Stomatitis in cats is a perplexing and intensely painful condition characterized by severe inflammation throughout the mouth, affecting the gums (gingiva) and mucous membranes. This condition, often clinically termed feline chronic gingivo-stomatitis (FCGS) by veterinary dental experts, is estimated to affect up to 10% of the feline population, making it a significant concern for cat owners.
Decoding Gingivitis and Stomatitis in Cats
It’s crucial to distinguish between gingivitis and stomatitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of gum disease, confined to the gingiva, specifically the gumline where the tooth meets the gum tissue.
Alt text: Comparison of healthy gums, gingivitis affecting only the gumline, and stomatitis showing widespread inflammation in a cat’s mouth.
In contrast, stomatitis in cats represents a far more aggressive inflammation that extends beyond the gingiva. It can engulf various parts of the oral cavity, including the gums, lips, tongue, and the roof and floor of the mouth. While gingivitis is often manageable, stomatitis causes considerable pain and can severely impair a cat’s quality of life.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Stomatitis in Cats
One of the earliest indicators of stomatitis in cats is often halitosis, or a noticeably foul odor emanating from your cat’s mouth.
Alt text: A cat exhibiting bad breath, a common early symptom of feline stomatitis, highlighting the need for oral health checks.
This may be accompanied by excessive drooling (ptyalism). You might also observe a decline in your cat’s grooming habits, potentially leading to matted fur due to reduced self-care.
Furthermore, cats suffering from stomatitis may exhibit difficulty eating, dropping food, or vocalizing in pain while attempting to eat. The discomfort can become so intense that some cats develop food aversion and anorexia, ultimately leading to weight loss. These signs are crucial for early detection and intervention.
Unraveling the Causes of Feline Stomatitis
The precise etiology of stomatitis in cats remains elusive. Veterinary research indicates that it stems from an abnormal immune system response.
Alt text: Illustration depicting an exaggerated immune response in a cat’s mouth, a key factor in the development of stomatitis and oral inflammation.
It’s hypothesized to be an overreaction to viral or bacterial triggers, and dental plaque is often implicated as a contributing factor. However, the exact mechanism that initiates this exaggerated immune response is still not fully understood. Ongoing research is crucial to pinpoint the specific triggers and pathways involved in feline stomatitis.
Diagnosing Stomatitis in Cats: What to Expect at the Vet
Veterinarians typically diagnose stomatitis in cats through a comprehensive oral examination. The hallmark signs are severe inflammation of the gums, inner cheeks, and the back of the mouth.
Alt text: A veterinarian conducting a thorough oral examination on a cat, a crucial step in diagnosing feline stomatitis and other dental issues.
To rule out underlying systemic conditions that could mimic stomatitis, such as metabolic diseases, baseline blood work and urinalysis are essential.
Viral screening for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is also recommended, as these viral infections are known to be associated with stomatitis in cats.
In cases where the stomatitis lesions are localized or atypical, a biopsy may be necessary to exclude other conditions like localized infections or oral cancer. Dental X-rays are also frequently utilized to assess for concurrent conditions such as tooth resorption and periodontitis (inflammation of the bone and tissues surrounding the teeth).
Stomatitis in Cats Treatment: Restoring Oral Health
Effective treatment of stomatitis in cats centers on minimizing oral bacteria load. This is often challenging to achieve through routine at-home dental care or professional dental cleanings alone. Even minimal bacterial presence or plaque can trigger significant inflammation in susceptible cats.
Alt text: A cat undergoing a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia, a common procedure in managing feline stomatitis and maintaining oral hygiene.
In many instances, cats with stomatitis experience persistent inflammation that either doesn’t resolve or quickly recurs after dental cleaning. Consequently, the gold standard treatment for feline stomatitis is often partial or full-mouth tooth extraction surgery.
While this may seem drastic, tooth extraction is currently the most effective approach to provide substantial and lasting relief for cats with stomatitis. Given the complexity of this surgery, your veterinarian may recommend consultation with a veterinary dentist, a specialist certified by the American Veterinary Dental College.
Stomatitis Recovery and Long-Term Management for Cats
Research indicates that approximately 90% of cats undergoing partial or full-mouth tooth extractions exhibit complete resolution of stomatitis symptoms. Post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Alt text: A cat comfortably eating soft food after stomatitis surgery, highlighting the importance of a specialized diet during recovery.
Cats accustomed to dry kibble should transition to a soft food diet before surgery and maintain this softened diet for at least 2-3 weeks post-operatively.
For cats with reduced appetite in the initial days following surgery, veterinarians can prescribe appetite stimulants. Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications are also typically dispensed for post-surgical comfort and healing.
Once the gum tissue has fully healed, many cats can return to eating dry kibble if desired. Pet owners often observe rapid and significant improvements in their cat’s demeanor, appetite, and overall quality of life once the pain and inflammation of stomatitis are alleviated.
Prevention Strategies for Stomatitis in Cats
Preventing stomatitis in cats is challenging, primarily because the exact cause is unknown. However, proactive oral hygiene is paramount for maintaining optimal feline dental health.
Alt text: A cat owner brushing their cat’s teeth with a feline toothbrush and toothpaste, demonstrating a key preventative measure against stomatitis.
Daily tooth brushing with a cat-specific toothpaste and regular veterinary dental cleanings are highly recommended. These measures help minimize bacterial buildup in the mouth, which is believed to contribute to stomatitis development in some cats.
Specialized dental diets, such as Hill’s® Science Diet Oral Care, are also available. These diets are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and often contain antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, further aiding in oral health maintenance.
Stomatitis in Cats: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I treat cat stomatitis at home?
Unfortunately, established stomatitis in cats typically requires professional veterinary intervention and cannot be effectively treated at home.
Is feline stomatitis contagious?
Most cases of feline stomatitis are considered non-contagious as they result from an individual cat’s immune system dysfunction. However, in instances where a viral component is involved, transmission between cats is possible.
Is stomatitis in cats fatal?
Severe stomatitis can be life-threatening, especially if the associated pain leads to anorexia. Anorexia can trigger hepatic lipidosis, a form of liver failure that is often fatal in cats, even with aggressive treatment. Furthermore, certain viruses implicated in stomatitis can also be fatal if not promptly and effectively managed.
References
- Lommer MJ. Efficacy of cyclosporine for chronic, refractory stomatitis in cats: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical study. J Vet Dent. 2013; 30(1):8-17.
- Hennet P. Feline chronic gingivostomatitis: Extraction and what else? Veterinary Dental Forum. 2010.
- Hennet P. Chronic gingiva-stomatitis in cats: Long-term follow-up of 30 cases treated by dental extractions. J Vet Dent. 1997;14(1):15-21.
WRITTEN BY
Kasey Stopp, DVM, CVA Veterinarian
Dr. Kasey Stopp was born in rural Illinois but spent most of her life in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended the University of Cincinnati where…
