Feline Stomatits Complex

Feline stomatitis is a health condition characterized by a severe inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues. This type of infection may appear at any age and in all the breeds. Depending on the gravity of the symptoms and on the tissues that are affected, the inflammation may range from gingivitis to lymphocytic plasmacytic syndrome (LPGS).

Cause of Stomatitis in Cats

At the moment, the causes of lymphocytic plasmacytic syndrome cannot be pinpointed. However, this is often regarded as an immune system disorder, as bacteria and viruses are the main suspects

Typical stomatitis, on the other hand, may be caused by:

  • Increased sensitivity to bacterial plaque
  • Allergies to certain foods
  • Bacterial infections

There are three viruses that are believed to play a role in the development of feline stomatitis, namely:

  • Feline calcivirus
  • Feline leukemia virus
  • Immunodeficiency virus

Symptoms of Feline Stomatitis

Because of the severe pain that is felt, your cat may not be enthusiastic when she must eat. As a consequence, weight loss is one of the symptoms present in the majority of stomatitis cases. If you will check her mouth you will most likely observe excessive drooling and bleeding gums. The changes in the behavior of the cat may also be regarded as symptoms of this health problem. Hence, your cat may become:

  • Irritated
  • Aggressive
  • Depressed

Cats suffering from stomatitis will often hide. Besides that, they cry when opening the mouth, even if it is just for yawning.

Diagnosis of Feline Stomatitis

If your cat displays the symptoms presented above, you need to take her to the veterinarian. General anesthesia will be used in the majority of the cases, so your cat does not suffer when the diagnosis is performed. Lesions or ulcers may be present on the:

  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • Top or back of the oral cavity

The veterinarian will analyze these lesions and perform a biopsy, in order to exclude cancer from the possible causes. The small sample of tissue will be further examined by a veterinary pathologist. Blood tests may also be required, so that any bacteria or viruses are detected. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the veterinarian will prescribed a treatment, in concordance with the cause of the disease.

How to Treat Stomatitis in Cats

If bacterial plaque is believed to be the causing factor of feline stomatitis, keeping this under control should be among your first concerns. Professional oral hygiene procedures are required in order to remove the bacteria and the food particles that form this plaque.

Pain medication plays an important role in the treatment of feline stomatitis. Certain drugs will be administered to your cat so that the acute sensation of pain is relieved. Other possible types of medication include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Steroids
  • Feline recombinant interferon omega
  • Cyclosporine

Tooth extractions are often required in order to prevent bacterial infections from spreading. Bleeding gums represent an ideal environment for bacteria growth. However, the main concern is still the bacteria plaque, which is found on the teeth. By extracting the teeth, you make sure that the condition improves and that the sensation of pain disappears. Extraction is realized through surgical interventions. The targeted teeth are the premolars and the molars, so the aspect of your cat will not suffer after such a procedure.

 

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