My 2-year-old cat is losing teeth. Is it serious? What can I do?

Question

My cat has lost 7 of her incisors. She is 2 y/o. She plays normally and is healthy otherwise. She eats dry and wet but has never chewed her dry. I use a dental hygiene water additive. Should I be concerned? Is there more I can do? My vet said she may have a natural immune reaction to plaque as she only has a small to mod amt on her teeth. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 9 lbs

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am sorry Beanie is having these issues. Cats can get an auto-immune disease where the immune system basically attacks the teeth. Since the teeth are so strong, the gingiva (the gums) get red and sore as an 'innocent by-stander'. The treatment is either medications life-long to decrease the immune response, which has many side-effects and would leave Beanie immuno-compromised her whole life, or to do a full mouth extraction, where you take out all of the teeth and Beanie would wet food for the rest of her life. Although this sounds dramatic, it is done under anesthetic and they are actually very comfortable afterwards and tolerate this life very well. If you want to be sure this is the disease process that is going on, you can have a visit with a dental specialist. Best of luck to you and Beanie.

My 2-year-old cat is losing teeth. Is it serious? What can I do?

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