[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your cat's periodontal disease can become a real danger
![[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your cat's periodontal disease can be dangerous | Bow Wow Place](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0082/7529/6346/files/1_7f785c16-7628-4770-b010-f0e8c7b1cc44_1024x1024.png?v=1721958588)
Top » Column » [Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your cat's periodontal disease can be dangerous
Last time, we explained about periodontal disease in dogs.
Just like with dogs, periodontal disease in cats can be dangerous if left untreated.
This time, we will explain in detail about periodontal disease in cats, explaining the differences between it and doggies.
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food, snacks, and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain your cat's health!
1. About periodontal disease in cats
◆ What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition in which the periodontal tissues that support the teeth (such as the gums and bones) are destroyed or absorbed.
This is different from tooth decay, which is a disease of the tooth itself.
Like dogs, cats have alkaline saliva, which means they are less susceptible to cavities than humans and are primarily affected by periodontal disease.
Many people may think that periodontal disease is something that occurs in older cats, but in fact, it is said that more than 80% of cats over the age of 2 have some form of periodontal disease, so it is important to be careful.
Owners often notice periodontal disease when their pet complains of pain when eating dry food or their gums become red.
The progression of symptoms varies greatly from cat to cat; some cats develop severe periodontal disease at a young age, while others show no periodontal disease at all even at older ages.
Causes and pathology
Periodontal disease-causing bacteria lurking in dental plaque infect the gums and cause inflammation. Symptoms of gingivitis include redness, receding gums, and bleeding gums.
If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation will spread to the surrounding area and the bone supporting the teeth will dissolve. If the bone dissolves, teeth may fall out or a hole may appear between the mouth and nose, causing a runny nose or nosebleeds.
Fractures of the mandible can occur in dogs but are rare in cats.
When bacterial infection or inflammation becomes severe in this way, bacteria and inflammatory substances can enter the bloodstream through weakened capillaries, affecting distant organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver.
In cats, a connection with kidney disease has been suggested. This is why periodontal disease is said to be the root of all diseases.
This is why periodontal disease is said to be the root of all diseases.
Glossitis and stomatitis
If the inflammation spreads beyond gingivitis to the tongue or other mucous membranes, other causes such as cancer, viral or fungal infections must also be considered.
Some infections that can cause stomatitis, such as feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, can be prevented with a vaccine, so it is important to take proper prevention measures.
It may be difficult to observe at home to determine how far the inflammation in your pet's mouth has spread, so if you notice anything unusual in their mouth, please consult your veterinarian!
※Reference column (for pet dogs)
[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your dog's periodontal disease can be dangerous
2. Treatment methods for periodontal disease
◆ Treatment under general anesthesia
Many people have probably had the experience of consulting a veterinarian about periodontal disease and being told that treatment under anesthesia is necessary.
In fact, general anesthesia is required for accurate evaluation and treatment of periodontal disease.
The procedure after anesthesia is administered is as follows:
① Using X-rays, etc., evaluate how severe the periodontal disease is and which teeth need to be extracted.
② Remove tartar and plaque using an ultrasonic scaler. During this process, we thoroughly clean even the periodontal pockets hidden under the gums.
Finally, an abrasive is used to smooth the surface of the teeth.
③ Extract any necessary teeth and suture (if necessary)
It will be.
If your cat's periodontal disease progresses, it may become necessary to remove all of their teeth, so it is important to treat as early as possible.
What is scaling without anesthesia like ?
As explained in the previous section, dental treatment requires various steps.
Doing this without anesthesia and while holding the cat down is difficult and cruel.
I don't think many people would recommend scaling without anesthesia for cats...
Even if visible tartar is removed without anesthesia, periodontal disease will not be cured unless the hidden periodontal pockets are cleaned.
Of course, general anesthesia does have risks, so it's important to choose a veterinary hospital that has a proper system for managing and administering anesthesia!
◆ Animal hospital specializing in dentistry
Recently, there has been an increase in veterinary clinics that specialize in dentistry.
Veterinary clinics that specialize in dental care are equipped with the latest equipment and perform detailed procedures using a microscope, so you can receive more optimal treatment.
If there is a veterinary clinic specializing in dentistry near your home, you may be able to get some detailed advice by consulting them.
※Reference column (for pet dogs)
[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your dog's periodontal disease can be dangerous
3. How to prevent periodontal disease in cats
◆ Dental care
Dental care at home is the only way to prevent periodontal disease, but unlike dogs, it is true that it is difficult to train cats with treats, etc.
Depending on your cat's personality, get them used to having their mouth handled from an early age, if possible, and teach them that brushing their teeth is fun.
When you start practicing, first get your child used to having their face and mouth touched.
Once you get used to it, practice touching the teeth and gums with your fingers, then touching the inside of your mouth with gauze wrapped around your fingers.
Once you get used to this, it's finally time to use a toothbrush.
Gradually practice and work towards your goal of brushing your teeth with a toothbrush.
Once you get used to brushing your teeth, it's best to brush the inside of your teeth as well as the outside.
◆ Toothpaste gum
Toothpaste alone is not enough dental care.
However, it is great for when your child just doesn't like brushing their teeth or as a reward after brushing their teeth!
When giving your pet toothpaste, be careful not to let it swallow it whole.
It is recommended that the owner hold one side of the gum while feeding it to the cat, as this allows the cat to chew the gum properly.
◆ Dental snacks
In addition to dental care and brushing gum, we also recommend supporting your health through daily snacks.
BAUWAW dental care snacks are:
It is additive-free, gluten-free, and low in salt, making it highly recommended for your beloved dog.
To support oral health,
It contains lactic acid bacteria, known for preventing insoluble glucan, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, and mushroom extract.
Summary If you are looking for additive-free cat food, come to Bow Wow Place!
Today we explain in detail about periodontal disease in cats.
There are many parts that overlap with the content for dogs, but it is important to be aware that there are viral infections that are unique to cats.
※Reference column (for pet dogs)
[Veterinarian's explanation] If left untreated, your dog's periodontal disease can be dangerous
Taking cats to the vet can be stressful, so do your best to care for them at home as much as possible to prevent periodontal disease!
At Bow Wow Place, we offer a wide range of safe and secure cat food that is additive-free.
If you are looking for a safe place to dine with your partner, please check out Bow Wow Place.
