Televets

• Home
• »
• Pet Questions
• »
• Cats
• »
• View Question

dental concerns

Maddie

My 1 1/2 year old cat went to the vet for a teeth cleaning this morning after at her routine yearly exam it was discovered she had excessive tartar and plaque build up. A few minutes ago, the vet called to advise me to test for the feline leukemia virus as this may be a sign of the virus. Is this probable? What else may cause tartar buildup in such a young cat? She is playful, eats well, and no other signs of any diseases, does have some signs of crust around her nose though as if a runny nose. I have 3 other cats that are all 5 months older than her, and all indoor cats. Any advice? I'm going crazy waiting for the test results and her phone call!

Symptoms: Dental, Itching & Scratching, Sneezing

• Veteran Advisor Alison says:

  February 28th, 2008 at 07:45 PM

  Hello!

  Yes - very red/inflammed gums in a cat can indicate FeLV (Fline Leukaemia virus) Or calici (Another viral disease. However, some young cats are also just prone to tarta build up at a young age.

  If her blood results are negative for the disease then I would toothbrushing and dental care products as she is young enough to begin to tolerate these well. I can recommend CET products i'e CET toothpaste and CET chews.

  Please try not to worry at the moment - all may well be normal - it is good however that you vet is being cautious as you do have other cats.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Answer:

  

• User suggests:

  March 27th, 2009 at 12:58 AM

  My vet did not even suggest any other testing when she saw the plaque buildup. Now she said surgery...which costs $1000 +...I feel i could have done something last yr when she 1st noticed the plaque.

  Current Rating:

  Rate This Suggestion: