Inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity in cats: what is gingivitis and how to eliminate it

A change in the color of visible mucous membranes is called anemia in veterinary and human medicine. During the development of the pathological process, the number of red blood cells and iron-containing protein decreases in the bloodstream. Anemia is not an independent disease - it is a kind of signal from the body, indicating the development of disorders in the functioning of certain systems.

Iron-containing protein, hemoglobin, is vital for the body, since thanks to it, oxygen is delivered to the tissue structures of the body. A cat suffering from advanced forms of anemia exhibits pronounced signs of hypoxia.

Causes of gingivitis in cats

Before identifying symptoms and treatment, it is important to understand the causes of the disease. Gingivitis generally occurs due to poor or lack of oral hygiene. The resulting plaque gradually mineralizes and stones form. The latter provoke inflammation of the cat's gums.

In addition to the indicated factor, there are other external and internal causes of gingivitis in cats:

• poor monotonous diet, insufficient nutrients;
• lack of vitamins;
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• malocclusion (when teeth touch and scratch gums);
• mechanical damage to the gums;
• autoimmune pathologies.

Among the types of gingivitis, lymphocytic-plasmacytic stomatitis occurs. Occurs as a result of the immune response to the penetration of infectious agents into the mouth. Lymphocytic gingivitis occurs not only in adult animals; a kitten can also get sick. The disease affects the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth, covering them with ulcers. You can see the consequences of this disease in the photo.

Juvenile gingivitis is another form of pathology, the cause of which is hormonal changes. Males and cats during puberty are more susceptible to bacterial infections. The body's protective properties weaken during this period.

What is gum disease

Inflammation of the gums is an inflammation of their soft tissues. In medicine and veterinary medicine, this disease is called “gingivitis.”

The origin of the term is simple: in Latin gum is gingiva. The pathology is very dangerous, and there is the following explanation:

• Firstly, the tissues of the oral cavity are literally riddled with blood vessels. There are really a lot of them. With any inflammatory process in the oral cavity, there is always a chance that the causative agent of inflammation will enter the general bloodstream and cause sepsis or inflammation in any other part of the animal’s body.

• Secondly, serious inflammation of the gums (especially if it is not treated in any way) is a surefire guarantee that an animal will lose its teeth. A toothless cat cannot chew normally, and its gastrointestinal tract cannot properly absorb nutrients. The result is exhaustion and multiple problems with the stomach and intestines.

Forms of the disease

A severe form of the disease is the plasmacytic-lymphocytic form . It is caused by various viruses - rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, hyperreaction of the immune system. This form has complications. The gums begin to bleed and swell. Without treatment, complications develop.

The dental form of the disease is accompanied by sore gums, bleeding and swelling. Diseased tissues become bluish in color. The submandibular lymph nodes begin to swell. Unlike the plasmacytic form, the disease is caused not by a virus, but by accumulated plaque. The dental form is treated faster and rarely causes complications.

Juvenile gingivitis is a form of the disease characteristic of cats under the age of 1.5 years, also called juvenile gingivitis. Inflammation of the gums and pharynx occurs immediately after the eruption of permanent teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis may develop.

What causes it?

The reasons can be very different. It's worth starting with the same thing. If the cat’s owners have never taken their pet to a session of removing hard deposits from tooth enamel, the result will be disastrous: plaque teeming with microorganisms will certainly cause inflammation of the gums, or even something worse. This statement is especially true in cases where a cat is injured by eating some fish bones or low-quality dry food. An infection that has entered the gums develops and causes a strong inflammatory reaction.

But all these are completely understandable and obvious factors of occurrence. It is much more interesting that sometimes gingivitis develops in cats with excellent teeth, a complete absence of tartar, and whose diet consists exclusively of high-quality canned food, or even raw meat. Where does their gum inflammation come from? Firstly, even with a good, but unbalanced diet, there may be a lack of vitamins. Of course, ascorbic acid is still synthesized in the cat’s body, so it doesn’t lead to full-blown scurvy... But even the existing disorders are enough for the opportunistic microflora of the oral cavity to “reclassify” as pathogenic.

