The differential diagnosis and treatment of gingivitis in the cat

The most common dental disease of cats is gingivitis. This simple inflammatory response results from bacterial plaque attached to the tooth surface. The inflammatory response can progress to periodontitis and further degenerative changes, leading to necrotic and proliferative changes in gingival tissue. This article presents the pathologic changes associated with the progression of gingivitis in cats with an emphasis on immunologic events. Evaluation of gingivitis is followed by a differential diagnosis of gingivitis. Treatment of gingivitis and oral diseases of the cat is presented.