How is gingivostomatitis treated in cats?
In cats diagnosed with chronic gingivostomatitis, the gold standard of treatment is to extract all premolar and molar teeth, leaving behind no root fragments, and monitoring them frequently in their postoperative period. In 60% of cats, extraction of the premolar and molar teeth resolves the inflammation.
What virus causes gingivitis in cats?
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly infectious virus that, despite a high level of vaccination within the cat population, is still one of the major causes of cat flu and gingivostomatitis (mouth and gum inflammation) in cats.
What causes feline gingivostomatitis?
Although the condition is most frequently diagnosed among cats with certain viral diseases—especially infection with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)—as well as bacterial infections and various nutritional and hormonal conditions, no direct causal relationship between such disorders and gingivostomatitis has as …
Can FIV cause gingivitis?
FIV and FeLV can cause immunosuppression and may predispose to periodontal disease and gingivitis, whereas persistent FCV in the mouth may also be associated with some cases of chronic (long-standing) gingivitis or stomatitis (inflammation of the gums or mouth).
What is the best antibiotic for gingivitis in cats?
Antibiotics in routine veterinary use have no effect on Bartonella organisms but there is an antibiotic called azithromycin that is effective. We are now recommending that all cats with symptoms of stomatitis or severe gingivitis should be tested and those that are strongly positive be treated.
Is gingivostomatitis fatal?
Gingivostomatitis usually doesn’t cause serious health problems, especially when treated promptly. But it can be very painful. People with gingivostomatitis should improve oral hygiene habits to avoid other related health problems, such as periodontal disease.
Is gingivitis reversible in cats?
If a cat has severe gingivitis, tooth brushing can be quite painful, so consult with a veterinarian before considering brushing the teeth of a cat with gingivitis. Luckily for cats who have already developed gingivitis, the condition is usually reversible.
Is gingivitis in cats an infection?
A cat’s unique degree of gingivitis largely has to do with genetics, but gingivitis in cats can also be affected by certain conditions, including: Infectious diseases: Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are the most common infectious diseases that can lead to gingivitis.
What are the symptoms of FIV in cats?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Fever.
- Anemia.
- Weight loss.
- Disheveled coat.
- Poor appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Abnormal appearance or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis)
Is gingivitis curable in cats?
How do you reverse gingivitis in cats?
Treating Feline Gingivitis
- Antibiotic therapy.
- Anti-inflammatory medicine, such as corticosteroids and other immune-modulating drugs.
- Dental extraction(s), including full-mouth extractions for cats with severe gingivostomatitis.
- Gingivectomy (removal of part of the gums)
- Stem cell therapy.
Should a cat with stomatitis be euthanized?
No matter what treatments are done, a small percentage of treated cats don’t really improve significantly with full mouth extractions. Sadly, some pet parents choose humane euthanasia when pain continues despite exhausting all treatment options.