Symptoms and first signs of the inflammatory process

The development of the disease is indicated by the following symptoms and first signs of the inflammatory process:

• The cat quickly stops eating. At the same time, it is clearly visible that the animal’s appetite is preserved, but the pet cannot eat due to the severe pain that arises. Thirst remains the same, but in some cases it may intensify.
• Very unpleasant smell. Inflammation of the gums is almost always accompanied by it. At the same time, the gums become inflamed and rot, which causes the appearance of the “aroma.” The smell can be so disgusting, as if someone had died in the cat’s mouth.
• The gums become very red and swollen , and when they are palpated, the animal may howl and meow hoarsely. With stronger pressure, some amounts of exudate may be released.
• In severe cases of gingivitis, the ligamentous apparatus of the tooth relaxes so much that when pressure is applied to them, the fangs noticeably wobble . It is noticeable that the animal usually does not experience severe pain.
• If inflammation of the gums is caused by abundant deposits of tartar, “curdled”, dark layers are noticeable on the teeth.
• Sometimes extensive ulcerations appear on the gums. In these same cases, the disease is accompanied by a strong increase in salivation. The fur around the mouth and chest becomes damp, sticky from constantly flowing saliva.

Diagnosis of gingivitis in cats

If inflammation and redness of a cat's gums are detected, there is a possibility of developing gingivitis. Only a veterinarian can make a diagnosis after conducting an examination and laboratory tests.

The doctor examines the animal’s mouth for inflammation and visually expressed symptoms. To confirm the suspected disease and assess the severity, it is necessary to undergo appropriate tests. Usually a tissue biopsy, x-ray, and sample taking for histology are prescribed.

The virus that provoked plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis can be identified by scraping from the mouth.

If there is a suspicion that the disease has spread to internal organs, an ultrasound scan is performed.

Establishing diagnosis

Diagnosis of ordinary gingivitis is based on visual examination. The vet notes:

• presence of tartar;
• red and bleeding gums;
• odor from the mouth.

When making a diagnosis, a visual examination is required

To make a diagnosis of Plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis, a laboratory examination of tissue - a biopsy - will be required. If there are pustular foci of inflammation, an abdominal ultrasound is prescribed to identify secondary foci of infection. To assess the condition and nature of the course of the disease, blood is taken for general analysis and biochemical parameters.

Treatment of gingivitis in cats

If the diagnosis has confirmed gingivitis in cats, treatment depends on the development of the pathology. In the initial stages, folk remedies are effective; as inflammation progresses, more serious therapy will be required. The main task is not only to remove disturbing symptoms, but also to eliminate the cause of the disease and prevent relapse in the future.

Procedures

To improve your pet's condition, the following measures must be taken:

1. Cleansing . The owner independently removes surface plaque using a toothbrush or gauze.
2. Removing tartar. It is carried out in a veterinary clinic. Hardened growths are removed mechanically or with ultrasound.
3. Rinse . Prescribed at the initial stages of tartar formation, it reduces inflammation. Use infusions based on oak or chamomile bark. Irrigation is carried out through a syringe or rubber bulb.
4. Gum care. Dental gels will help normalize the condition of your gums.
5. Surgical intervention . With chronic gingivitis, gum deformation progresses and tissue gradually covers the tooth. To solve this problem, surgical correction is required. If the pathology is in an advanced form, it is not possible to save the cat’s teeth; removal is performed.

Medicines

You can cope with gingivitis with complex therapy, including taking veterinary medications. All medications are used only as prescribed by a doctor.

If your cat has red gums, dental gels can be used to reduce redness and inflammation:

1. Zubastic gel . It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties, promotes tissue regeneration, and reduces pain. A good prophylactic against dental plaque and tartar deposits. Allowed for all cats who are not allergic to the components of the gel. The gums and mucous membranes of the mouth are treated twice a day, the gel is lightly rubbed in. Use within 7 days.
2. Dentavedin . Effective against most types of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms. Due to the propolis included in the composition, it heals wounds and ulcers well. It has no contraindications and is considered a safe remedy. Apply locally to the affected areas, smear twice a day. The therapeutic course ranges from one week to 10 days.

The main condition for using dental gels is to limit food and water intake for at least half an hour after treatment.

To alleviate the pet's condition, painkillers are prescribed:

1. Flexoprofen. In addition to the analgesic effect, it suppresses inflammation, fights swelling, and reduces body temperature. Presented as a solution for injection. The effect of using the drug is quick. The animal will feel improvement approximately half an hour after the injection. Not suitable for cats with gastrointestinal ulcers, liver and kidney failure. The dosage is calculated depending on the weight of the animal. Frequency of use: 1 time per day. The course lasts no more than 5 days.
2. Loxicom . Relieves inflammation and swelling, blocks pain, and has an antipyretic effect. It is not prescribed to animals suffering from duodenal ulcers or severe pathologies of the liver and kidneys. Available as a suspension, administered orally on an empty stomach. Therapy is carried out daily for up to 10 days.

