Feline Stomatitis and Bartonella

Bartonella has been associated with lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis (not clearly causative, but perhaps contributatory). I draw a titer for Western Blot test either in the consult appointment or when the cat is anesthetized for the dental procedure. If positive, we phone in a prescription to a compounding pharmacy for azithromycin liquid 50mg/10 lbs once daily for 10-30 days.

The other cats in the household should be tested and treated if the patient is positive. Since Bartonella species have been implicated in disease in humans, the public health significance should be discussed with the owner.