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.

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