Feline gingivitis is a common dental condition among housecats. Although there are a variety of treatment options for gingivitis, cyclosporine has recently gained the favor of many veterinarians. Traditionally, cyclosporine has been used to assist the cat's body in accepting transplanted organs. However, cyclosporine for cats may also be used to treat gingivitis and chronic stomatitis.
Overview of Feline Gingivitis
Your ability to treat your cat's gingivitis depends upon you recognizing the symptoms of the disease. Gingivitis is a condition of the gums and mucous membranes in which a cat's mouth becomes inflamed and infected. Feline gingivitis contributes greatly to cat tooth loss and can become a chronic and serious condition if not treated promptly.
The primary symptoms of feline gingivitis include the following:
- Red, swollen and irritated gums
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Weight loss
- Tooth loss
- Drooling or bleeding from the mouth
- Halitosis
If your cat displays one or more of the above symptoms, he may have feline gingivitis or plaque intolerance. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for a physical examination and dental analysis.
Diagnosis of Feline Gingivitis
To diagnose feline gingivitis, your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat's mouth for signs of gingivitis or other ailments. A tissue biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. There are a variety of serious underlying medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms, so a thorough examination is helpful in identifying any causal ailments.
Treating Feline Gingivitis
In all cases, a thorough treatment plan for feline gingivitis will consist of reduction of your cat's inflammation and gum pain, as well as plaque treatment and dietary changes that will help to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Cyclosporine is an anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce the symptoms of gingivitis in cats. While it is effective at easing your cat's pain and reducing redness and irritation, it is not to be used as a singular treatment for gingivitis, as it does not address the underlying causes of the disease. Typically, removal of one or more teeth is an effective way of eliminating or reducing symptoms of feline gingivitis. Cyclosporine treatment tends to be somewhat less effective, but also less costly and invasive.
In addition to a regimen of cyclosporine, help to eliminate the source of your cat's gingivitis by taking him for a dental scraping and brushing his teeth regularly. Your veterinarian can scrape excess plaque from your cat's teeth, but a weekly tooth brushing at home is necessary to prevent the return of harmful plaque.
If your cat suffers from feline gingivitis, speak to your veterinarian about the possibility of including cyclosporine as part of a treatment method. Cyclosporine works quickly to reduce your cat's pain and inflammation, allowing him to eat normally and sleep comfortably. However, additional measures will be needed in order to prevent the return of feline gingivitis.