Diseases of the cat's oral cavity include gingivitis and gingivitis-stomatitis complex. These are infections that often become chronic and difficult to manage. Gingivostomatitis, in particular, is an inflammation of the oral cavity: gums, palatoglossal arches, pharynx, which can be so serious as to prevent the cat from eating. Canisfelis, a veterinary practice in Ganshoren and Brussels, talks about it.
Causes and symptoms
Before tartar appears on the teeth, dental plaque forms. It is bacteria that transform plaque into tartar. Although invisible, it can be responsible for an immune reaction leading to gingivitis. Other causes of gingivitis in cats include bacteria, fungi, metabolic problems such as kidney failure, and allergies. The symptoms of gingivo-stomatitis are inflammation, which means redness associated with pain, sometimes with bleeding, a lack of appetite and even a complete cessation of food intake. Ulcers may appear, especially on the tongue, and teeth may become loose.
Treatment
You need to make sure your cat has good oral hygiene to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar (special toothpaste for cats, powder to put on food, etc.). Then, given that the primary cause of oral inflammation is a reaction to dental plaque, scaling and polishing the teeth at the vet's to remove plaque and tartar is one solution. But it's not always easy to do! Prevention is the best way to avoid your pet suffering from gingivitis or gingivostomatitis and having to take antibiotics, sometimes combined with a simple anti-inflammatory treatment (NSAID). If the inflammation does not subside, corticosteroids may be considered.
Contact our team in Ganshoren and Brussels for advice or further information.