Folk remedies

Treatment at home can also be effective if combined with primary therapy. You can relieve gingivitis by the following means:

1. Infusions. Rinsing with oak bark or chamomile will soothe bleeding gums and reduce inflammation. To do this, take 5-7 tablespoons of dried flowers or bark and add 250 ml of water. In the case of chamomile, the mixture is kept in a water bath for 15 minutes, then passed through cheesecloth and cooled. Treatment is carried out 3-5 times a day. Place oak bark and water on low heat and boil for 5 minutes. Then cool and strain. Apply every 3 hours.
2. Sea buckthorn oil. Envelops the affected gums, promotes rapid regeneration of damage. Apply with a cotton swab every 4 hours.

Features of treatment for plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis

Plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivitis is a serious disease, as it is accompanied by ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes. Treatment in this case includes serious medications prescribed by a doctor.

Hormonal agents will help relieve inflammation, bleeding gums, and eliminate ulcers:

1. Prednisone . Relieves inflammation, relieves pain, relieves irritation, promotes the production of antibodies, and fights infection. The medicine is prohibited for stomach ulcers, high sugar, tuberculosis, and viral pathologies. For advanced gingivitis, it is effective to use the drug in the form of injections. Injections are given 2 times a day for 5-7 days.
2. Decortin . A synthetic hormone aimed at eliminating swelling and inflammation. Not suitable for cats with ulcerative pathologies, impaired liver function, kidney function, or heart failure. The drug is available in the form of an injection suspension. Characterized by fast and long-lasting action. It is used once; in case of advanced gingivitis, it is permissible to repeat the injection after a week.

Steroid hormones weaken the body's protective functions, so at the end of the course the doctor prescribes immunomodulators.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often used for ulcerative gingivitis:

1. Sumamed . Effective against many infectious lesions. Not suitable for animals with liver problems. It is recommended to use it in suspension, measuring the dosage prescribed by the doctor with a syringe. Give the drug directly into the mouth, twice a day. The course of treatment for gingivitis is 5 days.
2. Convenia . Copes well with lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the gums. The drug is safe and is not recommended for kittens under two months old. Used as injections at the rate of 1 ml of medication per 10 kg of weight. If necessary, the injection is repeated after two weeks.

Treatment options

The treatment regimen for inflammatory processes in the oral cavity in cats is conventionally divided into three options, which can be combined with each other:

1. Procedural methods include regular tooth brushing and plaque/tartar removal.
2. Drug treatment is selected by a veterinarian to relieve unpleasant symptoms and disinfect the oral cavity.
3. Folk remedies play the role of additional supportive therapy with a pronounced preventive effect.

Brushing your teeth is one of the mandatory methods of prevention.

The main condition for successful treatment is the regular use of drugs prescribed by a veterinarian and the necessary procedures.

Procedures

Plaque removal is carried out in a veterinary clinic during regular oral hygiene. Preference should be given to ultrasonic cleaning - a gentler procedure that does not have a damaging effect on the gums.

Dental plaque removal in the clinic

At home, it is necessary to brush your cat’s teeth: for preventive purposes, daily, and during treatment, after every meal. Among the existing variety of special toothbrushes for cats, the most popular are those that can be worn on your finger. Since the owner’s toothpaste can cause allergies or poisoning to the cat, a special antibacterial drug such as Elgidium, Radiance, Hamigake, etc. should be purchased at the veterinary pharmacy. If the pet does not want to accept the cleaning procedure with a brush and toothpaste, You can get by with other means of a similar effect that allow you to remove plaque. Cleaning products differ from each other in the form of release and method of application: powders are added to food, liquids are added to drinking water, etc.

Table 2. Cleaners that remove plaque

Medicines

To treat inflamed areas, use special ointments, sprays or gels:

• "Metrogil Dent" is a gel from a regular pharmacy for people;
• “Oral-Relakh” – spray for treating the oral cavity;
• “Dentavedin” and “Zubastic” - gels from a veterinary pharmacy;
• “Vinilin”, “Miramistin”, “Chlorhexidine” - antiseptic drugs;
• “Stomadex” - tablets for gluing to the palate, neutralize inflammation and bad breath;
• “Lincomycin” – 10% solution in ampoules for intramuscular administration;
• “Imudon” – powder for gums;
• "Lugol's spray" for targeted treatment of ulcerated areas.

