Oral Signs of other Diseases
The mouth can show signs of many diseases. This is why veterinary surgeons will always try and check the mouth and gums as part of their routine examinations.
The cat shown above is suffering from advanced kidney failure. Kidney disease can produce ulceration of the gums and bad breath. Anaemia and pale gums can also be seen.
Liver disease can show as jaundice or yellowing of the gums. Blood clotting disorders can often first show themselves as bleeding of the gums. Severe diabetes can be detected as an acetone (nail varnish remover) smell to the breath. Various autoimmune disorders can show as lesions in the mouth or lips. Salivary gland disease can lead to swellings and sometimes pain.
There are many other conditions that can produce oral symptoms. Many veterinary surgeons regard the mouth as the “window to the core” – certainly oral examination is a vitally important part of any health check. It is obviously sensible to get your dog used to having their mouth examined from an early age.
A careful oral examination should form part of every veterinary consultation.
Did You Know?
Periodontal Disease
This represents a huge source of infection for the rest of the body - kidneys, heart valves, liver and lungs.
