Feline gingivitis

Authors: Webster JR, Tannock GW, Dobbinson SS
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 36, Issue 2, pp 93-94, Jun 1988
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cat, Companion animal
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Oral/teeth
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Feline gingivitis is a commonly encountered disease in veterinary practice. The clinical manifestations of the disease range from a mildly erythematous and oedematous gingival margin extending l-2 millimetres from the tooth border to a grossly swollen and erythematous area 5-6 millimetres deep. In the mildest form, the animal does not show signs of pain, hypersalivation or halotosis. Severely affected cats show all of these signs and also commonly exhibit anorexia, toxaemia and enlargement of the lymphoid tissue at the fawces. Gingivitis is often seen at three stages of a cat`s development: (a) at the eruption of the secondary teeth (3-5 months of age); (b) at the time of sexual maturity (6-9 months); and (c) at an older age in association with tartar or calculus accumulated on the tooth surfaces. Gingivitis is of particular concern to breeders of pedigree cats. Surprisingly, little information of the..

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