|
Overview:
Dental problems are one of the
most common problems vets encounter with cats. Many conditions
can be prevented with good dental hygiene.
It is prudent for cat owners to
keep a regular check of their cat's mouth & seek veterinary
attention if they notice anything amiss. Things to look for
include;
-
Bad breath (this is one of the
most common symptoms of a dental problem)
-
Drooling
-
Lumps or bumps
-
Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
-
Reluctance to eat, especially
hard foods
-
Reluctance to groom
Some common dental problems cats
encounter include;
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is a general term for
inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It may be localised to one
tooth, or may be widespread affecting numerous teeth.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of
periodontal disease.
Infection and inflammation spreads from the gums to the
ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Left untreated, loss
of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall
out. [3]
Symptoms include bad breath,
drooling, red or swollen gums, gums which bleed easily.
Your veterinarian will perform an
examination of your cat's mouth for signs of gingivitis such as
a build up of tartar, red & inflamed gums, bad breath.
Full mouth x-rays may be
recommended to determine the extent of the disease.
This depends on how far advanced
the gingivitis is. Early cases of gingivitis which haven't
progressed far may possibly be treated at home with regular
dental cleaning.
Descaling to remove tartar build up will be
performed in more advanced cases.
If addressed immediately,
gingivitis is reversible, if it is left to progress to
periodontal disease, damage is irreversible.
Endodontic
disease:
Endodontic disease refers to any
inflammation of the pulp, known as
pulpitis.
Pulpitis can be
reversible or irreversible. In the case of reversible pulpitis,
once the cause of inflammation is removed, the pulp returns to
it's healthy state. Left untreated, irreversible pulpitis
occurs, resulting from severe inflammation of the pulp, which is
extremely painful. Over time, the pulp becomes necrotic (dies),
and pain subsides.
Symptoms
include pain, discolured (grey) tooth, abscess with swelling &
or a drainage tract, reluctance to eat.
Treatment
involves either root canal or extraction.
Periodontal disease:
Periodontal
disease (also known as gum disease) is the most common oral
disease to affect cats.
Plaque is a sticky 'biofilm'
composed mostly of bacteria (predominantly streptococcus) which
forms on the teeth. If proper dental care isn't followed, over
time, plaque, saliva, minerals & food debris mineralise, causing
tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar is yellowish in colour &
is seen along along the gum (gingiva),
where it meets the teeth. This leads to inflammation of the
gums. At this stage, proper treatment can reverse the problem.
Left untreated the tartar begins to collect under the gum line.
Toxins produced by the bacteria in the plaque can irritate the
gums, which in turn stimulates an inflammatory response, it is a
combination of toxins released by the bacteria, and the
inflammatory response which causes destruction of the supportive
structures
(gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum & periodontal ligament). Gums
separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the
teeth and gums) that become infected.
Tooth abscess:
Tooth abscesses can be caused by
advanced dental disease, FORL & tooth fractures all of which can
introduce bacteria to the roots of the teeth leading to the
formation of an abscess.
Symptoms of tooth root abscess
include reluctance to eat, bleeding from the nose & facial
swelling. Left untreated the infection may spread to other parts
of the oral cavity, possibly causing a drainage wound on the
face.
Diagnosis is made upon visual
examination & dental x-rays. Treatment involves tooth
extraction, flushing of the affected area & antibiotics.
Feline
ondoclastic
resorptive lesions (FORL):
Also known as resorptive lesions,
feline resorptive lesions, neck lesion, cavities, cervical line lesions & invasive
resorptions, these
painful lesions are one of the most common dental problems in cats.
There are three types of lesion;
It is
estimated that 20 to 67% of cats have one more more of these
lesions. [2]
Lesions
usually begin
under the gingival margin & are caused by odontoclasts which are
cells who's role is to absorb the bone & roots of deciduous
(baby) teeth. In the case of FORL, these cells reabsorb the
adult teeth. [1] Lesions typically occur under the gumline,
making early identification difficult. Premolars are most often affected. Your cat
will display extreme sensitivity if these lesions are touched.
Symptoms often
include salivation, reluctance to eat, cherry red gums.
Diagnosis is via visual
examination of the teeth & dental x-rays & the use of a
dental probe.
Treatment
depends on the severity. There are 5 classifications for lesions
with stage 1 being the mildest & stage 5 the most severe. In
mild cases, your veterinarian will apply a fluoride varnish or
sealant on the teeth. More severe cases will require extraction
of the affected tooth/teeth.
The cause of
FORLs isn't known, therefore there is currently no way to
prevent the condition.
Stomatitis:
Also known as
lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis-stomatitis-pharyngitis (GSPC),
stomatitis is a common disease causing chronic inflammation &
ulceration of the soft tissues in the mouth. There is no
definitive cause but it is felt to be multifactoral with an
immune mediated component, possibly representing a
hypersensitivity to oral bacterial antigens. [1] Other possible
factors include oral irritants, some viruses, immunodeficiency
diseases, metabolic diseases, drug reactions etc.
Symptoms
include reluctance to eat, anorexia, weight loss, bad breath,
excessive salivation, gums which bleed easily.
Stomatitis is
diagnosed by the appearance of the affected tissues.
Oral biopsy may
be performed to determine if the lesions are caused by other
diseases such as neoplasia (cancer) or eosinophilic granuloma
complex. Biopsy should reveal a dense infiltration of
lymphocytes & plasma cells.
X-ray may be
performed to check the condition of the dental roots & bones.
Stomatitis often affects the molars & pre-molars more than the
canines & incisors.
Stomatitis is
very difficult to treat & response to many treatments are poor.
If the cause can be identified, then specific therapy can be
aimed at treating or managing the problem, as indicated.
Professional
cleaning of the teeth under anaesthesia is necessary, as
periodontal disease may cause or at least contribute to
stomatitis.
Antibiotics
given long term may be of benefit.
Cats
unresponsive to treatment may require extraction of all teeth
behind the canines to provide long term relief. This may sound
extreme but your cat will get along just fine without these
teeth with the assistance of a softer diet.
Daily cleaning
of your cat's teeth at home is required to keep plaque under
control.
References:
[1] Cat Health Encyclopedia -
Edited by Lowell B. Ackerman.
[2]
Recognition of Feline Oral Lesions
[3]
Medline Plus
|
