Stomatitis

Stomatitis is a severe inflammation of the oral cavity in cats caused by an exaggerated inflammatory response to the plaque bacteria in the mouth. The inflammation causes the gum tissue and oral cavity to become swollen, red, and very painful. The exact cause of stomatitis is unknown though some patients with stomatitis have an underlying viral or bacterial infection. However, no direct association between stomatitis and any virus has yet been conclusively proven. Feline Luekemia (FeLV), Feline Aids (FIV), Calici, and Herpes are common viruses that can be seen in cats with stomatitis. If your cat has stomatitis and has no record of being tested for FeLV and FIV previously, we may recommend testing, because these viruses are contagious to other cats and can eventually be fatal. Calici and Herpes are also contagious to other cats, but are not typically life threatening. A bacterial infection, Bartonella, may be seen in cats with stomatitis. Antibiotic treatment of Bartonella resolves stomatitis occasionally, so we may recommend testing. Cats with stomatitis are typically very painful. Often they will stop grooming and their coat becomes dull and unkempt. Patients with stomatitis may show interest in food but be reluctant to eat because of the associated pain. They may also cry when yawning or chewing food. Excessive drooling and bad breath are also common symptoms. Frequently, cats with stomatitis are antisocial and hide because of chronic pain. Because we do not understand the cause of stomatitis, we cannot prevent it. Surgery to extract most or all teeth has a high success rate. We have successfully treated many cats with stomatitis here at Veterinary Dental Services, LLC.

Veterinary Dental Services, LLC
138 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720 · (978) 929-9200
FAX: 978-929-9979 Email: reception@veterinarydental.com