Vitamin B shots and Dental Decay

cosabella

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My friend has been giving her 18 y/o cat vitamin B shots to control her vomiting. So far it has worked. Unfortunately, the vitamin B may be causing dental decay.

Has anyone experienced this side effect and what can she do to prevent the decay?
 

violet

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Do you mind very much if I ask a few questions? There are some things here I would need to know in order to help. For example:

are the shots prescribed by their vet

how often is kitty getting them

by vit B shots are you talking about a combination of different B vitamins or
B 12 shots

has your friend discussed this problem with their vet

does this kitty have IBD or CRF

what else is kitty being treated with for any other kind of health problem; anything at all, supplements and medications

what is kitty's diet; what kind of food (canned or dry); what are the ingredients

To explain, just recently I had reason to look for every piece of info one could possibly find on the side effects of B vit shots, specifically B 12 shots. There is a long list. But, if dental decay is a possible side effect, I didn't see it anywhere. Which doesn't mean anything, of course. I'm just saying, I didn't see it.
What I do know is that different B vitamins have a different effect on pH. Some have an acidifying effect, some have an alkalinizing effect. They can affect the pH of the saliva, and possibly the urine pH as well. Changes to very acid or very alkaline can affect the tissues of the mouth, even cause severe inflammation. (I have experience with such inflammation.) So I imagine it's not impossible that long-term, such changes can also affect the teeth.

Talking about dental decay, I'd just like to mention very quickly that lack of vit D has been linked to dental problems, so I'm wondering if this kitty is getting the proper amount of vit D in the daily diet.

As for the B vit shots, this is something your friend definitely has to discuss with their vet. I would urge your friend to have saliva pH and urine pH tested. In my mind complete blood work and urinalysis are in order, and diet also needs to be discussed with their vet.

Sometimes problems can arise from the best medications or supplements, so it's possible that after a very thorough vet check your friend will need a lot more help from their vet. They will probably have to try and experiment with different things, including kitty's food. Would you know whether the underlying cause of the vomiting has ever been determined?
 
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cosabella

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Hi Violet. Thank you for your reply. Twilight has been ill for some time and has been under the care of various vets.

This is my friend's response:
Well her medical issues are too numerous to list, but her teeth were perfect a few months ago. It's not a shot, it's a dropper into her mouth, and the solution has sugar in it, and the only teeth that rotted are exactly where I put the dropper, so there's not much question as to the cause. I'm looking for thoughts re minimizing it going forward.
 

violet

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Sounds like a different formula would solve the problem.
 

sharky

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Sounds Like a call to the vet is in order to ensure safety( my vet uses B12 for many things but she only uses one brand... ) It sounds like your friend is using HUMAN liquid b12 and the most common brand of that has RED food coloring and sugar neither of which most cats do well with..

The flip side is Many "senior issues" can affect teeth thus the supplement may not be causing but attributing to ... Another reason to talk to the vet

If your friend is using among her multiple vets one with a nutrition degree or a background ( ie certification ) in herbs that would be the first one to discuss this with
 
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