Resolution of Chronic Diarrhoea Following Treatment of Periodontal Disease in a Cat

TL;DR

A cat's chronic diarrhea was resolved after treating severe periodontal disease, highlighting a possible link between dental health and gastrointestinal issues.

Contribution

Demonstrates a novel case where treating periodontal disease resolved chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in a cat.

Findings

Chronic small-bowel diarrhea in a cat resolved completely after periodontal treatment.

The cat's appetite, weight, and coat quality improved following dental extractions and hygiene.

No other interventions or dietary changes were made during the recovery period.

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection and inflammation of the tissues supporting a cat’s teeth. It is common in cats of all ages and causes discomfort and tooth loss, can affect a cat’s appetite, and has been linked to other health problems. This case report describes a cat with severe periodontal disease and chronic small-bowel diarrhoea for 2 years despite dietary modification. The cat also had a matted coat and reduced appetite. After treatment of periodontal disease with extractions and dental hygiene, the diarrhoea completely resolved without any other changes or interventions. The cat gained weight and the coat improved. This case illustrates the potential connection between periodontal disease and gastrointestinal problems and emphasises the importance of the detection and prompt management of dental problems to improve feline health and welfare.

An association between periodontal disease and comorbid disorders, including gastrointestinal signs, has been reported in cats and investigated in humans, where a bidirectional relationship between oral and gastrointestinal microbiomes exists. A 5-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 2-year history of small-bowel diarrhoea. The cat’s appetite was reduced, and coat quality had deteriorated. On examination, the cat was found to have periodontal disease affecting multiple teeth and a matted coat. Biochemistry revealed mild hyperproteinaemia, haematology was unremarkable, cobalamin was normal, folate was elevated, and retroviral testing was negative. Abdominal ultrasound showed diffuse muscularis thickening without other abnormalities, and dental examination and radiography revealed missing teeth, a root remnant, stage 4 periodontal disease, and tooth resorption. Multiple extractions were performed, and multimodal analgesia was provided, including locoregional dental blocks. The cat’s appetite, body condition, energy levels, and coat quality improved after the procedure, and the diarrhoea completely resolved within a month of the procedure without any changes in diet, physical, social environment, or the use of any medications, and did not recur during the following 7 months. This case illustrates the potential role of periodontal disease in the development of gastrointestinal disease and the benefits outside the oral cavity of managing dental disease in cats.

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