Periodontal Disease in Cats: Stages, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Feline periodontal disease is a common condition that has affected millions of cats worldwide. It is one of the most subtle diseases that is hard to diagnose if not checked properly. 

However, its effect is detrimental to the health of felines if not diagnosed early and treated.  

As a veterinarian, you should analyze and manage cat periodontal disease and inform your clients about the problem and possible treatment.

Additionally, we are presenting a Webinar on Feline Oral Disease to discuss these issues in detail. 

You will get a chance to learn from an expert veterinary dental technician about possible treatments and prevention. 

In this post, we will take a detailed look at 

• Feline periodontal diseases
• Stages of the disease 
• Common symptoms
• Possible treatments
• And prevention

What is periodontal disease in cats?

It is an inflammation of the soft tissue and the bone in which the teeth are inserted.

Firstly, it begins with forming a plaque layer on the teeth's outer surface.

If left unchecked, plaque starts to mineralize and becomes calculus or tartar; this leads to gingivitis, which leads to tooth loss, dry pain, and other health complications.

Common Causes of Feline Periodontal Disease

Oral hygiene is the main cause of the disease, resulting in plaque formation in the teeth.

However, other factors include:

• Diet

It also observed that cats fed wet diets might develop more plaque than those fed dry diets.

• Age

As the feline ages, the chances of developing periodontal disease increase.

• Breed

Certain breeds, particularly those with brachycephalic skull formation (Persians), are at greater risk.

• Immune System Issues

Weakened immune systems trigger dental disorders like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Stages of Periodontal Disease in Cats

Knowing the feline periodontal disease stages helps you provide appropriate treatment. 

Usually, four stages are counted in terms of disease severity:

1. Stage 1: Gingivitis

   • The earliest stage, is characterized by gum inflammation.
   • No damage to the tooth’s supporting structures.
   • Reversible with prompt treatment.
   • Symptoms: Red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or eating. Bad breath may also be noticeable.

2. Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

   • Involves the early onset of bone loss.
   • Gum recession and pockets may start to form around teeth.
   • Symptoms: Increased plaque and tartar buildup, persistent bad breath, and occasional bleeding.

3. Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis

   • At this stage, more pronounced gum recession and bone loss occur.
   • Pockets around the teeth deepen, allowing bacteria to proliferate.
   • Symptoms: Visible tartar, pus around the teeth, difficulty eating, and increased discomfort. In some cases, abscesses may develop.

4. Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

   • This is the most severe form, where significant bone loss and gum recession occur.
   • Teeth may become loose or fall out due to extensive bone damage.
   • Symptoms: Severe pain, chronic inflammation, visible infection, and possible systemic effects like weight loss, lethargy, and spreading infection beyond the oral cavity.

Recognizing these stages early on can prevent irreversible damage. As veterinarians, thorough oral examinations are vital during regular checkups to catch periodontal disease at its earlier, more treatable stages.

Periodontal Disease in Cats Symptoms

It is often called a "silent disease" because many cats do not show overt signs of pain. This makes it crucial for veterinarians to educate pet owners on what to look out for. 

Symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease but often include:

• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Difficulty chewing or dropping food from the mouth
• Loose or missing teeth
• Visible tartar buildup on teeth
• Excessive drooling.
• Facial swelling or signs of discomfort when touching the face
• Behavioral changes 
• Loss of appetite 
• Frequent Pawing/Rubbing at the mouth

Given that cats are masters at hiding pain, these symptoms may only become apparent when the disease has progressed. 

So, try to schedule regular veterinary checks to early catch the disorder if any.

Treating Periodontal Disease in Cats

The cat periodontal disease treatment may vary and depends on the stage of disease. It requires professional intervention and ongoing at-home care for optimal recovery.

However, general treatment option involves; In-Clinic Treatment Options

1. Professional Dental Cleaning

   • Performed under general anesthesia to allow for a thorough cleaning and assessment.
   • Includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar and polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces.
   • Vital for preventing further progression of the disease in its early stages.

