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Cats/Bleeding Gums.

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Expert: - 9/30/2009


Question
My cat is about six months old and all of the sudden i noticed his gums are bleeding, and he is really really awnry. i just got him fixed a few weeks ago, and they said his adult teeth are about to come in, is this just a side effect of that, or do they usually not bleed?

Answer
Hi Shelb.  It's possible for gums to bleed in very small amounts when kittens are cutting teeth.  I think if he had any periodontal disease that would be serious enough to cause bleeding gums now, they probably would've noted it on his exam when he was neutered, so hopefully, this is just associated with his teething.  However, if he develops bad breath, reluctance to eat, drooling, or if you're noticing blood in his water bowl, food dish or around his mouth, he should get to a vet.  These are signs that an infection may have crept in, which can occur as the adult teeth erupt through the gums.

Hope he's feeling better soon!

Jessica

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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