Cats always give the impression of being extremely clean animals, as they lick their entire body for a long time to maintain hygiene. They do this not so much to remove dirt as to neutralize a specific odor. Since the cat’s tongue is always visible, it is not surprising that with its pathologies, the owner quickly notices signs that something is wrong. In particular, you should be wary if you notice a white tongue on a cat.
Gingivitis in cats
Veterinary practice shows that animals quite often suffer from damage to their gums and teeth. Gingivitis in cats is one of the most common diseases today. Statistics show that cats over 5 years of age are most susceptible to this disease. Gingivitis is extremely rare in young animals.
Inflammation of the gums of any complexity, which has spread to more than one tooth, is classified as gingivitis. The danger of the disease lies in the possibility of infection of the ligaments of bone tissue, and, as a result, their destruction. Untreated gingivitis in a cat in a timely manner will most likely lead to the loss of all the animal’s teeth.
How does this disease manifest itself?
A cat suffering from anemia experiences constant weakness and lethargy. In very severe cases, the animal constantly breathes rapidly, has pale (almost white) gums, does not play, and does not eat well. You may also experience increased heart rate. However, at the initial stage of the disease no special treatment is required. With proper balanced nutrition and care, the animal will quickly recover on its own.
Another symptom that clearly indicates anemia in a cat is pallor of the gums and mucous membrane around the eyes.
A symptom of a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood is also when a cat eats clearly inedible substances: they chew and lick clay and plaster, rummage through garbage, eat litter from trays and even excrement.
Sometimes, when a cat is anemic, the sclera near the eyes and mouth become yellowish, and the animal itself quickly loses weight, the fur does not shine, but looks dull and lumpy.
Since anemia in cats develops against the background of other chronic diseases, such as the kidneys or liver, the symptoms of these diseases will also be detected.
Reasons for appearance
There are many causes of gingivitis in cats. However, the main cause of the lesion is the elementary absence or lack of oral hygiene procedures. Once you have a pet in your home, you need to teach it to brush its teeth. Otherwise, your pet will have problems with gums and teeth. Other causes of the occurrence and development of gingivitis are:
- diseases of the immune system;
- unbalanced diet;
- avitaminosis;
- microdamage on the gums;
- malocclusion;
- diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- damaged tooth enamel.
Actinomycosis
Another infectious disease that, under certain conditions, causes the appearance of red spots on the tongue of felines.
Actinomycosis bacteria are widespread in nature: in grass, hay, soil, and do not cause harm to a healthy body. But if the cat is weakened by other viral or infectious diseases, then these bacteria begin to develop and cause dense tumors with the release of pus when they break through.
The tongue is one of the accessible places for the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria, therefore, if its surface is damaged, the likelihood of infection with actinomycosis increases.
Symptoms of gingivitis in cats
With careful attention to the pet, the owner can detect the disease at an early stage at home. The first symptom of the development of gingivitis in a cat is the presence of an unpleasant odor from the mouth. Animals suffering from this disease may notice increased salivation. Examination of your pet's mouth will reveal the presence of swollen gums and a red edging along the tooth line.
The above symptoms of gingivitis in cats may not be detected in a timely manner if, for example, the owner does not have close contact with his pet. It is still necessary to constantly monitor the behavior of the pet, since cats are often able to endure pain in silence, while the disease will destroy their health. If the cat refuses to eat and drink, and its activity has noticeably decreased, we can talk about the progression of gingivitis and its transition to a serious stage.
Thus, the main symptoms of gingivitis in cats are:
- stale animal breath;
- increased salivation;
- red edging on gums;
- swelling of the gums;
- refusal of food and drink;
- little activity.
general information
Anemia in cats is a fairly common disease, since the lifespan of their red blood cells is relatively short, about 70 days. Therefore, anemia can develop very quickly. Among other things, chronic diseases, frequent childbirth or infections can also affect the balance of hemoglobin in the blood plasma.
It is red blood cells that contain the substance hemoglobin, which contains iron enzymes that can transport and saturate the blood with oxygen. Therefore, a reduced amount of hemoglobin leads to weakness, dizziness, and loss of performance.
