gingivitis

[Medusa]

Welcome to Pet Talk! I'm sorry to read that your kitty is having such a time w/gingivitis. My RB Puddy had it but only slightly and my vet had me squirt Chlorhexadine onto her gums which helped w/inflammation. However, as Lizzie said, if your kitty has stomatitis, it can be very painful or if roots were left after surgery, that can also be a cause of much pain. There is a PT member who has had experience w/cats and stomatitis and she had all of their teeth removed and they did wonderfully after that, so if that is the end result for your kitty, try not to feel too badly about it. They learn to adapt just fine. After you get the x-rays done, I hope that you'll post again and let us know how your kitty is doing.

[BaBaWaWa]

Thanx for your info; having worked in the dental profession for 45 years(with people....not cats) I am embarassed to have my cat in such a state with her mouth. I know Chlorahexadene (spelling??) works well with humans; never gave it a thought for cats. It tastes TERRIBLE & I know it would be impossible to give to my Bengal. She's a wonderful cat but when it comes to anything to do with her mouth OR administering meds, she really shows her WILD side...my vet can attest to that. She has to be sedated for an oral exam & "burrito wrapped" for meds. We are waiting one more month to see if her condition improves B4 seeing a dental specialist. I do hope the antibiotics & anti inflammatory(Metacam 0.15 ml per day) does the trick. If not, the x-rays may reveal a root tip left from the surgery. It really breaks my heart to see her hurting.....this is going to be a LONG month. Thanx for your responses

[Medusa]

The Chlorhexadine that my vet gave me is specifically for cats, so it doesn't taste so bad plus it has a long tip that makes it easy to squirt on the gums. I do know how difficult some cats can be w/administering meds, though. Puddy was like that until she became so sick that she cooperated. I know how nasty it tastes for humans; I use it myself. LOL He also told me that I can put it right in her water fountain and not have to worry about her swallowing it, so maybe talk to your vet about it and see what s/he says.

[kb2yjx]

Sorry to hear about your cat's dental problem. Have you tried to puree her wet food?? Maybe that might help with the growling....good luck....