Dental health care in cats
Cats dental health care.
Bacterial proliferation and toxin production, usually associated with tartar buildup, destroy normal gingival structures and produce inflammation. Immunosuppression due to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can predispose some cats to this disease. Many clinical features are asymptomatic, but halitosis, oral discomfort, refusal to eat, dysphagia, drooling and tooth loss may occur.
Visual examination of the gums reveal hyperemia around the tooth margins. Gingival recession may reveal tooth roots. Supragingival and subgingival tartar should be removed, and the crowns should be polished. Antimicrobial drugs effective against anaerobic bacteria (e.g., amoxicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole) may be used before and after cleaning teeth. Regular brushing of the teeth and/or oral rinsing with a veterinary chlorexidine solution formulated for that purpose helps to prevent recurrence. The prognosis is good with proper therapy.
We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.
Bacterial proliferation and toxin production, usually associated with tartar buildup, destroy normal gingival structures and produce inflammation. Immunosuppression due to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can predispose some cats to this disease. Many clinical features are asymptomatic, but halitosis, oral discomfort, refusal to eat, dysphagia, drooling and tooth loss may occur.
Visual examination of the gums reveal hyperemia around the tooth margins. Gingival recession may reveal tooth roots. Supragingival and subgingival tartar should be removed, and the crowns should be polished. Antimicrobial drugs effective against anaerobic bacteria (e.g., amoxicillin, clindamycin, metronidazole) may be used before and after cleaning teeth. Regular brushing of the teeth and/or oral rinsing with a veterinary chlorexidine solution formulated for that purpose helps to prevent recurrence. The prognosis is good with proper therapy.
We would love to hear your pet's story. Please add a comment.
MORE VETERINARY ARTICLES
-
The strength and regularity of the peripheral arterial pressure waves and the pulse rate are assessed by palpation of the femoral or other p...
-
System venous and right heart filling pressures are reflected at the jugular veins in dogs and cats . These veins should not be distended wh...
-
Pulmonary contusion in dogs and cats is caused by blunt trauma and is a common finding in animals that have been hit by cars. Hemorrhage in...
-
Renal enlargement is usually detected by physical examination or by abdominal radiography or by ultrasonography . A quick rule of thumb is ...
-
Mucous membrane color and capillary refill time (CRT) are used to estimate the adequacy of peripheral perfusion. Normally the oral membranes...
-
Thoracic auscultation in dogs and cats is used to identify normal heart sounds, determine the presence or absence of abnormal sounds, asses...
-
Signs and symptoms of syncope in dogs and cats . Cardiac output often becomes inadequate in animals with heart disease or heart failure , e...
-
Canine Leukemia | Leukemia in Dogs In dog leukemias constitute fewer than 10% of all hemolymphatic neoplasms and are therefore consider...
-
Dog Names Give a name to your dog The name you will choose for your dog is tied to your personality. It reflects the relationship you w...
-
The same general mechanisms that cause edema elsewhere in the body cause edema in the pulmonary parenchyma. Major mechanisms are decreased ...
