Quality of Life Increases Through Feline Dental Care
Have you ever wondered why we check your cat’s mouth and teeth during a regular wellness exam? Besides the fact that we leave no stone unturned, we look under the lips, around the gums, the tongue and throat because periodontal disease affects 85% of all adult cats. Like parasite prevention and proper nutrition, the state of your cat’s oral health and hygiene largely contributes to overall wellness and longevity. Think feline dental care is a big deal? We do, too!
Hiding Weakness
Your cat is hardwired to mask problematic symptoms as a method of self-preservation. Because of this, your cat could be suffering from painful dental problems or periodontal disease and you’d be none the wiser. That’s why we take a full account of your cat’s oral health at his or her annual (or biannual) exam. Ignoring the importance of feline dental care can be disastrous, leading to shorter life spans, painful systemic infections, emergency situations, and dental extractions.
Broad Strokes
Periodontal disease occurs when layers of plaque and tartar build up and harden on your cat’s teeth. In turn, bacteria from the plaque creates a severe inflammatory response in the gums, commonly known as gingivitis. Your cat’s heart, liver, and kidneys could suffer from life-threatening conditions if bacteria from the mouth (oral) seeps into the bloodstream. However, proper feline dental care can eliminate the possibility of receding gums, exposed roots, abscesses and a condition called FORLs (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions).
The following symptoms may be present if your kitty has dental disease:
- Bad breath
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Red, swollen gums
- Loss of appetite or reduced appetite (this can be subtle so measure your cat’s daily food intake!)
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting, diarrhea and insidious weight loss
FORLs are extremely painful and comprise about 95% of the dental disease we see at Cat Care of Vinings! These lesions start under the gum and are undetectable initially. By the time we see red gums and pain, bad breath and “mouth shy” cats, the later stages of this condition are in process and the tooth is destroyed slowly and painfully with deeper bone infections often discovered during extraction. A cat may eat normally and act very typically at home with the family with dental disease, but we always hear that after we remove these severely diseased teeth, the cats seem suddenly “in a better mood,” or “more like the kitten they used to be.” Don’t be fooled by normal behavior and appetite at home – let us check your furry friend’s dental health with each visit to Cat Care of Vinings and head off any problems before they become severe and require extensive dental work and extractions. A good deep cleaning, fluoride treatment, and full dental x-rays do wonders and give us and you every opportunity to eliminate a very painful condition and extend both the quality and quantity time you have with your baby!
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I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.