A vet has shared a key change that could be a sign of a serious health issue (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Pets are a huge source of joy in many of our lives, and they’re typically valued, beloved members of the family. It’s vital that owners maintain regular health checks to optimise a pet’s wellbeing and lifespan, and any change spotted in their normal behaviour or appearance should be seriously looked into.
Dr Faith Banks, a geriatric and palliative vet, regularly shares her knowledge and professional expertise on caring for elderly animals on TikTok, accumulating thousands of views along the way.
And now, she’s pinpointed an unexpected symptom that could suggest your pet requires immediate medical care, or they may even be approaching the end of their life.
In a clip posted on the popular social media platform, Faith addressed a seemingly harmless symptom, which could signal a more serious issue. This is a change to the scent of your pet’s breath.
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The vet described how she’d visited a “lovely” couple to perform an at-home euthanasia for their cat when one of the owners mentioned how their cat’s breath smelled differently.
He’d noticed his cat’s overall scent had generally altered but noticed the most pronounced changes to this were around their mouth and their breath.
Dr Banks said: “This cat has kidney disease so it is quite common for cats with kidney disease to have a change in the smell of their breath.
“The reason for that is the toxins build up in the system because the blood, which is going through the kidneys, is not able to filter the blood properly and so these toxins accumulate and gives them this smell.”
What does it smell like?
Dr Banks described this particular scent as “sort of an ammonia smell” and said she and her colleagues “call it uremia, or a uremic smell.”
A “uremic smell”, which is close to the odour of ammonia – a pungent scent similar to urine or sweat – can also indicate kidney disease in dogs, as well as cats. This condition, known as uremia, occurs when the kidneys fail to effectively remove waste products from the body.
The vet then said “there are other reasons” why a pet’s breath may change or present a different odour altogether.
She explained: “If there is an infection in the mouth, or tumour, that is going to cause a really foul smell.
“Antibiotics may help clear it up, if it’s an infection, but if there is a necrotic mass – sometimes, with cats, it’s right at the back of their mouth or under their tongues – and so you don’t see it right away but it is nasty.”
Other conditions that could result in a change to your pet’s breath include liver disease or diabetes.
The expert said diabetes can produce a “sweeter” smell and emphasised the importance of recognising any changes, as they’re usually indicative of the body not being “able to do their function” properly.
While Faith pointed out this is a possible cause for concern, there is no need to panic. Instead, you should book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
They will then be able to provide tailored and personal professional advice, hopefully clearing up any concerns you may have and offering reasurance to your family.