
To Leave Feline Gum Disease
Custom Search New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Share your comment in the box below.Read Dr. Neely's Profile on Google+
Copyright 2007-2012 AskTheCatDoctor.com  This site is for your information only. For medical advice about your personal pet, please see your veterinarian. |