2. Tooth Extraction

   • Necessary for cats with advanced periodontitis, where teeth are loose or severely damaged.
   • Prevent further complications, such as infection and chronic pain

3. Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Treatments

   • Often prescribed to treat infections in moderate to severe cases.
   • Antibiotics can help manage bacteria that have spread into the bloodstream or surrounding tissues.

4. Gum Surgery

   • In severe cases, periodontal surgery may be needed to remove infected gum tissue or to restore gum health.
   • Laser therapy can also be an option in advanced practices.

5. Pain Management

   • NSAIDs or other pain relief medications may be required post-procedure. 
   • The medication ensures smooth recovery, reducing the risk of complications.

At-Home Maintenance for Pet Owners

Although the disease has been addressed in the clinic however, maintaining oral health at home is crucial for a smooth recovery and to prevent reoccurrence.  

Recommend the following to your clients:

• Daily or Weekly Brushing
  • Guide pet owners on properly brushing their cat’s teeth
  • Regular brushing is key to preventing plaque buildup.
• Dental Diets
  • Recommend a dental-specific diet that can help mechanically clean teeth as the cat chews.
  • These diets are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar formation.
• Dental Treats and Chews
  • Provide alternatives for at-home oral care, such as veterinary-approved dental chews that reduce tartar.
  • Chewing action helps to maintain clean teeth and gums.
• Water Additives
  • Some veterinary water additives can help reduce plaque and freshen breath when added to a cat's drinking water.

Encourage pet owners to remain consistent with at-home dental care to prevent relapse. Regular checkups are equally important to monitor progress.

Cost of Treating Cat Periodontal Disease

The cat periodontal disease treatment varies and depends on the disease's severity and the treatment duration.  

Here's a rough breakdown:

• Dental Cleaning: 

$300 - $800 (depending on location and complexity)

• Tooth Extraction

$500 - $1,200 (depending on the number of teeth and severity)

• Follow-up Care

$100 - $300 for antibiotics, pain meds, and checkups

Recommend dental insurance for pets, which may help clients offset the long-term treatment costs.

Preventive Care and Client Education

Educating pet owners about the importance of preventive care is critical to reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease in cats. 

Key Points for Preventive Care:

Routine Dental Examinations

• Schedule annual dental checkups
• Assess for early signs of gum disease
• Provide professional cleanings as needed

Early Intervention

• Address oral issues at the first signs
• Reverse early-stage disease with timely care
• Prevent progression to severe conditions

Tailored Diet and Supplements

• Recommend dental-specific diets
• Incorporate dental chews into daily routine
• Use water additives for added plaque control

Owner Engagement

• Demonstrate proper brushing techniques
• Encourage regular home care routines
• Highlight the health benefits of consistent care

Webinar on Feline Oral Disease

Join us for an insightful Webinar on Feline Oral Disease in DVM Central Expo - Dental Edition; powered by Vet and Tech.

This session will cover the latest diagnostic techniques, treatments, and preventive strategies for feline periodontal disease and other oral health issues. 

Date: Sep 18, 2024

Time: 2:00 PM (US Eastern Time)

RACE Approved

Instructor: Jeanne R. Perrone

Join the virtual expo dental edition to learn, from the expert, engage in live product demos, earn CE coupon codes, and more. 

To Wrap Up

Periodontal disease in cats is a serious but preventable condition. As a veterinarian, you must provide treatment and education to pet owners, ensuring they understand the importance of dental care.

If you need free veterinary education and helpful learning resources or want to read the latest news from the industry, join the Vet and Tech platform. We host free periodic veterinary webinars led by expert speakers, and you can earn free RACE-approved CE credits.

FAQs

What are the stages of periodontal disease in cats?

Periodontal disease progresses through four stages: 

• Gingivitis
• Early periodontitis
• Moderate periodontitis
• And advanced periodontitis

Each subsequent stage comes with severe gum inflammation, bone loss, and potential tooth loss.

How much does cat periodontal disease treatment cost?

The cost varies depending on the severity of the disease and the required treatments. Cleanings range from $300 to $800, while tooth extractions cost $500 to $1,200.