Feline dental disease - more common than you might think
If you were asked to name the most common and painful disease that affects adult cats, what would you say? If your answer was dental disease then you'd be correct!
Did you know that periodontal disease can also be associated with diseases involving other organs in the body and studies indicate that 85% of adult pets suffer from periodontal disease to some degree? Feline dental care is thought to be the most overlooked and under-treated area in animal health.
It is often difficult to examine your cat's mouth and by the time they start showing symptoms such as halitosis (bad breath), mouth pain and difficulty or a reluctance to eat, dental disease is often advanced. Severe dental disease may require major treatment to restore a pain-free mouth and the constant shower of bacteria into the body's bloodstream from severe dental disease is known to contribute to kidney and heart disease in cats, which can be fatal.
To help keep feline dental disease at bay, an annual health check, or every six months for geriatric cats (greater than seven to eight years of age), is ideal. At Totally Vets, a physical examination includes a thorough check of the oral cavity and if we notice any early signs of dental disease, such as a build-up of tartar or gingivitis (inflammation or reddening of the gums) we may recommend your feline friend has some dental treatment under a general anaesthetic. The emphasis in veterinary dental care is rapidly shifting from treatment of problems to preventing the issue from developing. We have a modern ultrasonic descaler and high speed dental drills which enable us to carry out quick and effective treatment.
Even elderly animals and those with chronic illness or health problems can benefit from a healthy and pain-free mouth, so consider making a regular dental health check and treatment an investment in a healthier and more comfortable future for your cat.