The high levels of dental and eye problems seen in Persians are thought to result from the brachycephalic, commonly referred to as ‘flat- faced’, shaped heads of these cats. Broken teeth are often very painful, especially if the inside of the tooth (that contains nerves) is exposed. Meanwhile, the high levels of haircoat problems … The Persian cat (Persian: گربهٔ ایرانی ‎, romanized: Gorbe-ye irāni, 'Iranian cat') is a long-haired breed of cat characterized by its round face and short muzzle. Cats can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. Before discussing the Persian cat health problems, here’s an overview of the breed. There are a few things you can do to prevent dental disease in cats. Periodontal Disease. They can lead to bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and oral pain, and difficulty eating. Brachycephalic cats have large, protruding eyes. Crowding of the teeth was evident in 28 (56%) cats, with the An Indication of Disease or Injury. The research, which was conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. Persistent eye discharge is … Several possible causes, the ones listed specifically relate to the peeked Persian and Himalayan breeds: inefficient drainage from partial closure of the drainage openings increased kinking of the drainage duct in the nose wicking of tears onto hairs present in the crease where the eyelids meet. Gingivitis: notice the red line above the teeth. In this time of crisis, our front-line staff are working hard to ensure we're still there for the UK's most vulnerable pets. The progression of gum disease from plaque to tartar. FORLs are common and affect more than a third of pet cats at some point throughout their life. Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. This information would be of interest to breeders, judges and regulatory bodies, who continue to work tirelessly to improve the welfare of one of the oldest and most popular cat breeds.”. Diseases and daily care of the Persian cat. Cats use their mouth for grooming, hunting, and eating. Persians are gentle, quiet cats who like a serene environment and people who treat them kindly. Hopefully this evidence baseline will kick-start demands to reform the Persian breed’s health by breeding towards a less extreme body shape. Any Persian cat breeder can produce a cat with this problem. Siamese cats are the second most likely cats to have issues with abnormal alignment of teeth. Dental (tooth and gum) disease is a very common problem in cats, especially as they get older. This new information will also help the public understand more about the welfare challenges relating to owning and caring for Persian cats. Persian cats are a popular breed worldwide and are instantly recognisable from their luxurious coat and flattened face. Issues with your cat’s teeth and gums can be lead to a variety of other health issues as it affects their ability to eat. In Persian cats, the most likely cause of bruxism is possibly abnormal alignment of teeth, as this breed is particularly susceptible to having this dental issue. Dental disease is a relatively common problem in pet cats (especially as they get older) and can be made more likely by many different factors such as: Age – dental disease is much more common in older cats due to wear, tear and tartar build up throughout life. Related terms: brachycephalic ocular disease, brachycephalic eye syndromeOutline: Depending on its degree, the abnormal short head shape of Persian cats is associated with various disease conditions resulting in breathing difficulties, dental disease, difficulties in grooming, and irritation and ulceration of the eyes and face. These conditions can cause prolonged, recurring, discomfort and pain (which may be severe), … I’ll be discussing the Persian cat health problems in this article. 2. The academics behind this study analysed the clinical records of 3,325 Persian cats using the RVC’s VetCompass™ programme. Additionally, owners of Persians need to be especially alert to dental, eye and haircoat issues in their cats and seek treatment at the earliest signs of ill-health.”, Petra Černá, Intern in Small Animal Internal Medicine, University of Edinburgh and co-author said: “Cats are quite rightly the most popular pet in much of the world. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Automatic Cat & Dog Feeder – Amazon / Chewy You can also get specially designed treats to help break down tartar. The Persian cat is liable to many diseases but the polycystic kidney is the most common one. Here are seven of the most common dental problems in cats. The special shape of a Persian cat's eyes can also cause problems. Always speak to your vet if you can’t afford the treatment they have recommended because there may be another option. Knowing the subtle signs of oral problems in cats and getting prompt care is critical to maintaining your cat’s quality and duration of life. The teeth no longer align properly in short-nosed Persian cats so they cannot bite and chew properly, predisposing to dental disease; Studies have shown that the degree of brachycephalic is also related to small pelvis size in Persian cats which will contribute to dystocia (difficulty giving birth) This dental malocclusion may be an inherited in some breeds (e.g., Persian Cats). Tooth root infections can be … Unlike more athletic cats, they prefer lounging on a sofa to scaling the heights of your bookcase or fireplace mantel.Children are acceptable to the Persian as long as they are content to simply pet him and not drag him around or dress him up. The average lifespan of a Persian cat is 13.5 years. Improper alignment of the jaw can cause soft tissue trauma from the canine teeth (the four long, sharp, fang-like teeth). PROCEDURES Cats were anesthetized, and a complete dental examination, dental charting, 3-view oral photography, and full-mouth dental radiography were performed. These health issues represent major welfare challenges for Persian cats that should be considered by breeders and future owners. Previous research has shown that this abnormal head shape has been associated with various health problems in both dogs and cats, although the condition in cats has been less publicized. Just like trimming your cat's nails/claws on a weekly basis, you should also inspect, and if needed, clean your cat's ears at the same time. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and tooth removal. The results of this study will help breeders to select which cats to breed from, veterinarians to spot diseases earlier and owners to ensure that they take preventive measures for common conditions in the breed. They can cost a lot of money to purchase. Written by vets and vet nurses. In severe cases, gingivitis can spread to the whole mouth, we call this gingivostomatitis. We strongly recommend insuring your cat as soon as you get them so that you are covered for future problems. Gingivitis is commonly caused by plaque and tartar build up but can also be caused by conditions such as Cat flu, FIV and FeLV. Eye and dental problems are also an issue for Persian cats, especially those with flatter faces and short jaws. Persian Temperament and Personality. Addressing Other Dental Problems Get antibiotics for a root infection. Again, this is because the jaw is not properly aligned. The study is published in Nature Scientific Reports and is freely available on open access. Bad Breath (halitosis) Dental disease was more common in males, while claw/nail problems were more common in females. The most common ocular diseases of Persian cats include: Congenital ankyloblepharon is an inherited abnormality that usually occurs in blue-eyed Persian cats.It consists of the union through a membrane between the upper and lower eyelids. RESULTS Malocclusions were observed in 36 (72%) cats. Dental care: Brushing your Persian’s teeth, as with any cat, will help reduce tartar buildup and prevent dental disease. Persian cats under first opinion veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Here are some of the most common dental and oral problems that occur in cats. The pretty little cat’s dental disease kept her at the animal hospital for a day of dental cleaning, charting, radiographs (x-rays) and unfortunately, removal of a diseased back molar on the left bottom jaw. The researchers say that the high levels of dental and eye problems seen in Persians result from their brachycephalic heads (commonly referred to as flat-faced). In addition to trouble with the food here are some other signs and symptoms of dental disease. Let’s hit the road at once! Stinky cat breath is a very common complaint in veterinary medicine. In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Operating through a UK-wide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership, Registered charity nos. Eating is also difficult if their jaw does not stick out far enough or if their teeth are misaligned.