H E A LT H
problems.
&
W E L L N E S S
Signs To Look Out For
Bacteria from periodontal disease affect the
entire body, leading to kidney and heart
diseases and eventually organ failure. • Overall decreased interest in food.
Some cats develop severe gingivitis with
minimal signs of accompanying dental
disease. The affected areas may extend
beyond the gums to other areas of the
mouth. This condition is often very difficult to
control and may require repeated treatment
and its diagnosis can involve extensive
investigative procedures. • Chew with obvious discomfort, drop food
from the mouth, or swallow with difficulty.
Cervical neck lesions result from a progressive
destruction of the enamel resulting in slowly
deepening cavities or caries in affected
teeth. Once the sensitive parts of the tooth
are exposed, these lesions are intensely
painful, and the only effective and humane
treatment is to extract the tooth. The cause
of this disease is unknown; however, poor oral
hygiene could be a likely cause.
Following are the common oral diseases in
cats. Consult your vet straight away if your
cat exhibits any of the following symptoms:
Gingivitis: This inflammation of the gums is
mainly seen in older cats. It may start as a
dark red line bordering on the teeth. If left
untreated, gums may become sore and
ulceration may occur.
• Approaching the food bowl but showing
reluctance to eat. This also is likely to lead to
noticeable weight loss.
• Drooling excessively - the saliva may
contain blood.
• The cat may have halitosis, or an
unpleasant breath odour.
• In some cases, cats may paw at their
mouths or shake their heads.
• Some cats may exhibit preference for
moist canned foods and reject dry foods.
• Dental disease and oral pain may
account for the ‘finicky appetites’ that
some cats display.
• Irritable or depressed mood.
Periodontitis: If gingivitis invades the tooth
socket, the tooth may become loose and an
abscess may form.
Stomatitis: This inflammation of the mouth
lining may result from a foreign body in the
mouth, a viral disease or dental problems. The
cat will have difficulty eating and the inside of
the mouth will appear red.
Rodent Ulcer: A slowly enlarging sore or
swelling on the upper lip.
Salivary Cyst: If salivary glands or ducts that
carry saliva to the mouth become blocked, a
cyst may form under the tongue.
Mouth Ulcers: Ulcers on a cat’s tongue
and gums are sometimes caused by feline
respiratory or kidney disease.
DOGS
Dogs are also at a high risk of dental diseases.
It is estimated that at least 80 per cent dogs
over the age of three suffer from dental
diseases. Few dogs show obvious signs of
dental disease, so it is up to the dog’s family
and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and
often painful condition.
But the following signs can help you identify
possible oral troubles.
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