Treating Cats With Mouth Discharge

If your cat is drooling excessively, it is best to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. While drooling is a normal body function, excessive drooling, or hypersalivation, can be a cause for concern. Normal drooling is usually accompanied by excitement or pleasure in the cat. Abnormal drooling appears suddenly and can last for hours. There are many potential causes of hypersalivation, ranging from non-threatening issues to more serious conditions. These include exposure to poisons, medication side effects, oral injuries, gum disease, upper respiratory infections, and chronic kidney failure. In some cases, hypersalivation may be a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Therefore, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Poisoning

If you suspect your cat has been poisoned, remove it from the source of the poison and isolate it from other animals. If the poison is on its coat or paws, try to prevent the cat from further grooming itself. Contact your vet immediately for advice and, if possible, take the packaging, plant, or substance with you to the vet. Do not try to make the cat vomit unless instructed to do so by your vet. If the skin or fur is contaminated, wash thoroughly with mild shampoo and water.

Treatment of poisoning in cats depends on the type of toxin involved. Possible treatment options include the administration of ethanol (in cases of antifreeze poisoning), fluid therapy (to help flush the toxin from the body), muscle relaxants (for tremors), anti-seizure medication, and activated charcoal (an agent that binds with the toxin and prevents it from being absorbed by the body). In some cases, induced vomiting may be necessary.

The prognosis for poisoning in cats depends on the timing of treatment and the toxin involved. The sooner your cat receives medical attention, the sooner treatment can begin, and the less time the toxin has to spread throughout the body.

Poor oral hygiene

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians, with more than half of all cats over the age of three suffering from some form of dental problem. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, debris, and plaque on the teeth, which can then harden into tartar. This buildup can irritate the gums and lead to more serious conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a condition in which the tissues attaching the tooth to the gums and bone become weakened and can lead to tooth loss. Tooth resorption is the slow, progressive destruction of the tooth, resulting in holes in the affected teeth. It is a painful condition that often requires tooth extraction as the only effective treatment.

To maintain good oral hygiene for your cat, it is recommended to brush their teeth daily or at least twice a week. Special toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for cats should be used, as human toothpaste can be toxic to cats if ingested. It is also important to regularly check the state of your cat's teeth and gums, looking for any signs of disease such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or bad breath.

If you notice any signs of dental disease or other oral health issues, it is important to consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment options. They may recommend professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia, which involves removing plaque and tartar, polishing the teeth, and conducting a comprehensive oral examination. In some cases, tooth extraction or other dental procedures may be necessary.

Tumours

Oral tumours can appear as swellings on the gums around the teeth, on the hard palate, or on the soft palate. They often ulcerate and bleed, and may become infected. They can also extend deeper into the tissues than expected, invading the underlying bone. The bone may also be affected first, causing significant tissue and oral swelling.

The cause of mouth cancer in cats is largely unknown, but it is believed that oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most common mouth cancer found in cats, may be caused by exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as chemicals in flea collars, consumption of canned tuna, and second-hand smoke. SCC accounts for 70-80% of all cat mouth cancer, and it can also be found in the tissues of the tongue, tonsils, roof, or back of the mouth. Fibrosarcoma is the second most common type of oral cancer in cats, destroying gums, bones, and muscles in the mouth.

Signs of oral tumours in cats include oral pain, bad breath, drooling, panting, movement or loss of teeth, lack of appetite or difficulty eating, reluctance to be touched on the head, facial swelling, and swelling of the lymph nodes.

Diagnosis of mouth cancer in cats involves a review of the cat's medical history, a physical examination, blood work, and a tissue biopsy. An x-ray of the skull may also be done to check for any bone involvement.

Treatment of oral tumours in cats depends on the location and extent of the tumour. Surgical removal is the standard treatment, but if the tumour is in the back of the mouth or has spread to vital structures, removal may not be possible. In these cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used to improve the cat's quality of life.

Respiratory infections

Symptoms of respiratory infections in cats include sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharge from the nose or eyes. In more severe cases, cats may develop ulcers in the mouth, have difficulty breathing, or become lethargic and feverish.

If you suspect your cat has a respiratory infection, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian will likely perform a physical and oral examination, and may recommend blood tests, eye or mouth swabs, or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for respiratory infections in cats depends on the underlying cause but typically involves supportive care such as increased environmental humidity, steam therapy, and nutritional support. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present, and in severe cases, hospitalization with oxygen therapy and nebulization treatments may be necessary.

To prevent respiratory infections in cats, it is recommended to keep your cat's vaccinations up to date, limit their exposure to infected animals, and practice good hygiene when handling multiple cats.

Heat stroke

• Move your cat to a cool, shaded area, or indoors if possible.
• Use cool (not cold) water to slowly lower your cat's body temperature. You can do this by applying cool, wet towels or cloths to their body, especially the head, neck, and feet. You can also use a spray bottle to mist them with water, or place them in a cool bath. Be careful not to overcool them, as this can also be dangerous.
• Encourage your cat to drink small amounts of cool water to help rehydrate them.
• Contact your veterinarian right away and let them know you are on your way. Heat stroke can cause serious complications, so it is important to have your cat examined as soon as possible.
• During transportation to the vet, continue to monitor your cat's body temperature and breathing. If possible, have someone else drive so you can focus on your cat.
• Once at the vet, they will likely perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests to assess your cat's condition. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and medication to help stabilize your cat's condition.

It is important to act quickly if you suspect heat stroke in your cat, as prompt treatment can significantly improve their chances of recovery. Additionally, try to prevent future heat stroke by keeping your cat cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather, and avoid leaving them unattended in hot environments such as cars or direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions