Cat teeth; having to be removed

My 3 year old cat had very bad breath. We took her to the vet for a cleaning and the vet said he had to remove 3 of her teeth. The vet also said that there are other teeth that may need to come out. He gave us antibiotics to administer twice per day which we have been doing. He wants to see her again in 2 weeks to determine if additional teeth need to be removed. What could be causing this problem in such a young cat? What can we do to fight it?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Kara McCarty El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    There is a disease process in cats called Lymphocytic/Plasmacytic Stomatitis which is an autoimmune disease process. The cat's immune system is reacting to the enamel in her teeth and leading to an inflammatory reaction in her gums which can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. It is very painful and can lead to a decreased appetite, weight loss and drooling. Some cats will respond to high doses of immunosuppressive steroids but usually for only a limited time. Most cats require extraction of at least their premolars and molars to stop the process and some require the extraction of all their teeth. All patients require antibiotic therapy to treat the secondary bacterial infection which is almost always present. Some of these cats are Feline Leukemia or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus positive so if she hasn't been checked for these viruses she should be. Make sure to follow up with your veterinarian as the only hope of her being comfortable or saving some teeth is to follow his recommendations closely.

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