What is stomatitis in cats?
Stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes painful ulcerations in the back of your cat's throat and oral cavity. The open sores that develop due to stomatitis can result in significant mouth pain that leads many cats to refuse to eat.
It is estimated that about 10% of domesticated cats develop stomatitis at some point. All cats are at risk of developing stomatitis; however, some breeds, including Persians and Himalayans, appear to face an increased risk.
What causes feline stomatitis?
The exact cause of stomatitis is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed to be an immune-mediated disorder that occurs when a cat's immune system overreacts to dental plaque and bacteria.
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 diseases, such as periodontal disease, also appear to have a direct tie to the development of feline stomatitis.
Can I prevent my cat from developing stomatitis?
Regardless of the cause, most veterinarians recommend regular teeth brushing at home combined with professional dental cleanings and examinations at your vet's office as a way to help prevent stomatitis.
Annual dental appointments allow your veterinarian to monitor your cat's oral health and spot the earliest signs of stomatitis. Speak to your vet to learn more about their recommendations for keeping your kitty's mouth healthy.
What are the most common stomatitis symptoms in cats?
Predictably, one of the first things you are likely to notice if your cat has stomatitis is bad breath accompanied by a change in eating habits. This is because stomatitis is extremely painful for our feline friends. In more severe cases, cats can become malnourished because it is so painful for them to eat.
Other stomatitis symptoms in cats to watch out for include:
- Refusal to eat
- Dropping food while chewing or crying out while eating
- Red patches/blisters in the mouth
- Oral bleeding
- Bad breath
- Excessive salivation/drooling
- Less grooming than is typical
- Pawing at the mouth
- Weight loss
- Swollen red gums
Is stomatitis dangerous for cats?
Untreated stomatitis can lead to serious medical problems for your cat. Pain caused by this condition causes many cats to begin refusing food, resulting in sudden and severe weight loss. They may also drink less, which can lead to dehydration, a serious and potentially fatal health condition.
What is the treatment for stomatitis in cats?
Your veterinarian will begin by performing a thorough dental examination. If your cat has mild stomatitis, at-home care might be enough to treat it. Severe cases require surgical intervention.
If your veterinarian deems surgery necessary, they will likely recommend the extraction of the affected teeth to make your cat comfortable again and allow the area to heal.
As well as immediate treatment, regular dental checkups will be added to your kitty's medical routine. The frequency of dental checkups will be determined by the degree of stomatitis in your cat.
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. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.