can gum disease be cured in a 2 year old cat? how?

Question

she is getting steroid injections every couple weeks,and all the vitamins and supplements i can find. thank-you

Answer 1

I noticed that some people were asking if the cat has been tested for feline leukemia. I have another question. Has the cat been tested for another very deadly and contagious disease called feline infectious peritinitous? I have a cat who was diagnosed with it about a year and a half ago. He wasn't eating and his gums were red and inflamed. I took him to the vet and the vet gave him the test. He came back positive and now he has had all of his teeth pulled (because the disease causes the immune system to attack the teeth), and he has to take interfuron and antibiotics for the rest of his life. He is still very much alive at this time and is responding incredibly well to treatment. Please get your cat tested for this disease.

Answer 2

Since FIP was brought up as a possibility I think you should go to www.littlebigcat.com and read Dr. Jean Hovfe's newsletter article on that disease (It is in Volume 4, #4). Of the symptoms she lists there is no mention of gum disease. Also it is caused by a mutated form of the corona virus which is present in many cats not having the FIP. It is not "highly contagious".

A high quality diet is important with chronic gum problems. I wish I knew what the cat was eating. Constant steroid injections are not good for a cat long-term. Twice a month would suggest to me that they are not being effective in light of the risk of their long-term use.

"For red, inflamed gums, the topical application of an herbal combination called Echinacea-Goldenseal Supreme, by Gaia Herbs (800-831-7780) can help make a cat's mouth more comfortable.......It is important to build up an animals' immune system whenever you see gum disorders."

Dosage: "Saturate a Q-tip with the liquid. Run it along the gum line once a day. If the condition is severe, do it twice a day." Karen Bentley, DVM.

You might try skipping a steroid shot or two to see if this treatment would help your cat. Supplementation with Vitamin C is also suggested in this book for mouth problems. Dosage is not given. Vitamin C is water soluble so it will not cause a buildup in the cat's system that could cause harm.

Answer 3

This is not common in a young cat. I think she may have an underlying problem, like FELV. Why is your cat getting steroid injections? If this is what your vet is offering you go to another vet. Your cat needs to have some diagnostic testing to determine what is really going on. If your not sure how to tell a Veterinarians qualifications if he/she is a member of AAHA, the American Animal Hospital Association, is generally a sign of high quality practice.
Another writer mentions FIP feline infectious peritonitis, this usually presents with jaundice and abdominal distension. But gum disease would be more likely in an immunosupressed patient as seen with FELV or FIV.

Answer 4

Gum disease isn't that common in a 2 year old cat. Has she been teste for FIV/FelV. Sometimes young cats with bad mouths are postitive. Also does she have a specific type of gum disease. Why is she getting steroids?

Answer 5

I'm not so sure about the steroid injections and vitamins. Your cat should get the vitamins she needs from the cat food.

It sounds like you should get another opinion from your vet. Sounds like there may be more problems that can't be detected by the eye.