What are Dental Abscess?
Three types of dental abscesses can form under the tooth of a cat. The first type is a gingival abscess, which primarily affects gum tissue. The second is a periodontal abscess, which affects the gums directly. Veterinary attention should be sought out immediately as abscesses can burst from too much pressure, can be quite painful, and cause large wounds in the cat's face. Infection can also spread throughout the body and compromise vital organs.
When tooth decay occurs in a cat, bacteria can spread down into the root of the tooth. The bacteria disintegrates the tissue in and around the tooth, forming a cavity. The cavity then fills with dead white blood cells and more bacteria. This foul-smelling fluid is called “pus”. A pus-filled cavity under a tooth is commonly referred to as a dental abscess. The gum tissue surrounding the abscess often becomes red and inflamed.
Dental Abscess Average Cost
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Average Cost
$900
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Symptoms of Dental Abscess in Cats
If you suspect any symptoms of a pus cavity or abscess forming under your cat’s tooth, go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Infections within the abscess have the potential to develop into a systemic bacterial infection, which is life-threatening. Symptoms you should watch for include:
- Round, visible bump in the mouth
- Drooling
- Pawing at mouth
- Nose bleeds
- Swollen face
- Draining wound
- Inability to eat
- Weight loss
- Loose tooth
- Discoloration of tooth
- Bad breath
- Decrease in grooming
- Fever
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
Causes of Dental Abscess in Cats
Any condition or occurrence that erodes or breaks a cat’s tooth can cause a dental abscess to form. Some underlying issues may dispose a cat to dental issues and tooth decay. These issues should be looked for to help prevent further abscess formation. Some main causes for pus cavities under the teeth are:
- Trauma
- Biting on a hard substance
- FORL (feline odontoclastic resorptive) lesions that slowly absorb adult teeth back into the body
- Untreated periodontal disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Mouth burn (often from chewing electric cables)
Diagnosis of Dental Abscess in Cats
Diagnosis of a dental abscess is often quite simple. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the cat, focusing much time on the mouth and face. Visual confirmation of a pus cavity is often all that is needed to diagnose the issue. The veterinarian may need to differentiate a dental abscess from an eye infection or a puncture wound if swelling of the face is the main symptom present.
An X-ray may be required to identify the source of the bacterial infection and monitor the surrounding teeth for any spreading. Blood tests may be performed including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile to determine overall health and identify possible underlying issues. If the cat has undergone major trauma, other more severe injuries may need to be treated first.
Treatment of Dental Abscess in Cats
Treatment should be administered quickly to relieve the abscess. The larger the abscess has become, the more dangerous the infection can be to the cat.
Drain & Clean
The first step in treating a cat with a dental abscess is to sedate it (possibly with general anesthesia), and lance the abscess to drain out all of the pus. The cavity will then be thoroughly cleaned. Antibiotics may be injected at this time to curb infection.
Extraction
Often, the tooth and surrounding areas are too decayed to save. In this case, a full removal of the tooth will be performed. The infection has to be decreased prior to extraction surgery or serious complications may arise. Cold packs can be used post surgery to bring down swelling and reduce pain.
Antibiotics
After a dental abscess has been removed, antibiotics will be prescribed for seven to ten days to rid the body of harmful bacteria.
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Recovery of Dental Abscess in Cats
A follow-up exam will be scheduled one to two weeks after your cat has been treated. At this time, your veterinarian will perform a sensitivity test on the affected tooth and check for any signs of infection. You may have to administer pain medication at home while the cat recovers. Sometimes, a diet of soft food is recommended while the mouth is healing. No chew toys should be allowed until after the gum has healed over completely.
It is important to have your cat’s teeth and mouth checked at least twice a year to prevent the formation of tooth decay. Hard kibble may help scrape off plaque and keep teeth clean. Maintain your cat’s dental hygiene by brushing its teeth daily with cat-specific toothpaste. If your cat is of a breed susceptible to dental issues (such as Siamese, Burmese, Persian and Somali breeds), take extra care to ensure teeth are kept clean. Check your cat’s mouth for broken teeth, bad breath, or lesions on a regular basis.