There are two types of disease: regenerative and non-regenerative. In the first case, the body itself tries to defeat the disease, trying to establish the missing number of red blood cells to replace the missing ones. In the second case, the bone marrow cannot produce a sufficient number of red blood cells due to some pathology. Anemia in a cat can develop in both types at the same time, which makes treatment very difficult.
Types of gingivitis in cats
There are several types of gingivitis in the cat breed:
- dental gingivitis;
- juvenile gingivitis;
- plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis (autoimmune gingivitis).
Dental gingivitis
Gingivitis can be caused by lack of oral hygiene. In this case, plaque forms on the cat’s teeth, which, in turn, causes inflammation of the gums. This form of gingivitis is called dental gingivitis. This type of disease is the easiest, as it is easier to treat than all other forms. Relapses of the disease practically do not occur after proper treatment.
Juvenile gingivitis
There is a special form of gingivitis that affects young cats during puberty - juvenile gingivitis. The disease occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances, as a result of which the body's internal defenses weaken. This state of affairs provokes the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, which leads to gum inflammation. Juvenile gingivitis can be cured completely if detected early and treated correctly.
Plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis
The most severe form of gingivitis is plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis. In this form of the disease, inflammation affects the entire oral cavity, inflammation is localized on the root of the tongue, cheeks, tongue, larynx and nasopharynx. External manifestations – the pet refuses to eat and drink, due to the fact that plasmacytic gingivitis in cats causes severe pain.
To date, there is no accurate information about the causes of this form of the disease. It is assumed that lymphocytic gingivitis in cats may be caused by deeper health problems - rhinotracheitis, calceviruses, panleukopenia viruses. Due to the etymology of this form of gingivitis in cats, this type of disease is also called autoimmune gingivitis. Autoimmune gingivitis in cats can be cured, but it must be understood that treatment will take a long time and must be started immediately.
Cat dental care
Establishing a good dental care routine for your cat from an early age is vital to their ongoing health and happiness. This will not only prevent your cat from developing diseases like gingivitis, but will also keep her breath fresh.
Why is cat dental care so important?
In the wild, cats usually clean their teeth by chewing bones or grass, but domestic cats often do not have a suitable substitute for this. In addition, animals are not able to communicate verbally to tell us that they are in pain or feel unwell. This makes it especially important to develop preventative rather than reactive health routines when it comes to your pets, especially their oral hygiene.
It's also important to check your cat's teeth and gums regularly to make sure they always look healthy.
Problems with teeth and gums occur in eight out of ten cats over three years of age. This is because cats tend to accumulate bacteria, debris, and plaque from the food they eat on the outside of their teeth (it also matters what cats eat). Over time, this coating of microbes hardens to form tartar, which can irritate the gums and eventually cause gingivitis and even tooth loss. In severe cases, tartar can become so severe that it is irreversible, and cats often need to have their teeth extracted to relieve the pain.
Pain and inflammation in your cat's mouth can make it difficult for her to eat or drink, and bacteria can even enter her bloodstream, damaging her kidneys and other vital organs.
This progressive destruction of the gums, teeth, and structures that hold teeth in place is called periodontitis and is the most common disease in adult cats and dogs. The good news is that periodontal disease is largely preventable. To protect your cat's oral (and general) health, you need to do a few things. These include both regular home and annual veterinary dental care.
How can I check my cat's oral health?
Although your cat may not particularly enjoy the experience, it is important to regularly check your cat's oral health. If your pet is very upset or you find it difficult to safely examine his mouth, you may want to take him to the vet for a check-up.
A healthy cat's teeth should be clean, white and free of chips. Their gums should not have any sores or lesions, and should be pink and healthy without any redness, swelling or bleeding.
You should also check the back of your cat's mouth for sores, swelling, damage, or foreign impacts, as well as the inside of the mouth for foreign objects such as strings. Any abnormal findings should be evaluated as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
Your cat's breath should not have an unpleasant odor. If this is the case, it could be a sign of infection either in the mouth or somewhere else in the body, so you should take them to the vet for a checkup if you notice a change in the smell of their breath over a relatively short period of time. Persistent bad breath may indicate severe periodontal disease that will require treatment.
It's also important to be alert to any other signs that may indicate dental disease, such as drooling, difficulty swallowing, paw scratching at the face, or changes in your cat's eating pattern or weight.