Dental gel from a veterinary pharmacy

Folk remedies

For preventive purposes and to complement the main treatment, it is permissible to use proven traditional medicine recipes:

• irrigation of the oral cavity with chamomile tincture from a syringe without a needle;
• wiping the gums with a cotton pad soaked in a decoction of oak bark, oregano flowers or strawberry leaves;
• Lubricating the gums with sea buckthorn oil.

Decoctions and oils are applied with a cotton swab or disk

To prepare chamomile infusion, pour 7 tablespoons of dried flowers into 2 glasses of water and heat in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Leave until completely cooled, filter, apply up to 5 times a day. The infusion cannot be stored, fresh is prepared every day.

Animal nutrition for gingivitis

Gingivitis can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed, making it difficult to eat. The cat experiences pain and discomfort and refuses to eat. To alleviate the pet’s condition, the food is softened in water, or pates are purchased. With natural nutrition, finished products are ground to a puree consistency.

The diet must contain sufficient amounts of nutrients and vitamins. Hot or cold food cannot be served, only warm food is acceptable.

When planning your diet, gel treatments and hours of taking medications are taken into account.

What to do at home

The owner must provide his pet with the most comfortable living conditions and strictly follow the veterinarian’s instructions. You should not self-medicate, as this can aggravate the situation and cause irreparable harm to the cat’s health.

You can alleviate the suffering of a fluffy by using a soda solution or decoctions of medicinal herbs that have a disinfectant and antimicrobial effect. However, traditional methods cannot replace traditional treatment and are used as additional measures.

A decoction of chamomile, oregano, and strawberry leaves has worked well. You need to boil 1 teaspoon of the dried plant, pour a glass of boiling water, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Then strain the broth, cool and use to wipe the animal’s mouth.

During gingivitis, a cat usually refuses to eat, since even a small, barely chewed piece causes her pain. However, to defeat pathology, the body needs strength. Your four-legged pet should be fed with special soft food intended for weakened cats, pureed meat and vegetables, meat or chicken broth.

We suggest you read: Is it possible to wash a cat with regular shampoo or bathe it with baby wash?

Diagnosis and treatment

Since gingivitis has characteristic symptoms, the disease cannot be confused with another ailment upon visual examination. However, subsequent therapy depends on the setting of the form of gingivitis. To do this, you will need to perform a number of studies and tests.

What tests will the doctor prescribe?

To determine the form and extent of tissue damage, a smear analysis from the diseased gum and a blood test are prescribed. Tests help identify the causative agent of infection and select the right antibacterial drug for treatment. If necessary, an x-ray of the jaw is performed.

After identifying the plasmacytic-lymphocyte form, it will be necessary to examine the gum biomaterial using a microscope. The prescription of further therapy for complete victory over the pathology depends on its result.

Procedural treatment

For a quick recovery, it is important to regularly clean your cat's mouth and teeth. In a veterinary office, curettage of gum pockets and gums is performed, dead tissue and pathogenic plaque are removed.

In advanced cases, the doctor may suggest surgery to remove teeth (extraction). Total extraction (removal of all the cat’s teeth) is also used. This procedure does not have a strong effect on the pet’s eating habits, even if he eats exclusively dry food. You need to understand that if your pet is in severe pain and completely refuses to eat, the best solution for the cat’s future life and health is to follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

At home, you should also clean your teeth daily with a toothpaste prescribed by your doctor. Products intended for people should not be used to remove plaque. Dental hygiene should be performed with a clean cotton swab or a special toothbrush for animals. It can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Small children's toothbrushes also have soft bristles. They can also be used to clean your cat's teeth.

In veterinary clinics, teeth are cleaned of tartar using ultrasound. The procedure is painless and harmless.

Drug treatment

To quickly eliminate pathogenic flora on tooth enamel and gums, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are prescribed. In severe stages, injections are prescribed.

Interferon is prescribed to correct the functioning of the immune system. The doctor prescribes Prednisolone as an effective anti-inflammatory medicine. The dosage is prescribed individually by the attending physician.

Antibiotics used:

Important! All appointments should be made only by a qualified veterinarian. Otherwise, you can harm the health of the animal. It is important to calculate the dosage correctly to avoid increased side effects.

You can treat the oral cavity of representatives of the cat family with Metrogyl Denta medicinal paste. This medicine does not cause salivation or allergies and is well tolerated by the cat's body.

