Symptoms of periodontal disease in older cats

The main symptoms of periodontal disease in older cats are pain while chewing food, redness and swelling around the gums. In severe cases, it can affect the cat's ability to eat. It is recommended to administer oral antibiotics, and to use an antiseptic oral spray regularly on the affected area. Generally, after about a week of treatment, the condition will improve. After the periodontal disease has completely healed, regular oral examinations are necessary.

Causes of periodontal disease

Older cat periodontal disease may be caused by age-related factors or poor oral hygiene. As牙结石 slowly accumulates, more and more deposits on the tooth surface, causing the teeth to loosen and eventually leading to periodontal disease. It could also be caused by a viral infection, such as feline calicivirus, which can cause redness, inflammation, and even drooling from the cat's gums.

Difference between periodontal disease and stomatitis

Periodontal disease is mainly characterized by bad breath, prominent gingival inflammation, and red spots, swelling, thickening, and rounding of the edge of the gums. In severe cases, bleeding of the gums can be observed. Stomatitis causes feeding and chewing difficulties, excessive drooling, slow and cautious chewing, especially when chewing hard food, sudden vomiting and screaming can be seen. In severe cases, appetite loss can occur, and oral examination reveals reddened, swollen mucosa, ulcers and blisters on the tongue, lips, gums, upper palate, and cheeks.

Treatment of periodontal disease

First, eliminate the cause, remove dental plaque and tartar, and treat other dental diseases, such as caries. Clean the affected area with physiological saline, oral disinfectant, etc., and apply compound iodine glycerin or antibiotics, sulfonamides. In severe cases, penicillin, procaine and dexamethasone can be used, along with subcutaneous injection of vitamin K and oral administration of compound vitamin B. Pay attention to daily feeding and management, and regularly brush the animal's teeth and clean its mouth with saline.