Stomatitis is an oral disease found in cats that negatively affects their overall health and well-being. That's why the Fort Pierce vets think it is important to recognize the signs of stomatitis in cats.
Stomatitis in Cats
Stomatitis is an oral disease in cats. It causes inflammation of the cat’s mouth as well as gums. Stomatitis refers to the generalized inflammation of the mucous membranes within the mouth. In most cases, this condition consequently causes ulcer formation in the mouth. These ulcers also involve the tongue, lips, gums, and throat.
Causes of Stomatitis
There is more than one reason why your cat may develop stomatitis, but the main cause is immune-mediated. In an immune-mediated, the system attacks oral tissues as an abnormal response to bacteria in the mouth.
Periodontal disease can also contribute as a cause of stomatitis. This disease results from the accumulation of plaque (bacteria) on and around the teeth. Consequently, this causes inflammation of gums and teeth.
The Symptoms of Stomatitis:
There are many symptoms you can look out for if you are concerned that your cat has stomatitis including:
- Drooling of saliva
- Bad breath
- Inflamed gums
- Weight loss
- Pain when their faces are touched
- Lethargic due to pain
Treatment Options
Diagnosing stomatitis can be difficult for your vet but there are ways including dental X-rays, a biopsy of the tissue in your cat's mouth, and blood work. Your Sunrise City Animal Hospital vet will also suggest specific testing for underlying diseases e.g FeLV and FIV.
The basic purpose of treatment is to manage pain and decrease inflammation. Cats with stomatitis require long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory medication. Oral rinses or gels are usually prescribed because brushing teeth with stomatitis is usually painful. Sometimes cats are willing to eat soft food, so owners may be advised to use canned food until the cat’s mouth heals.
Regular dental care and medical management are the first lines of treatment.