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Overview:
Also known as
lymphocytic-plasmacytic gingivitis-stomatitis-pharyngitis (GSPC),
stomatitis is a common disease causing chronic
inflammation & ulceration of the soft tissues in the mouth.
There is no definitive cause but it is felt to be
multi factoral with an immune mediated component, possibly
representing a hypersensitivity to oral bacterial antigens.
[1] Other possible factors include oral irritants,
some viruses, immunodeficiency diseases, metabolic diseases,
drug reactions etc.
What are the
symptoms of stomatitis?
Signs of
stomatitis depend on the severity of the lesions, naturally
it can cause severe pain in the affected cat. Stomatitis
most commonly begins in the fauces, which is the area in the
back of the mouth where the lower jaw meets the upper jaw.
This becomes red, swollen & ulcerated. Other symptoms
include;
-
Anorexia
-
Weight loss
-
Bad breath
-
Difficulty
eating
-
Excessive
salivation
-
Gums which
bleed easily
-
Reluctance
to groom
How is
stomatitis diagnosed?
Stomatitis is
diagnosed by the appearance of the affected tissues.
-
Oral biopsy
- A biopsy may be performed to determine if the lesions
are caused by other diseases such as neoplasia (cancer) or
eosinophilic granuloma complex. Biopsy should reveal a
dense infiltration of lymphocytes & plasma cells.
-
FIV & FeLV
test - Retroviral infections can lead to inflammatory oral
disease.
-
Biochemical profile to rule out other conditions which may have a
similar appearance to stomatitis.
-
X-ray - To
check the condition of the dental roots & bones.
Stomatitis often affects the molars & pre-molars more than
the canines & incisors.
How is
stomatitis treated?
Stomatitis is
very difficult to treat & response to many treatments are
poor.
If the cause
can be identified, then specific therapy can be aimed at
treating or managing the problem, as indicated.
Professional
cleaning of the teeth under anaesthesia is necessary, as
periodontal disease may cause or at least contribute to
stomatitis.
Antibiotics
given long term may be of benefit.
Corticosteroids.
Cats
unresponsive to treatment may require extraction of all
teeth behind the canines to provide long term relief. This
may sound extreme but your cat will get along just fine
without these teeth with the assistance of a softer diet.
Daily cleaning
of your cat's teeth at home is required to keep plaque
under control.
References:
1: The Feline
Patient - Gary D. Norsworthy, Mitchell A. Crystal, Sharon K.
Fooshee & Larry P. Tilley.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
