Minor Gingivitis, can it cause issues

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Nancey

Nancey

Member Since 2012
Hi All,

It has been a while since I have posted, lots of things going on trying to get back in the swing here. Frodo is having issues with his BG's was doing well and then all of a sudden he just blew up on me, can't seem to get him back down below 200. We have been increasing his dose a little at a time, but nothing seems to make a difference, he is the same across the board. We had an ultrasound done of his pancreas, stomach, intestines, the whole gambit and the only thing they found was a slight thickening of his intestinal walls. Doctor was not concerned with that as he is having no symptoms. The only thing they have found is he has a little minor gingivitis going on his back teeth on one side. My regular vet did not see where it called for a cleaning yet but the specialist thinks it would not hurt to go ahead and do it as it could be enough to throw him off his numbers.

My questions are: Has anyone had this issue? Would you do the cleaning if it is just minor? I don't mind doing it if needed, but hate to stress him out if not needed.

Any insight would help.
Thanks,
Nancey
 
Don't have his record with me at the moment, but pretty sure it has been 2 years. Probably why the vet was surprised he really had very little going on with his teeth, she didn't even say it was red. The last time I had it done they said it was just soft deposits and all looked well. I don't do it every year, my vet is very good at looking and recommends when it should be done. She knows we have no problem doing anything for the furbabies when needed. I have to take 2 other kitties into the vet tomorrow for blood work, one is hyperthyroid and the other has heart disease. (I have lots of old kitties), so think I am going to ask her about it. The boy hates to travel, but if he needs it he needs it.
 
Any infection, even a mild one, can make the glucose levels rise. If the gums are at all irritated, get the dental done.
 
Okay that is what I was wondering. If even the slightest thing could push his BGs up. At one point I had him staying at 100 and below and then last December he just jumped and I have not been able to get him back down. I know a little may also be stress since I have taken in a couple of cats to foster, but I don't think it is what pushed him this high. Guess I will be making an appointment for a dental. Poor boy... he hates riding.
 
You might work on desensitizing him to travel using low carb treats and a series of very tiny steps towards doing that.

Basically, you plan out the series of small steps, for example:
Going into the cat carrier,
Going into the carrier and have the door close then open.
Add on lift and put down.
Add on walk a couple steps, etc.

You take several days to a week or more at each step, practicing and treating. Once comfortable with a step, you move to the next step. If the next step fails, think of a smaller step in between the previous step and that one, or come up with a different step entirely. It can be a long process, but if it reduces the stress of travel, it is worth it.
 
Very good point BJM, I will give that a try. He will go in the carrier with no problems, no fight at all, but the minute I zip it up he starts hollering and doesn't stop until I am at the vet office. I honestly think he hates driving. :smile:
 
Infections can certainly push up the BG's.
My Bertie has had an infection recently (deep abcess) on his flank and that really threw his BG's up high. (Vet said it was probably caused by my injecting insulin into the flank rather than the scruff... :shock: )
Bert also has gingivitis and could do ideally do with a dental, but the vet doesn't want to do it because of Bertie's age. (And there are no other decent vets in my area). Curiously though, he's been getting good numbers even with the gingivitis. But that abcess...yeesh!!!

A long shot, I know, but is there any chance that the foods you're feeding have been reformulated? Maybe higher in carb than previously?
Does your cat appear to have any pain that could be pushing up the BG's? Arthritis maybe..?
Could that thickening of the bowel be IBS..?

And sometimes, a cat's need for insulin just 'changes'. And we never know the reason why... :YMSIGH:

Keeping fingers and paws crossed that your kitty is back in better numbers soon.

Eliz
 
A long shot, I know, but is there any chance that the foods you're feeding have been reformulated? Maybe higher in carb than previously?
Does your cat appear to have any pain that could be pushing up the BG's? Arthritis maybe..?
Could that thickening of the bowel be IBS..?​


Hey Bertie,

Not real sure on the food, he is eating Wellness Turkey and Chicken, Core Kitten and Tiki Koolina & Puka Puka. I know others feed these same foods, and I use freezed dried chicken for his treats.

I haven't noticed any behavior that would make me think he was in pain. However he is very grumpy when his numbers are high. He is 10 years old so I guess the possibility of arthritis is there.

Also I wondered about the thickening of the intestines but he is really not having any symptoms, so not sure about that.

I have been beating my head against the wall trying to figure out what changed to make his numbers go from low 100's to these numbers. It is driving me crazy. I talke to the vet today will see what she thinks and I also increased his does to 2.0 this morning. Will update when I get back from the vet.

Nancey
 
A mild case of gingivitis was enough to knock my sugar kitty out of remission the first time. It took a dental and another quick stint on insulin to put her back into remission. Unfortunately, other health issues have since put her back on insulin.
 
So just got back from the vet, she agreed to my pushing Frodo up to 2.0. Asked that I keep him there for 7-10 days and if nothing changes then she is thinking we try him on Lantus. I also asked her about getting a dental, she said she would not say that would fix the issue but it would not hurt to try since he did have mild gingivitis it. So I will be setting up an appointment to have that done, and then hope and pray it makes some kind of difference. I will get my spreadsheet updated to include the new dosage numbers.
 
Over on Cat Info, there is a demo video of brushing a cat's teeth. Something to consider, if he'd go for it. If his mouth is at all painful, wait until after the dental and any recovery. Otherwise, he'll fight you on it due to pain.
 
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