Gingivitis problem

Hello all,

My 4 y.o. cat Buddha has a very slight case of gingivitis on his 2 back
molars. Vet says he'll need his teeth cleaned within the next 6 months
to the tune of $150-200 with general anesthesia. Would love to avoid
the danger of putting a small animal under (and wouldn't mind a cheaper
alternative either!).


Any suggestion for an alternative treatment? I already feed him tartar
control treats. He won't let me brush his teeth although he loves to
lick the toothpaste off my finger ;-)

Treatment

Treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease begins with thorough
cleaning of the teeth by your veterinarian. The animal is put under general
anesthesia, because a dog or cat will not allow adequate examination of its
mouth and teeth when it is awake. Complete cleaning of all tooth surfaces
and thorough examination of the mouth enables the veterinarian to determine
if extractions or other treatments are necessary. Regular, at-home and
professional dental care are necessary to keep gingivitis and periodontal
disease under control.



"Untreated gingivitis frequently progresses to periodontal disease, which is
the breakdown of the structures that hold the teeth firmly in the jaw. If
periodontal disease continues unchecked, the teeth eventually loosen and
fall out."


"Untreated gingivitis may develop into a severe form of gingivitis called
lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis. Affected animals have bright red gums
that are severely painful and may bleed. Difficulty eating is characteristic
of this condition. There is no cure, but there are treatment alternatives
which may help to control the disease."




"VeggieBurger" wrote in message
.. .
Hello all,

My 4 y.o. cat Buddha has a very slight case of gingivitis on his 2 back
molars. Vet says he'll need his teeth cleaned within the next 6 months
to the tune of $150-200 with general anesthesia. Would love to avoid
the danger of putting a small animal under (and wouldn't mind a cheaper
alternative either!).


Any suggestion for an alternative treatment? I already feed him tartar
control treats. He won't let me brush his teeth although he loves to
lick the toothpaste off my finger ;-)

Thank you but I've already read all the textbook stuff. What I want to
know is if this procedure is avoidable. Since gingivitis is caused by
bacteria, isn't an antibiotic a possible solution? I really don't want
to risk putting my cat under general anesthesia.



Carol Cooper wrote:

Treatment

Treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease begins with thorough
cleaning of the teeth by your veterinarian. The animal is put under general
anesthesia, because a dog or cat will not allow adequate examination of its
mouth and teeth when it is awake. Complete cleaning of all tooth surfaces
and thorough examination of the mouth enables the veterinarian to determine
if extractions or other treatments are necessary. Regular, at-home and
professional dental care are necessary to keep gingivitis and periodontal
disease under control.



"Untreated gingivitis frequently progresses to periodontal disease, which is
the breakdown of the structures that hold the teeth firmly in the jaw. If
periodontal disease continues unchecked, the teeth eventually loosen and
fall out."


"Untreated gingivitis may develop into a severe form of gingivitis called
lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis. Affected animals have bright red gums
that are severely painful and may bleed. Difficulty eating is characteristic
of this condition. There is no cure, but there are treatment alternatives
which may help to control the disease."




"VeggieBurger" wrote in message
.. .

Hello all,

My 4 y.o. cat Buddha has a very slight case of gingivitis on his 2 back
molars. Vet says he'll need his teeth cleaned within the next 6 months
to the tune of $150-200 with general anesthesia. Would love to avoid
the danger of putting a small animal under (and wouldn't mind a cheaper
alternative either!).


Any suggestion for an alternative treatment? I already feed him tartar
control treats. He won't let me brush his teeth although he loves to
lick the toothpaste off my finger ;-)

"VeggieBurger" wrote in message
.. .
Hello all,

My 4 y.o. cat Buddha has a very slight case of gingivitis on his 2 back
molars. Vet says he'll need his teeth cleaned within the next 6 months to
the tune of $150-200 with general anesthesia. Would love to avoid the
danger of putting a small animal under (and wouldn't mind a cheaper
alternative either!).


Any suggestion for an alternative treatment? I already feed him tartar
control treats. He won't let me brush his teeth although he loves to lick
the toothpaste off my finger ;-)

No, there is no alternative.

VeggieBurger wrote:
Thank you but I've already read all the textbook stuff. What I want to
know is if this procedure is avoidable. Since gingivitis is caused by
bacteria, isn't an antibiotic a possible solution? I really don't want
to risk putting my cat under general anesthesia.

FWIW, I had my cat Dudley's dental done this summer. He had TERRIBLE gum
disease and had to have 4 teeth extracted. I was terribly nervous about
the anesthesia, but even at 13 years old, he pulled thru like a champ.
It is very true that the mouth disease stuff can cause myriad problems
for kitty...so take care of it! Dudley had been on antibiotics for other
issues and while it killed the bad breath smell, it clearly did not cure
the gum disease because as soon as he came off it, his mouth smelled
like hell once again. It seems that antibiotics are only a temporary
solution.

Good luck!
Pam

Kitkat wrote:
VeggieBurger wrote:

Thank you but I've already read all the textbook stuff. What I want
to know is if this procedure is avoidable. Since gingivitis is caused
by bacteria, isn't an antibiotic a possible solution? I really don't
want to risk putting my cat under general anesthesia.


FWIW, I had my cat Dudley's dental done this summer. He had TERRIBLE gum
disease and had to have 4 teeth extracted. I was terribly nervous about
the anesthesia, but even at 13 years old, he pulled thru like a champ.
It is very true that the mouth disease stuff can cause myriad problems
for kitty...so take care of it! Dudley had been on antibiotics for other
issues and while it killed the bad breath smell, it clearly did not cure
the gum disease because as soon as he came off it, his mouth smelled
like hell once again. It seems that antibiotics are only a temporary
solution.

Good luck!
Pam

Thank you. That makes me feel a whole lot better about having this
procedure done. And the animal center where I take the cats is
well-known for its professionalism. Maybe that's why it ain't cheap ;-)
Speaking of... I have VIP pet insurance and am wondering if this kind
of thing is covered. Hmmmm...