Should I adopt a cat with stomatitis?
We would not recommend never adopting or fostering cats with stomatitis, or being restrictive about where they end up living, but it is a good thing to just keep in mind for those very severe cases.
What causes stomatitis in cats?
Factors that can predispose a cat to stomatitis include retroviral diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Additional causes may include Calicivirus, Juvenile Onset Periodontitis, periodontal disease, and genetics.
Is stomatitis in cats curable?
The frustration with this disease is that we can never say there is a cure; rather we are managing the condition. However, with full mouth extractions, two thirds of cats experience a “clinical cure,” meaning no additional care is necessary (beyond routine dental care for any remaining teeth).
What does stomatitis look like in a cat?
In cats, the term stomatitis is often used to describe a long term, severe inflammation of the gingiva (gum) and the tissues toward the back of the mouth. The affected areas typically have a bright red appearance, easily bleed, and are often have a cobblestone appearance. Felines with stomatitis are in a significant amount of pain.
What should I do if my cat has stomatitis?
If your cat has been diagnosed with feline stomatitis, getting them regular veterinary and dental care gives them the best chance at successfully managing the disease. Because stomatitis is so painful, the first step of treatment is to control pain with medicine. If your cat has an oral infection, your vet may also prescribe antibiotics.
Why does my cat have pain in his mouth?
The pain caused by stomatitis often causes cats to shy away from their food. If your cat has suddenly lost weight or shows signs of dehydration, which includes a loss of elasticity of the skin, sunken eyes, and cold paws, it may be due to a stomatitis infection in the mouth.
Is there a link between stomatitis and upper respiratory disease in cats?
According to dvm360, some studies suggest a link between stomatitis and calicivirus, a virus that causes upper respiratory disease in cats. Viruses that affect the immune system, like feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, may also play a role.
What does stomatitis do to a cat’s mouth?
The affected areas in a cat’s mouth are typically bright red and bleed easily. Feline stomatitis also causes bad breath, drooling and excessive swallowing. Because stomatitis is often painful, affected cats may refuse to eat and groom, or they may chatter their teeth or paw at their faces.
What causes pain in the mouth of a cat?
Feline stomatitis is a severe, painful inflammation of a cat’s mouth and gums. Dental disease, certain viruses, and some other inflammatory conditions can cause feline stomatitis. The long-term outcome can vary.
Is there a lab test for feline stomatitis?
There is no simple laboratory test to diagnose FCGS, though veterinarians may be suspicious for the condition based on a cat’s symptoms and an examination of the oral cavity. Certain systemic diseases and the more common gingivitis and periodontitis, however, can also cause oral inflammation that resembles FCGS, and should be ruled out.
Why does my cat have ulcers in her mouth?
In most cases, the condition causes ulcers to form in the mouth; these ulcers can involve the lips, tongue, gums, and back of the throat. Cats of any age or breed can be affected. There is no single cause of feline stomatitis. Dental disease (particularly periodontal disease) is commonly implicated as a cause of stomatitis in cats.