Cat Gingivitis and Lung Diseases
Cats are prone to many different kinds of medical conditions for many different reasons; though, two of the most common conditions existing are gingivitis and upper respiratory infection. Both conditions are potentially life threatening if not treated properly; however, both can be manageable and even treatable with the right amount of care and attention.
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Gingivitis
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Gingivitis in cats is an immune reaction resulting from a condition referred to as Plasmacytic-Lymphocytic Stomatitis and is often associated with tooth loss. Common symptoms and results of this condition include rancid mouth odor, excessive salivation, difficulty eating and sudden weight loss. Gingivitis is often diagnosed by locating raw and bumpy areas on the gums around the upper back molars. These areas in extreme situations are often prone to excessive bleeding and will eventually start to recede from the tooth root. As a result, tooth loss often occurs. The bacterial infection, diagnosed by locating plasma cells and lymphocytes, can spread to the blood stream and eventually infect other major organs of the body if not treated in a timely manner.
Gingivitis Care
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Unfortunately, treatment options for cats with gingivitis are not always fool proof. According the Cat Fancier's Associations, the best method for treatment is preventative care. For example, a regular and thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia will go a long way in preventing the condition. Under anesthesia, a veterinarian administers antibiotic therapy which controls the bacteria on the gums. Another option for treatment, often used as a last resort, is the extraction of all premolars and molars including the roots. Treatment of upper respiratory conditions, such as calicivirus, in kittens also is associated with preventing gingivitis later in life.
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Upper Respiratory Infection
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The two upper respiratory viruses most commonly affecting cats are Rhinotracheitis (FVR) and Caliciviris (FCV). FVR, the more severe of the two, affects the nose, eyes, throat and sinus area, specifically affecting the breathing passage. Look for common signs such as sudden depression, excessive sneezing, fever, loss of appetite and mucus build up in the nose and eyes. FVR is actually considered a type 1 Herpes Virus in cats.
FCV affects the mouth, eyes and sometimes lungs of the cat. The virus is actually very small. Look for severe pneumonia, mouth ulcers, clear nose and eye discharge, fever, loss of appetite and severe drooling. This disease can be contracted through both direct and indirect contact.
Upper Respiratory Care
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Both FCV and FVR are viruses and are treated with antibiotics prescribed by veterinarians. Like gingivitis, both conditions are best treated through preventative care such as vaccinations and managed through proper cleaning and sanitizing of infected areas. Both viruses specifically target newborn kittens and can potentially be life threatening if not treated and vaccinated properly. Unlike humans and dogs, cats do not typically cough unless a serious problem exists. If you hear your cat coughing for anything other than a hairball, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Nutritional Care
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One common factor of both gingivitis and upper respiratory infections in cats is loss of appetite. It is vitally important that cats receive proper nutrition even when they are too weak and sick to provide it to themselves. Especially in the case of gingivitis, cats commonly lose teeth causing the act of eating to be extremely painful and uncomfortable. In this event, and often for the rest of their lives, it is important to feed the cat wet cat food instead of dry cat food. For cats infected by FCV or FVR, owners will typically be prescribed a force feeding nutritional program from their veterinarians.
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