Stomatitis is a painful mouth condition that occurs in cats. Inflammation takes place in the gums, tongue, lips, and other tissues of the mouth, resulting in redness, ulcers, drooling, pain, and secondary infection.
The exact cause of feline stomatitis isn't well understood. However, we know that certain conditions can predispose a cat to developing it:
The following signs may be seen in cats that are suffering from stomatitis:
Your veterinarian may be able to examine your cat's mouth and develop a suspicion of stomatitis. However, the mouth is often so painful that sedation is necessary to examine it well.
Basic blood tests as well as specific ones for FeLV, FIV, and other feline viruses may be recommended.
Sometimes a tissue sample is taken from the mouth to examine under a microscope.
Treatment of stomatitis is aimed at decreasing inflammation in the mouth. Antibiotics may be necessary to control secondary infections, pain medication can help keep the cat comfortable and eating, and steroids may be used to decrease the immune system's over-response.
Soft food may be recommended to help your cat eat with less pain.
Dental cleaning and extractions are often pursued to decrease the inflammation-causing gingivitis and periodontitis in the mouth, which may be triggering the stomatitis. Long-term care may include tooth brushing at home if possible.
If an underlying condition is found during testing, that will need to be treated to control the stomatitis.
Researchers have successfully treated stomatitis with stem cell therapy, and that may become a more widespread treatment in the future. Learn more here: "Stem Cell Therapy for Cats."
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