Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissues of the mouth including the lips, tongue and lining of the oral cavity. It has a number of possible primary causes including yeast infection, immune-mediated tissue destruction, viral infection, bacterial infection, burns, chemical irritation and gingivitis. Possible secondary causes of stomatitis in dogs and cats include systemic disease, immunosuppression, severe dental disease, overcrowding of the teeth and therapy with certain drugs. In many cases, no cause can ever be determined. This pet health condition occurs in both dogs and cats, but it is especially problematic in cats.
How Stomatitis Affects Your Pet
As is the case for many dental diseases in pets, stomatitis is an extremely painful condition. It can be debilitating since it often prevents affected pet animals from eating. The mouths of affected pets are inflamed and bleed easily. Oral ulcers or other sores may also be visible. In some cases, a mass or growth in the mouth might also be present. Stomatitis can lead to sepsis if bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream. In cats, chronic stomatitis is associated with tooth root absorption.
Common Symptoms of Stomatitis
Common symptoms of this pet health problem include the following: Redness of the tissues inside the mouth, Swelling of the gums, tongue, lips and other tissues inside the mouth, Drooling, Bad breath, Plaque, Ulcers inside the mouth, White lesions in the mouth, Decreased appetite and Weight loss in chronic case and Refusal to eat kibble or other hard foods.
Treatments for Stomatitis
Antibiotics are useful in most cases of stomatitis. They can often reduce inflammation in your pet by treating the secondary bacterial infections that are commonly present. Oral rinses and careful attention to oral hygiene are also useful in relieving symptoms. In some cases, laser therapy may be effective in reducing the severity of stomatitis lesions. Removal of the molars and premolars may be required in cats with chronic pet stomatitis. If a cause, such as a fungal disease, immune-mediated disease or severe dental disease, can be determined, specific treatment for this cause is indicated. Such treatments can include antifungals, dental cleanings, immunosuppressive therapy and other therapies as indicated. In dogs, the prognosis for a full recovery after treatment is very good in most cases. For dogs with immune-mediated stomatitis, however, treatment is more difficult. Cats with chronic stomatitis are even more difficult to treat effectively, and even those pets that initially respond to treatment are likely to suffer a relapse.
Breeds Affected
All dogs and cats have the potential to develop this pet disease, but members of the following canine breeds may have an increased risk of developing certain types of stomatitis: Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Maltese, Cocker spaniel and Bouvier des Flandres. Members of the following feline breeds may also have an increased risk of developing this pet health condition: Siamese, Somali, Himalayan and Persian.
Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
