In November 2022, Junior—a senior cat who had been a healthy 12-13 pounds—arrived at the vet showing concerning symptoms of weight loss and decreased appetite. He began dropping food during meals and wincing as he tried to eat. After a thorough exam, the veterinarian discovered a new heart murmur and advanced periodontal disease. This level of dental disease, paired with the heart murmur, led to further testing. Junior’s blood pressure was high, prompting a prescription for blood pressure medication and a blood thinner to prevent clot risks.
A blood test revealed elevated heart proteins, indicating that his heart was straining to pump blood effectively—a common issue in aging cats that can lead to weakened cardiac function. To ease his eating discomfort while he awaited a cardiology appointment, Junior received antibiotics and pain relief injections to reduce inflammation in his mouth.
In January 2023, Junior’s cardiologist conducted an in-depth cardiac exam, including an EKG and echocardiogram, and deemed his heart murmur “innocent,” making him safe for anesthesia. Unfortunately, his weight had dropped to 9.9 pounds. With his blood pressure stable, Junior was now ready to address his dental issues. By March, he was scheduled for a dentistry procedure, though his treatment faced delays due to persistent inflammation. Pre-operative bloodwork was sent out, and oral antibiotics were added to his care to better prepare him for the procedure.
On April 3rd, 2023, Junior underwent a comprehensive dental exam under anesthesia. X-rays showed he had lost 13 teeth and would need the remaining 17 extracted. After the extractions, he began an oral steroid to manage post-procedure inflammation, which allowed his gums to heal. Junior recovered swiftly and, by his two-week recheck on April 20th, was eating ravenously and had gained weight, hitting 10.4 pounds.
Routine follow-up appointments in May revealed Junior’s mouth was healing well, and his weight continued to rise, reaching 11.5 pounds by late May. He was able to discontinue his steroid, and a final antibiotic course was completed to keep inflammation at bay. A final check in July confirmed that his gums were fully healed, and his weight reached 11.8 pounds.
In October, Junior returned for a routine senior exam. His mouth remained healthy, and he was only on blood pressure medication. This checkup, and his thriving condition, demonstrated the transformative impact of routine care and close monitoring. His weight climbed back to 12.8 pounds—a significant improvement that highlighted the importance of regular exams and early intervention in addressing health issues.
By September 2024, nearly two years after his initial dental concerns, Junior was enjoying life with a greatly improved quality of life. Although missing all his teeth, Junior relishes his dry food—the highlight of his day.
The Value of Routine Exams and Dental Care for Pets
Junior’s journey with feline stomatitis underscores the importance of a consistent health care routine for pets. This painful inflammation of the gums, cheeks, and tongue can be challenging to manage. Without routine checkups, conditions like stomatitis might go unnoticed until they are severe, making treatment more complicated and potentially impacting a pet’s quality of life.
While the exact cause of stomatitis remains unclear, experts believe it may stem from an immune response to plaque bacteria, triggering an excessive inflammatory reaction. Regular dental care, including cleanings and plaque control, can help keep inflammation in check. Routine dental assessments and at-home care are crucial to manage the buildup that can lead to more severe symptoms.
For some cats, early intervention with medications can reduce inflammation, but long-term relief may require dental extractions and surgery, as in Junior’s case. Following surgery, most cats respond well, allowing them to live comfortably without the discomfort of chronic inflammation.
Junior’s story serves as a reminder of how routine veterinary care, coupled with targeted treatments, can truly enhance your pet’s life. With regular dental and health checkups, pet owners can help their pets avoid serious complications, ensuring their pets enjoy each day to the fullest.
Citations:
Barnes, C., Weir, M., Hiscox, L., & Bellows, J. (2023). Dental disease in cats: VCA Animal Hospitals. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-cats
O’Hara, K. (2024, May 16). Feline stomatitis. MSPCA Angell. https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/feline-stomatitis/#:~:text=An%20over%2Dreaction%20to%20the,attacks%20the%20dental%20tissue%20itself.
Stomatitis in Cats: Everything You Should Know. Tri-County Animal Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.tricoanimalclinic.com/site/blog/2023/08/15/stomatitis-cats#:~:text=Feline%20stomatitis%20is%20an%20incredibly,avoidance%20or%20refusal%20of%20food.
