Stomatitis is a severe form of gum disease that could cause your cat quite a bit of pain. Our Walnut Creek vets explain the potential causes of stomatitis, how to recognize it in your kitty, and how it is treated.
What is stomatitis in cats?
Feline stomatitis is an incredibly painful inflammation and ulceration of your cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue. The open sores that result from this mouth condition can cause your kitty quite a bit of discomfort and pain, typically leading to avoidance or refusal of food. This frustrating disease affects 10% of domesticated cats.
While some breeds, like Persians and Himalayas, are more susceptible to this condition, any cat can develop stomatitis, which you can help prevent.
What can cause feline stomatitis?
The finite causes of stomatitis in cats are mostly unknown.
Some professionals have determined that viral and bacterial components contribute to your cat's development of stomatitis, but the exact source of this type of bacteria is unknown. Inflammatory dental disease, such as periodontal disease, is directly tied to the development of feline stomatitis.
Regardless of the cause, most vets will advise you to help your cat avoid developing this painful condition by brushing their teeth regularly. Some breeds can have their teeth brushed once daily to remove food particles and bacteria, while others should only have their teeth cleaned once a week or during professional grooming appointments. Consult your veterinarian for what is the best at-home dental routine for your kitty.
Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
Predictably, the most noticeable sign of stomatitis in cats is a change in their eating habits. Cats suffering from stomatitis are often in extreme pain and have reduced appetites because of that. In some cases, food avoidance is so severe that cats become malnourished because it is so painful for them to eat.
Other stomatitis symptoms in cats to watch out for include:
- Red patches/blisters on the mouth
- Oral bleeding
- Foul odor of the cat's mouth
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Less grooming than is typical
- Dropping food/crying out while eating
How are stomatitis diagnosed in cats?
When you bring your cat in for irritation or bleeding of the mouth, your vet will first perform an oral exam. If your cat has mild stomatitis, at-home care might be enough to treat it. Severe cases require surgical intervention.
What is the treatment for stomatitis in cats?
If your veterinarian deems surgery necessary, they will likely recommend the extraction of the affected teeth to make your cat comfortable again and allow the area to heal.
Dental checkups, rather than general routine wellness exams, will likely be added to your kitty's medical routine in addition to treatment. The frequency of dental checkups will be determined by the degree of periodontal disease in your cat. If your adult cat's teeth are overcrowded or if it still has its "kitten" teeth, your veterinarian may once again recommend a tooth extraction.
In addition to medical intervention, your vet should show you how to properly clean your cat's teeth and schedule follow-up appointments to review your feline's dental health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.