How to Keep Your Cat's Teeth Clean
Daily (or at least twice weekly) dental brushing is key to keeping your cat's teeth and gums healthy. Adult cats can be quite hostile to brushing their teeth, so it's a good idea to get them used to the process and to having your fingers in their mouth while they're still kittens. Use a fingertip (a single "glove finger" that can be used when a full glove is not needed) or a piece of gauze covered with toothpaste made for cats to make the procedure easier for your kitten. Dipping your finger in the tuna can water will also make the experience more enjoyable for them.
To regularly brush your cat's teeth, it is important to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Complete kits for home dental treatments can be purchased at veterinary clinics and pet stores. Cats should never, under any circumstances, brush their teeth with human toothpaste. High levels of fluoride, often found in human toothpaste, can make your cat seriously ill if it ingests the toothpaste. And since you have no way of knowing how much toothpaste they swallow, it's important to avoid it altogether. Fluoride-free toothpaste designed for cats is readily available and is often flavored with beef or chicken.
You can brush your cat's teeth with either sterile gauze strips or a rubber toothbrush or finger brush made specifically for cats. Rub them on the back to make them feel comfortable and supported by you, gently tilt their head back and lift their chin to open their mouth and give you easier access to their teeth. Never use dental floss. It is a common household item that poses a serious risk to cats due to the risk of ingestion and intestinal damage.
How to Keep Your Cat's Mouth Clean
Caring for your cat's teeth is about more than just their teeth. Dental caries usually starts with irritated or inflamed gums, so your gums also need to be looked after. After you've finished brushing your cat's teeth, massage the gums to promote healing and strengthen them. It will also reduce the risk of gum problems later on by stimulating blood flow to the area.
There are a number of products you can purchase to support your cat's overall oral health. Your veterinarian can recommend specially formulated treats for your cat that will help remove plaque, control tartar buildup, and freshen your cat's breath. Many of these will contain ingredients that are excellent and beneficial for your cat's overall health, such as vitamin E, selenium, taurine, and antiseptics that fight bacteria in your cat's mouth.
You can also buy dental sprays at a pet store that are easy to spray into your cat's mouth once a day to control their plaque and tartar levels. Specially designed dental diets for cats, which can be recommended by your veterinarian, also play an important role. Water additives are another option, but the important thing here is to make sure your cat doesn't stop drinking her water because of the unfamiliar taste.
There are some simple ways to keep your cat's entire mouth healthy. However, if your efforts are in vain because your cat is resisting, you can always schedule an annual professional dental cleaning at your veterinarian's office. In fact, because periodontal disease develops slowly below the gum line, even when teeth appear white, it can only be prevented and detected by regular veterinary dental cleanings, which is why they are highly recommended by dentists.
Dental cleanings are performed under general anesthesia, which allows the veterinarian to remove plaque and tartar, polish the teeth, and perform a comprehensive oral examination, including examination under the gums. This also gives your veterinarian the opportunity to clean under the gums to remove bacteria and perform any other procedures, such as x-rays to diagnose dental problems. You should be aware that older cats may need to brush their teeth more often.
Simple Steps to Maintain Your Cat's Oral Health
When it comes to cat dental care, human intervention is definitely required. Luckily, it's easy to take a few simple steps to care for your cat's mouth, as long as you get used to having their teeth brushed early in life. Your veterinarian will also be able to recommend and provide you with a variety of products that will keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape and perform annual professional cleanings to prevent dental disease from occurring.
Treatment
Whatever form of the disease is detected in your pet, treatment for gingivitis in cats must begin immediately. Methods of treating this disease directly depend on the form of the disease. If a pet is diagnosed with gingivitis in the early stages, the owner can get by with home treatment. If the animal has more serious forms of the disease, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.
If a visual examination of the pet's oral cavity shows a small amount of swelling and redness, the owner can take home treatment methods.
These methods include:
- oral hygiene – careful brushing of teeth and rinsing with herbal infusions;
- treatment of inflammation - application of Miramistin spray to the affected areas;
- treatment of gums with dental gels - veterinary gels (Dentavedin) or human gels (Metrogil Denta).
More serious forms of gingivitis require treatment under the full supervision of a veterinarian. Treatment, as a rule, begins with sanitation of the oral cavity, followed by the prescription of therapy, which includes taking medications.
