Dr Jeremy Campbell examines a feline patient
UK Cats Suffering In Silence With Undiagnosed Dental Disease
3 months ago 
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A staggering 85% of UK cats aged three and above battle dental disease in silence, says The London Cat Clinic, which is the only clinic providing advanced dentistry procedures to cats in London, and one of only a handful in the UK.
Around 1.8 million suffer from decayed teeth every year, many without showing apparent symptoms. According to figures released by the Royal Veterinary College, 15.2% of cats are diagnosed with dental diseases, however, the actual figures might be higher, say vets at the cat-only clinic.
The London Cat Clinic is the only clinic to offer advanced dentistry procedures including root canals for cats in London. Dr Rob Davis, a leading veterinary dentist, and President Elect of the British Veterinary Dental Association, heads up the Clinic’s dentistry team, setting standards in feline dental treatment.
As part of The London Cat Clinic’s ongoing dedication to cat dental wellness, it employs the Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) approach. COHATs are open to all clients, offering an in-depth evaluation of a cat’s dental state, backed up by state-of-the-art radiography.
Clinical Director, Dr Jeremy Campbell, explains: “Cats with periodontal disease are almost twice as prone to other health problems. In fact, RVC research indicates that 52.5% of the most frequently diagnosed cat disorders are more common in those with dental issues.”
He states the importance of preventive steps: “Starting toothbrush training early in a cat’s life might be tough but is hugely beneficial. Dry food doesn’t essentially clean a cat’s teeth. Most dental issues begin near or under the gums.”
Highlighting the variability of signs of dental problems in cats, he cautions, “Visible symptoms like fatigue or foul breath could indicate advanced dental conditions whereas most dental disease occurs unobserved and undiagnosed. Our patients just don’t want to show any signs of pain – as a solitary prey animal in the wild it doesn’t benefit them to show weakness.”
The Clinic's mission is to guarantee every cat undergoes meticulous assessment, resulting in a bespoke care strategy.
An illustrative case is that of Skye, an 8-year-old feline with heart complications. She arrived at the Bermondsey clinic for a dental check-up and was diagnosed with inflamed gums and broken teeth due to 'tooth resorption’.
Dr Campbell said: “This condition is typical in mature cats and underscores how adept they are at masking their pain. Despite Skye being a hearty eater and showing no distress signs, such dental issues can only be diagnosed through expert oral exams which must include x-rays.”
After evaluating Skye’s heart condition through echocardiography and x-rays, the team performed a COHAT procedure. Detailed monitoring during the procedure ensured Skye's wellbeing. She had to undergo extraction for four teeth but is now on the road to recovery.
Dr Campbell reiterates the incredible resilience of cats in enduring pain. Skye’s successful COHAT procedure underscores the need for prompt, particularly preventative, treatment to ensure that cats no longer suffer unnecessary dental pain.
For an in-depth understanding of COHAT, visit: The London Cat Clinic's COHAT page.
For more information about The London Cat Clinic’s advanced dentistry procedures, visit: https://www.thelondoncatclinic.co.uk/advanced-dentistry/
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