Advanced gingivitis in a kitten

My kitten has advanced gingivits.  The vet has said that surgery might be necessary.  He was diagnosed with this seven days after I adopted him from a rescue shelter who assured me he was healthy and vet checked. They did not disclose his serious medical issues. (The shelter is saying he developed the advanced gingivitis in the seven days I had him and will not take responsibility.  Let me tell you, I've said a few choice words.  The pet insurance won't cover his treatment because it is a preexisting problem.  Gah, the shelter has lied about so many things.  I don't think they should be in the rescue business.  Really unconscionable stuff...but that's another story)

What do you know about kittens and advanced gingivitis?  I got him at four months.  He's nine months now.  I need to take him back to the vets to decide how to proceed.  I'd like to understand the issue a bit better before I do.

So far, he's eating OK, but still teething horribly.  He likes to gnaw on metal, so, I have to watch him like a hawk.  He also has behavioural issues, which could be related to his dental condition.  The vet said his eating would be an indicator of his pain level with the gingivitis.  If he stops eating, I need to bring him in immediately.

Any advice would be helpful. 

Wow, that is young for gingivitis. I think many shelters will cover anything that's found within the first month or so of adoption. All decent shelters will also take a cat back. I am not suggesting returning this little guy to the shelter, but just saying I can't understand why they won't take responsibility.

I would get a second opinion though before going through with surgery. Many cats "manage" through the pain of gingivitis until they lose their teeth altogether. I'm not sure what kind of surgery your vet suggested? Again, it sounds quite drastic for a kitten, so I think a second opinion may be a good idea.

You may also want to take a look at our "Tag Portal" for gingivitis and stomatitis here - 

http://www.thecatsite.com/tag/gingivitis-stomatitis-in-cats

Some links there to past threads and an article we have on the topic.

Thanks, Anne.  I've had two vets say it's the most likely course of action, but we're waiting another month or so to decide. 

I'm very frustrated with the shelter.  It's been lie after lie.  I'm also frustrated that they didn't treat his gingivits before it became advanced. They said they had a vet check him and give him a clean bill of health, but I know that a vet would have caught the gingivitis the moment they checked his teeth...and that's the first thing any reputable vet does.

I told them about the diagnosis, but they say they never got my email.  Of course, they also said my emails went to their spam folder, which is the oldest excuse in the book.  I did notify them by phone, too, but they're denying it.  I gave them access to the vet records, too, where they could see the date of the exam, which was seven days after the adoption.  They didn't take advantage of it.  The kitten also had a recessed jaw and behaviour issues, none of which were disclosed. I just find this so unethical.

They've said I could have rehomed him if I was so unhappy.  This just seems punitive for me and the cat.  Why take a cat out of a home where they are safe and loved, and fate them to live out their days in foster care? I love this little kitten so much.  I've worked hard to help stabilize the behaviour issues.  There is no way I would rehome him.  He's basically unadoptable, too.  And the truth is, I don't trust his medical needs would be taken care of.  They weren't the first time.   

I had a very different experience with another shelter 15 years ago when I adopted two very sick kittens.  They disclosed the illnesses and paid for the treatment until they both were well.  I thought this is the way all shelters ran, but apparently not. 

I will read the posts you referenced.  It will help me make my decision, and hopefully educate me enough that I can speak with the vets as an informed pet parent. 

Can you treat with pain meds and antibiotics to see if that mitigates the issue?

That is what we did for our older dog when his teeth started going bad, it didn't save all his teeth, but it did seem to help for a little while until we could afford to get him in for the big procedure.

Furmonster Mom said:

 
Can you treat with pain meds and antibiotics to see if that mitigates the issue?

That is what we did for our older dog when his teeth started going bad, it didn't save all his teeth, but it did seem to help for a little while until we could afford to get him in for the big procedure.

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I'll definitely talk to the vet about all options.  I just don't want him to be in pain, or risk further damage to his jaw.