Drug therapy includes:
- painkillers;
- antibiotics;
- dietary ration;
- corticosteroid ointments.
Veterinary practice shows that treatment of advanced forms of gingivitis, such as the lymphocytic-plasmacytic form, includes surgical intervention, since most of the animal’s teeth are already affected and need to be removed.
Often, in the treatment of even advanced forms of gingivitis, human immunostimulating drugs help pets. For example, veterinarians advise owners to give interferon to a cat with gingivitis. Thanks to its immunostimulating properties, interferon helps the cat's body fight the invasion of viruses. In this regard, the drug is often used to treat gingivitis. Positive results from the use of the drug were noted not only by veterinarians, but also by pet owners.
When gum redness is a physiological norm
There is only one exception, when the pet's gums change color and do not require veterinary care, but supervision by both the owner and the veterinarian is required. Redness of the gums, caused by their irritation, can normally only occur in kittens during the period of changing teeth - up to 6 months. However, it is moderate in nature, localized in the area of teeth undergoing physiological replacement, and never completely covers all the arcades - since the timing of the change differs for different teeth.
The swelling is also moderate, and there is no pronounced overhang of the gums. There are no purulent discharges, as well as filmy deposits of fibrin, ulcerative defects on the surface of the mucous membrane. But despite the fact that this process is a physiological norm, experienced breeders pay maximum attention to the kitten during this period of life, since teething is a real test for the pet’s immune system, as well as a crucial period for the formation of correct dentition and bite, which will subsequently ensure effective chewing and the appearance of the pet’s face, characteristic of its breed. The kitten needs to monitor the timing of teething, the absence of conflict between them, monitor the condition of the oral mucosa and carefully clean it.
When changing teeth, the redness of the gums is moderate.
Breeds Predisposed to Gingivitis
There are a number of breeds that are predisposed to developing gingivitis:
- British;
- Persian;
- Burmese;
- Siamese;
- Abyssinian;
- Bengali;
- Maine Coon.
Gingivitis in these breeds occurs due to the breed's structural features of the skull, and therefore the jaws, for example, in brachycephalic cats.
Maine Coons have a hereditary predisposition to gingivitis
Prevention
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of gingivitis in cats only by treating your beloved pet carefully and with care.
Preventive measures include:
- regular oral hygiene – brushing teeth;
- introduction of special foods into the diet that help eliminate plaque;
- purchasing special toys for chewing;
- exclusion from the diet of foods containing small bones.
The lymphocytic-plasmacytic form of gingivitis is an autoimmune disease, and therefore this form of the disease cannot be prevented. To prevent the disease, in this case, all owners are recommended to regularly inspect the animal’s mouth, carry out hygiene procedures and monitor their pet’s nutrition.
At first glance, gum inflammation is a fairly harmless disease in animals that does not threaten their lives. However, gingivitis can take more serious forms and cause the animal not only discomfort, but also severe pain. It is important that the owner treats his pet carefully, because this is the only way to protect him from the disease.
Symptomatic diet and procedures
Changing gum color is always a cause for concern. Even a banal change of teeth in a kitten should not go unnoticed by the breeder.
And pathological conditions require mandatory consultation with a veterinarian; in some cases, a visit to the veterinary clinic can be very urgent.
For the speedy recovery of the animal, it is very important to strictly follow the specialist’s recommendations. Any medications should be administered only in the recommended dosage and not exceed it.
If your cat's gums are red due to oral diseases, then folk remedies can help. It is recommended to irrigate the mouth with decoctions of sage or oak bark after each meal. The procedure is performed using a syringe without a needle. You need to tilt the cat's head down so that it does not swallow the contents of the syringe.
To ensure that oral diseases bother your cat as little as possible, you need to regularly clean the mouth and teeth of plaque and tartar. To do this, use a soft toothbrush.
In case of diseases of the internal organs, it is necessary to normalize the cat’s daily menu, exclude harmful foods from it and supplement the diet with vitamins.
It is necessary to ensure that your cat always has fresh drinking water. The food in the bowl must also be extremely fresh.
If a cat has suffered swelling from an insect bite or a blow, or severe poisoning, then you should carefully monitor the animal’s further behavior. If symptoms of damage to internal organs or the oral cavity appear, you should contact your veterinarian again.
