Siu Pak - Gingivostomatitis

Name: Siu Pak
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Age/Sex: 2.5 years old, Male (Neutered)
Primary Vet: Dr. Johnny
Clinic: East Island Animal Hospital (Creature Comforts)

Siu Pak is a gentle and affectionate cat. However, since last year, his owner began noticing signs of discomfort—he was refusing dry food, only eating wet food, and sometimes tilted his head while eating. He even cried out in pain when yawning. Although medication offered temporary relief, the symptoms always returned. His bad breath was worsening, and the owner grew increasingly concerned.

On March 16, 2025, Siu Pak was brought to see Dr. Johnny. A thorough examination revealed that his gums were very inflamed, especially around the back teeth. He was diagnosed with gingivostomatitis, a painful condition that couldn’t be managed by medication alone. Dr. Johnny recommended a comprehensive dental surgery (COHAT), including dental X-rays, blood tests, and removal of the affected teeth.

On March 24, Siu Pak came in for surgery. To reduce his stress, a gentle sedation plan was used, including Gabapentin for nerve pain and Medetomidine for calming. Anesthesia was safely induced with Alfaxan. The procedure went smoothly, and 12 diseased back teeth were extracted. Dental X-rays showed no bone damage, so the remaining teeth were left untouched for now.

Although Siu Pak tested faint-positive for FIV, his recovery after surgery was impressive. He was kept comfortable with a combination of Methadone, Meloxicam, and Convenia, which helped manage pain and prevent infection at home.

After surgery, his appetite greatly improved. The owner happily shared that Siu Pak was "eating better than ever!" At his April 3 recheck, Dr. Johnny observed that the gums had healed beautifully, stitches were intact, and there was almost no inflammation. Siu Pak had even gained 120g, a clear sign of good recovery and wellbeing.

Dr. Johnny advised slowly reintroducing dry food and starting daily brushing of his front teeth using a pet-safe toothpaste to maintain oral health.

• 🎯 Accurate diagnosis of gingivostomatitis and a full COHAT treatment plan
• 🧪 Faint-positive FIV did not affect healing or surgical outcome
• 💊 Multimodal pain and infection control ensured smooth recovery
• 🦷 Diseased teeth removed, healthy front teeth preserved to improve long-term quality of life

• Watch for subtle signs: Avoiding dry food, head tilting while eating, or pain when yawning can signal oral discomfort
• Don't delay treatment: Long-term oral pain can seriously affect your cat’s appetite and mood
• FIV is manageable: Many FIV+ cats can live happy, healthy lives with good care

Home dental care matters: Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste helps prevent future issues