Effects and safety analysis of diets with different Omega-3:Omega-6 ratios on postoperative recovery indicators in...

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a severe, chronic inflammatory oral disease that substantially impairs the quality of life of affected cats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with different Omega-3:Omega-6 ratios on postoperative recovery in FCGS cats. A total of 24 client-owned FCGS cats requiring full-mouth extraction were randomly divided into three groups (control group, 1:4 group, 1:10 group) and fed diets with different Omega-3:Omega-6 ratios for 30 days. No significant differences in baseline (Day 0) clinical or laboratory parameters were observed among the three groups, confirming successful randomization. Clinical indicators (stomatitis index, SI), serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), serum amyloid A (SAA), complete blood count (CBC), hepatic/renal biochemical indices, and coagulation function were measured on Days 0, 15, and 30. Results showed that the 1:4 group exhibited the most significant reduction in SI (65% decrease on Day 30, P < 0.05) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), along with the highest increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (46.20% increase on Day 30, P < 0.05). Serum SAA levels in the 1:4 group decreased by 90.09% on Day 30 (P < 0.05), and RBC levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) while WBC levels decreased (P < 0.05). Hepatic/renal biochemical indices and coagulation function remained within normal ranges in all groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with an Omega-3:Omega-6 ratio of 1:4, the most effective among the three ratios tested in this study, safely promotes postoperative recovery in FCGS cats. All tested ratios were safe, with no adverse effects on hepatic, renal, or coagulation function. We recommend initiating this diet immediately after full-mouth extraction.