Stomatitis
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Welcome back for the second article in a series aimed at educating our cat lovers about feline oral diseases. My previous article detailed a disease that damaged and eventually destroyed the teeth. This article will be about a gum disease called stomatitis.
Stomatitis is a generic term that is defined as inflammation of an opening. In this case, that opening is the mouth of a cat, particularly the gums. This inflammation appears as redness of the gums that initially starts near the visible part of the tooth. There is a great variability in severity amongst affected cats. Minor cases may just involve a small part of the gums, where severe cases can actually involve all of the gums as well as the tissue in the back of the mouth far away from the teeth. This disease can result in pain, drooling, loss of appetite or bleeding from the mouth. Researchers have not yet pinpointed the cause but some theories include a virus, bacteria or an adverse immune response to the gum attachment to the tooth. Hopefully all of the current research will bring us to a conclusion so we can work on preventing the disease instead of just struggling to treat it.
Yes, I said “struggling” to treat stomatitis. One very frustrating aspect of this condition is that stomatitis can be partially responsive or non-responsive to many treatments. The most reliable treatment for stomatitis involves suppression of the cat’s immune system. Steroids have fulfilled this role for years. A new immunosuppressive medication called cyclosporine has been introduced and has had some success when other treatments have failed. Various other treatments include low allergen diets, using ceramic or metal bowls (instead of plastic), enzyme gels, water additives and sometimes it is necessary to remove teeth associated with the affected gums.
Diagnosing the problem early is important and the best way to accomplish this is through routine examinations by your veterinarian. If oral disease is found, your cat’s doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment. If you have any questions regarding stomatitis or any other health problems that affect your furry feline friends please feel free to contact me at Animal Health Services (480) 488-6181 or e-mail me at toothvet@cox.net. I look forward to speaking with you.
Submitted by Animal Health Services of Cave Creek