Question:
We recently adopted Jeeves, a 3 year old male DLH from a local shelter. He
was a "Not Wanted" so his age is probably right.
The shelter vet determined that he was basically a healthy cat although he
did have gingivitis. I volunteer at this shelter and know that they
generally euthanize animals with severe dental problems, so I was not too
concerned.
The cats came down with giardia shortly after Jeeves' arrival and when
pilling Jeeves, I noticed that his gums sometimes bleed and that he was
missing a tooth on the bottom jaw. This did concern me and he is scheduled
for a teeth cleaning next week.
Is there any treatment beyond teeth cleaning for gingivitis?
Should we be brushing the cats' teeth?
Answer:
It sounds as if Jeeves might have the same dental problem that one of my cats
has: feline stomatitis.
The quick definition of feline stomatitis is this (paraphrased from _Cat
Fancy's_ article on feline dental care, Aug 1998, pp. 28-29): Feline
stomatitis is a rare but serious dental problem that, in essence, means that
a cat has a hypersensitivity to plaque, causing the cat's own immune system
to attack its gums.
In my own cat's case, her name is Clarion (an Ocicat/DLH mix...long story
there). She was diagnosed with feline stomatitis a little over a year ago.
There is no cure for feline stomatitis, but there is treatment available: For
Clarion, I give her 5mg of Prednisone every other day, and Clavamox liquid
twice each day. (Only your vet can determine such a diagnosis, of course.)
Clarion's on my lap right now, and she's doing fine. :)
As for brushing your cats' teeth; yes, by all means this is a very important
part of cat care. I hope you'll be able to do so for Jeeves; unfortunately,
Clarion's gums are too sensitive for me to brush hers. I have six other cats,
though, and I brush their teeth daily.
Finally, if Jeeves is diagnosed with feline stomatitis, I'm sure your vet
will have specific recommendations for his care, based on the severity of his
case (the condition variies from one cat to the next). However, I can
definitely offer this piece of advice concerning food: You should avoid
semi-moist varieties, such as Tender Vittles, Pounce moist treats, etc. For
whatever reason, ANY semi-moist foods (including high quality prescription
foods, such as Purina EN-Formula) cause Clarion to have a terrible flare-up
of swollen gums. Yet neither dry food, nor moist (canned) food causes this.
The cleaning will definitely help. Some form of
antibiotic treatment may also be of benefit.
Absolutely, if you are able to. Ask your vet to show you how
to use either a kitty toothbrush, fingerbrush, or gauze square. Also,
use a kitty designed toothpaste (not human). Of course, this will
only be of benefit if done *after* the initial cleaning, as all the
brushing in the world won't remove tartar, only plaque.
Actually, stomatitis simply means inflammation in the mouth - this is common
with renal dz etc. You are speaking of immune mediated gingivitis (lymphocytic
plasmacytic ging.) this is diagnosed by biopsy. It is tough to treat -
requires all teeth pulled sometimes. we have found some good results with
laser therapy! and immune suppression medications help like prednisone.
I have had a couple of my cats need dental treatment at about this age.
Henry had to have a tooth removed and a scaling. TUppence, was 2 years
old, had severe gingivitis which didn't respond for long to antibiotics
and she ended up having to have her teeth removed (except for the
canines).
We also use a homoeopathic vet (usual vet training + additional
homeopathy study) - my usual vet knows this - and we were recommended to
use a 6C potency remedy Merc Sol. Fortunately this agreed with
Tuppence's 'whole' self and for the last few years she has not had a
recurrence (touch wood). If you can find a book on the subject if there
are no similar vets available where you are, try to match the
description with your cat's personality, symptoms etc and try a remedy.
It make take a couple of goes, but it worked for Tuppence.
I know lots of people disregard this form of alternative medicine. BUT
it does have its place and lots of vets in the UK are starting to
realise its usefulness in some chronic conditions. The original
homoeopathic vet I used (now deceased unfortunately) was known
worldwide, and has written several books. If you can't find anything,
let me know and I'll try to help you from the few that I have.
