Stomatitis in cats is an inflammatory process that affects the mucosa in the oral cavity. The pathology occurs in acute and chronic form, and according to the type of origin it is primary and secondary.
Primary stomatitis develops due to such factors:
- Exposure to thermal irritants (eating too hot food);
- Effects of chemicals (household chemicals, medicines, poisons);
- mechanical injuries to the delicate mucosa.
The occurrence of secondary stomatitis is associated with the following factors:
- avitaminosis;
- metabolic disorders;
- allergies;
- liver disease;
- abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract;
- diseases of the teeth.
It has also been found that older individuals suffer from stomatitis more often than their younger counterparts.
Clinical picture of stomatitis in cats
The course of stomatitis is determined by the type of inflammatory process, which is classified as: vesiculosis, gangrenous, catarrhal, phlegmonic, ulcerative, diphtheritic.
Usually the ailment begins with catarrhal inflammation, the characteristic features of which are:
- increased salivation;
- weak chewing of food;
- thirst;
- Complete refusal to eat, indicating severe pain.
When examining the oral cavity at this stage there is significant redness of the mucosa and a coating of gray plaque. Recognize stomatitis in cats in the early stages can also be recognized by the unpleasant smell coming from the pets mouth. Its appearance is due to the decomposition of saliva and peeling of epithelium and mucus.
With ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity, in addition to bad breath, the following abnormalities join the symptoms of stomatitis in cats:
- swelling of the gums;
- formation of sores around the teeth;
- discoloration of the gums from bright red to bluish;
- bleeding gums;
- loosening and loss of teeth.
The most dangerous form is considered gangrenous, which manifests itself by a number of such signs:
- increased salivation;
- Swelling of the lips;
- mucous membrane disintegration;
- an increase in temperature;
- lack of appetite;
- enlargement of lymph nodes located under the jaw;
- disintegration of tissues of the tongue, gums, and cheeks;
- stench coming from the oral cavity;
- deterioration in the general condition of the animal.
Diagnosis and treatment of stomatitis in cats
The disease is diagnosed through various clinical examinations. An important role is given to differential diagnosis, which allows the veterinarian to distinguish stomatitis from other pathologies with similar symptoms.
Treatment of cats from stomatitis begins with ensuring that the animal has a favorable environment. In order to avoid irritation of the affected mucous membranes, dry food is excluded from the diet. Pets should be fed with warm food of liquid consistency. The diet must include broths, kissel, milk and porridge.
Oral cavity treatment includes 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, Lugol solution, Furacilin, Rivanol, Boric acid, lead acetate and sulfonamide powder. Burned alum, infusions of chamomile and succession leaves are also used in treatment. Treatment of advanced cases of stomatitis requires antibiotics.