Stomatitis is a painful condition that can affect cats experiencing advanced gum disease. Conditions such as this one make routine oral care an important part of pet care. Our Fairhaven vets discuss the causes of stomatitis in cats, what the symptoms are and what the treatment options are.
Stomatitis in Cats
If you are noticing that your cat seems to be in oral discomfort and has visible signs of ulcers and sores in their mouth then they are most likely suffering from stomatitis. The open sores as a result of this mouth condition can cause your kitty quite a bit of pain and may cause your cat to avoid doing anything that involves their mouth, such as eating. while uncommon, this disease can be extremely painful for your cat and so proper measures should be taken to prevent it.
While some breeds are more susceptible to developing this condition, like Persians and Himalayans, any cat can develop stomatitis, but there are ways that you can help prevent this condition from occurring.
The Causes of Stomatitis in Cats
Unfortunately, the cause of stomatitis in cats is still not entirely obvious. 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, does have a direct tie to the development of feline stomatitis.
Regardless of the cause, most vets will advise that you can 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 any bacteria, while other breeds 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 Feline Stomatitis
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 in 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
Treatment For Stomatitis 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 their stomatitis. Severe cases require surgical intervention. Consult your vet for a better understanding of how to best treat your kitty.
In the scenario where your veterinarian deems surgery necessary, they will likely recommend the extraction of the affected teeth in order to make your cat comfortable again and allow the area to heal.
On top of treatment, dental checkups will likely be added to your kitty's medical routine, rather than just general routine wellness exams. 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.
Aside from 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.