Stomatitis is a serious gum disease that can be painful for your cat. In this blog post, our Maury County veterinarians provide information on the possible causes of stomatitis, ways to identify it in your cat, and the available treatment options.
What is stomatitis in cats?
Feline stomatitis is an excruciating condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in your cat's gums, cheeks, and tongue. These open sores can cause significant discomfort and pain for your cat, often leading to food avoidance or refusal. This frustrating disease affects around 10% of domesticated cats.
Although certain breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, are more prone to developing stomatitis, any cat can be affected. However, there are preventive measures you can take to help reduce the risk.
Causes of Feline Stomatitis
The finite causes of stomatitis in cats are primarily unknown.
Some professionals have determined that there are viral and bacterial components to your cat developing 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 the best at-home dental routine for your kitty.
Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
The most noticeable sign of stomatitis in cats is, predictably, 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 is stomatitis in cats diagnosed?
When you bring your cat to the vet due to mouth irritation or bleeding, they will first conduct an oral examination. If your cat has mild stomatitis, taking care of them at home may be sufficient for treatment. However, advanced cases may require treatment with surgery. It is important to consult your vet to understand the best course of action for your cat's treatment.What is the treatment plan for stomatitis in cats?
The vet will start with an oral examination if your cat shows mouth irritation or bleeding. Mild cases of stomatitis may be treated at home, but severe cases may need surgery. It's important to consult your vet to determine the best treatment for your cat.
If surgery is recommended, the affected teeth may need to be removed to alleviate your cat's discomfort and aid healing.
After treatment, regular dental checkups and wellness exams will likely be part of your cat's medical routine. The frequency of these checkups will depend on the extent of periodontal disease in your cat. If your adult cat has overcrowded teeth or still has baby teeth, your vet might suggest tooth extraction.
Along with medical treatment, your vet will advise on proper teeth cleaning for your cat and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor 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.