My kitten has the worst breath...(Smells like he's been eating out of his litter box!) I thought this was from the raw meat that I feed him. Lately, however, I notice his gums are red. At first I thought this was due to teething since he is coming up on 6 months old. I called the vet today to let him know and he suggested I take him in this evening. Now I am worried! (Though trying to remain calm.) I am wondering if he may have 'juvenile gingivitis'...??
Do you know what might be causing this or have you ever encountered a similar situation? Thanks.
(08-09-2010 03:29 PM)GeoVal Wrote: [ -> ]My kitten has the worst breath...(Smells like he's been eating out of his litter box!) I thought this was from the raw meat that I feed him. Lately, however, I notice his gums are red. At first I thought this was due to teething since he is coming up on 6 months old. I called the vet today to let him know and he suggested I take him in this evening. Now I am worried! (Though trying to remain calm.) I am wondering if he may have 'juvenile gingivitis'...??
Do you know what might be causing this or have you ever encountered a similar situation? Thanks.
Hermes has calici-related problems with his gums, we do keep it in check though. When he was teething he had little blisters that easily bled and his breath was awful - it's a lot better now!
nicky, Did he have to be on any medication? Or what was suggested to help him?
Do you now need to be extra vigilant to brush his teeth regularly? I appreciate the feedback as I am always wanting to learn more...
When kittens teeth their breath smells horendous. Could it be from this?
Well, the good news is that the vet said he is normal. Sometimes, the foul breath can indicate a problem so he requested us to come in. He is indeed teething and his gums are sore because of it. He said this stage will pass quickly. I have not been brushing his teeth lately because his gums have looked so irritated. The vet said to wait until they look normal again and then go back to cleaning them. Also, Valentino slept in this morning- he didn't get up with me as usual...so I thought he might not be feeling well. When he finally did get up, he was his usual playful self, thank goodness. I've read that it can be hard to detect when cats are ill, they can be difficult to read, so I am extra attentive. I am extra attentive anyway!
Trying to diagnose by reading stuff on the internet can make one conjure up all kinds of terrible things, whether for pet or person.
I was following this thread but had no idea. I'm so glad you made the trip to the vet. It's just so much better to exercise caution than not when the health of our kitties is concerned. I'm glad that all is normal though!
Good to hear your kitten is Ok and just teething! Dental problems can be scary. Lancelot has trouble with his teeth and has been on a few courses of antibiotics but he's really good now. Maybe keep an eye on your kitten's teeth. It's really good you're brushing them, that should help keep any mouth nasties at bay
(08-09-2010 04:18 PM)GeoVal Wrote: [ -> ]nicky, Did he have to be on any medication? Or what was suggested to help him?
Do you now need to be extra vigilant to brush his teeth regularly? I appreciate the feedback as I am always wanting to learn more...
It usually is the bacterial infection that comes with the viral invection which causes the foul breath, calici is a virus - there is not much you can do. The bacteria you can fight using antibiotics - Hermes had a poor immune system as a kitten (a really bad reaction to his first shots included).