Anti-gingivitis pastes Zubastik and Dentavedin have also been specially developed for animals. These products are sold in veterinary pharmacies. They contain non-hazardous herbal and medicinal components that actively destroy the growth of harmful bacteria, stop infection and relieve pain. The product must be applied twice a day to the cleaned surface of the gum tissue and tooth enamel. For processing it is convenient to use a cotton pad or cotton swab. The duration of such treatment takes about two weeks.

The cat’s oral cavity is also treated with antiseptics - a solution of Chlorhexidine and Miramistin. These drugs kill pathogenic microflora and inhibit the spread of infection.

The drug Chlorhexidine is a powerful antiseptic that is used for dental treatment of people. It is suitable for both cats and dogs. The structure of gingival tissue and tooth enamel of the lesser brothers is similar to the structure of humans, therefore, veterinary medicine often uses remedies from medical practice.

Chlorhexidine has an anti-inflammatory effect, quickly heals wounds and cracks in the palate, and helps preserve the animal’s teeth. The antiseptic stops the activity of pathogenic bacteria, causing the manifestations of infection to decrease and tissue restoration to occur.

Folk remedies

How to cure pathology? The initial stage of the disease can be eliminated through complex treatment with medications and folk remedies. When gums are damaged, decoctions of medicinal chamomile, oregano, and strawberries are used. Herbal raw materials can be purchased at a regular pharmacy. It will take at least two to three weeks to treat the oral cavity, however, the chances of recovery if you use only folk remedies are low.

• Dried chamomile flowers are brewed with boiling water and left for about an hour. You can boil the broth for 5 minutes if desired. The resulting product is infused and filtered through cheesecloth. The tip of a cotton swab is moistened in the healing liquid and wiped the gums and enamel of the animal’s teeth. It is necessary to act carefully, otherwise the animal will begin to show anxiety and will not allow the owner to treat the oral cavity.
• Strawberries have a good anti-inflammatory effect. Dry raw materials are poured with boiling water, boiled on the stove and infused. Next, the decoction is filtered and used several times a day to treat the palate, teeth and gum tissue (as in the example above).

Prevention

Every owner wants his pet to be healthy and feel good. You can avoid dental problems in your cat, including gingivitis, if you pay attention to the condition of the oral cavity. The following measures must be followed:

1. Treat carious lesions in a timely manner.
2. Diseased teeth that cannot be treated are removed.
3. Brush your teeth at least once a week.
4. Select high quality feed, enriched with vitamins and nutrients.
5. Sanitate your mouth twice a year.
6. Avoid contact with sick and homeless animals.
7. Give cat bones for teeth. They remove plaque and stone deposits.

How to train a cat to brush its teeth

Oral care involves brushing your teeth regularly. Select a brush with soft bristles. It is convenient to use a baby silicone finger brush or carry out the procedure with a bandage wrapped around your finger. The owner’s task is to accustom the cat to hygiene without causing it physical and moral suffering. This happens in several stages:

1. When stroking the animal's head, gently and unobtrusively touch the cat's gums and teeth. After a couple of weeks, the pet will get used to such touches and will not resist.
2. It is necessary to show the cat a toothbrush, let it smell it, get familiar with it, and maybe even chew it. The brush is brought to the mouth and touched to the teeth and gums. All manipulations are carried out on a voluntary basis, without the use of force.
3. Once the cat has mastered brushing with a damp brush, add animal toothpaste. Do not use paste intended for human use.

It is recommended to accustom your pet to this procedure from a young age. While brushing its teeth, the cat is petted, praised and encouraged.

Felines often suffer from dental pathologies; gingivitis is one of the most dangerous gum diseases. The owner is obliged to monitor the condition of the animal’s teeth, adhere to preventive measures, then the cat will be healthy and not a single fang will be harmed.

Cat feeding diet

A cat's diet must meet one key requirement. It should be soft. Based on this, we would advise immediately using special veterinary holistic solutions from Acana, Royal Canin, Pro PLAN.

If it is not possible to buy such diets, you can feed your pet as follows:

• In the first few days (when it is very painful for the cat to chew), he is given baby meat purees.
• After about a week, the cat is switched to boiled chicken and rabbit meat.
• Three times a week they give boiled sea fish (low-fat). It is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as vitamins A and E.
• Twice a week give low-fat crumbly cottage cheese.
• Once a week – a boiled egg. It is grated on a fine grater or passed through a blender.
• After two or three weeks, the pet gradually begins to be transferred to a regular diet (but we would advise you to refrain from using dry food).