Does your cat have swollen gums?
Enlarged gums in cats are the result of a condition in which the gingival tissue of the cat becomes enlarged and inflamed.
The swelling is commonly due to dental plaque or other bacterial growth which grows along the gum line. This particular condition is fairly rare in cats and can be prevented with good oral hygiene.
Enlarged Gums in Cats
If you become aware of irritation and/or swelling in your cat’s mouth, especially around the gums, it’s best to visit the vet.
They will be able to administer proper oral care and show you how you can look after your cat’s teeth and gums.
The danger of leaving the cat in this condition is that the enlarged gums may grow worse if a certain bacteria or infection goes into the bloodstream. Additionally, gum inflammation can be a sign of kidney disease or feline immunodeficiency virus as well.
Causes of cat gum inflammation
The major cause of swollen or enlarged gums in cats is a lack of oral hygiene. Bacteria builds up and develops into an oral condition.
It may be because of a lack of dental cleaning or a poor diet. More seriously, other underlying health conditions or diseases may be the cause of cat swollen gums.
Age, genetics, and breed can also play a part in the types of dental conditions cats get.
Symptoms of cat gum inflammation
How can you tell if your cat has gum problems?
It may be reluctant to groom itself, and might have a reduced appetite as well, which can lead to weight loss. Bad breath is another common sign of cat gum disease, along with these other signs:
- Change in behavior – becoming irritable
- Yellowing teeth and gumline growth
- A sensitive mouth which the cat paws at
- Stomach upset coupled with drooling
Diagnosis for the condition
Cats will be diagnosed by a vet after an examination. Further tests might also be completed to ensure there are no other problems going on with your puss.
A mouth x-ray might be done to see if there any other obvious reasons for swollen gums – similar to what we have when we visit the dentist.
If there is a gingival mass on the gums, a biopsy may be completed to exclude cancer.
Treating cat gum problems
Treatment for enlarged gums in cats depends mainly on the cause of the illness.
Most cases, however, can be solved by at-home treatment including dental cleaning (may be required every day) and a course of antibiotics. In advance cases, teeth may require scraping, in order to remove the tartar which has built up over time.
Cats that don’t respond well to treatments may need to be assessed for other diseases including kidney disease or diabetes.
Extraction: Some of the teeth may not be saved in the course of treatment, especially for inflammation, and should be removed in preventing infections from progressing or developing.
Cleanings: This is a dental cleaning, which may be done by a veterinarian below and above the gum line, in order to remove tartar that’s existent; as well as maintain healthy gums. This might be supplemented by polishing as well.
Antibiotics: Some oral antibiotics might be prescribed in fighting infection, helping in gum healing, as well as reducing the inflammation that’s present.
Surgery: Surgical procedure and deep cleaning of the gums may be essential for issues, which have developed in restoring the gum line into its original situation. Further, pain medication may be given in order to alleviate discomfort or pain, which is experienced in the course of the procedure.
Cat Inflamed Gums
If your cat does not get attention for its swollen gums, it may sooner or later lead to loss of teeth, receding gums, and advanced gingivitis. The price of treatment will also go up with the severity of the case.
It’s best to keep an eye on your cat’s mouth, going through a checklist, to make sure you get on top of any illness early.