Dental Abscess Average Cost
From 390 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,500
Average Cost
$900
Top
Dental Abscess Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
tabby
Lucy
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating Lethargic, Improved Now
My 10 year old female tabby has a tooth abscess. They weren't sure if it was primary or secondary. The vet didn't think the tooth would have caused her not to eat since cats like in the wild instinctively will eat to survive. She had blood work done. I took her to the vet since she was not eating much for about 2 weeks. They gave her a medication to calm her stomach and I was trying to force feed her over the weekend. I was monitoring her urine/ stool and she had no stool but her urine was bright orange at least 2 times I could see.The vet said the orange urine is bilirubin. Her blood work came back on Monday with severe liver inflammation. She's now on an antibiotic and a med to stimulate her appetite. Now she's drinking a lot of water and eating Temptations treats on the second day on an antibiotic, she's so much better. Do you think the abscess caused the severe liver inflammation? Can a bacterial infection from an abscessed tooth cause severe liver inflammation? If she can keep eating and drinking enough to get the tooth taken care of do you think it will go well?
Aug. 1, 2018
0 Recommendations
There is a connection between poor oral hygiene and liver inflammation (among other issues involving the heart and other organs); it is important to treat the dental abscess and to give support to the liver along with supportive and symptomatic care. I cannot give a prognosis since I haven’t made an examination myself, but monitor for improvement and check in with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 1, 2018
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Cat
Cuddles
3 Months
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0 found this helpful
My 12 week old cat has a lump that has grown in the last couple days on her lower left mandible. Today she has been sleeping for about 11 hours we have brought her to her dish. Then she will go back to sleep. She does feel warm as well. I will bring her to the vet in the morning just wondering if she will be ok over night?
July 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure what might be causing that lump to be growing, but young kittens can have abscesses that can make them feel very ill. Those don't tend to be fatal overnight, but do usually require treatment.
July 23, 2018
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tabby
Bagpuss
18 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
I have been to the vets and she was given an injection of antibiotics on Monday I called back again for pain relief for her and was given Metacam but she is sleeping nearly all the time not eating,drinking or going to the loo and I am really scared for her is there anything else I can do I have tried giving her water through an oral syrine but that is difficult any ideas please?
July 19, 2018
1 Recommendations
Side effects including lethargy and loss of appetite are commonly seen with medications like Metacam (meloxicam) and many different antibiotics; also any pain or discomfort from the abscess may also result in the same symptoms (among others). Without examining Bagpuss I cannot say whether the symptoms are due to the abscess or the medication side effects, however I would recommend returning to your Veterinarian before the weekend to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 20, 2018
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Domestic house cat
Sammie
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My cat developed a large lump on right side of his face. He is rarely outside so Im positive it is not any kind of bite. I took him to the vet & they let me know it was an abcess and gave him an antibiotic which worked for 3 weeks. But now the lump is back and bigger than before. Is it a tooth or cheeck abcess? What's the difference between the two?
July 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Tooth roots can abscess, and can be difficult to see without x-rays. Skin abscesses can occur where they do need surgery to drain if they are not responsive to antibiotics. Since the problem has returned, Sammie may need further diagnostics to see what is at the root of this problem. Your veterinarian will be able to examine him, see what might need to be done, and give him any treatment that he may need.
July 15, 2018
I am takimg him back in to the vet tomorrow morning, thank you so much for your time.☺
July 15, 2018
Sammie's Owner
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grey tabby
Ekko
10 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating
Cant Chew Food Properly
My kitten has an appetite but can’t chew his food/eat. He is still active/playing. He drinks water and tries to eat but i’m scared he’s not actually swallowing much. He has thrown up quite a bit (just clear liquid or a slight yellow tinge) i think that’s from his lack of eating. Should i be worried or give it time to see if things get better.
July 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
If Ekko is having some trouble eating and is showing signs of pain you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination; oral trauma, dental issues (retained teeth for example), temporomandibular joint disorders among other causes may lead to problems. Without examining Ekko I cannot say what the specific cause is or the best course of action. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 3, 2018
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Dental Abscess Average Cost
From 390 quotes ranging from $500 - $1,500
Average Cost
$900
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
