10 signs of stomatitis in cats: how to treat and prevent

Do cats get stomatitis? Without a doubt - yes! Inflammatory processes in the oral cavity are quite common in cats. Unlike humans, pathogenic microflora is common on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

At the slightest mechanical damage, pathogenic microorganisms enter the wound and inflammation begins. At the site of inflammation, ulcers appear, which easily turn into stomatitis.

Stomatitis affects the cheeks, tongue, and gums of the animal and brings terrible discomfort to it. In this article we will talk about the symptoms and treatment of stomatitis in cats.

Etiology of the disease

The causes of mucosal damage are divided into two types: primary and secondary. The root cause of stomatitis lies in the weakening of the animal’s immunity under certain circumstances. Secondary causes arise against the background of existing viral or bacterial diseases in the animal.

Primary causes of stomatitis

The underlying reasons include:

Insufficient oral hygiene. Veterinarians recommend examining the cat's mucous membrane at least once a week. The health of an animal depends on proper oral care.
Any mechanical injuries , be it minor injuries, or broken and damaged teeth. Broken or damaged teeth should be examined by a veterinarian. Often these situations require tooth extraction because the damage can increase the risk of oral infection and abscess formation.
Exposure to aggressive chemicals. A pet can lick medicinal ointments from the surface of the fur. To avoid this, the animal is put on a special collar. Poisonous house plants, the juice of which can enter the stomach, are also a risk factor.
Pets can get thermal burns Therefore, the kitchen is a dangerous place for an animal to be, since it is there that the cat can injure the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.

Secondary causes of stomatitis

Infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
Advanced tartar
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Hormonal imbalances , a complication of which may be the development of diabetes.
Reduced defenses and weakening of the body in adult animals.
Allergic reactions.

Causes

We have already said that pathology can be primary or secondary in origin. The reasons for these two types are different.

What causes primary stomatitis

Oral injuries. Mechanical injury can occur when eating food with sharp edges (bones, crackers), during fights with relatives (scratches, bites), due to punctures of soft tissues with one’s own teeth (bad bite), or foreign objects entering the cat’s mouth (toys with sharp edges). edges, sticks).
Chemical burns. They occur when licking medications (medicines for fleas and helminths, ointments), accidentally consuming household chemicals, or eating poisonous plants.
Thermal burns. Both too hot and icy foods are dangerous.

Important!
Poor oral hygiene and diseased teeth are another cause of primary stomatitis in cats. Don’t forget to regularly clean your pet’s mouth, brush its teeth, and introduce special foods into its diet that prevent the deposition of tartar.

When does secondary stomatitis occur?

The secondary form of pathology develops against the background of other diseases or as their complication.

Viral stomatitis is caused by the papilloma virus. Characteristic features of the pathology are growths on the mucous membrane that resemble cauliflower.
Fungi of the genus Candida are the cause of fungal stomatitis. Their rapid growth causes the appearance of a characteristic white coating on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Pathology can manifest itself as a complication of various infectious diseases (canine distemper, parvovirus, etc.).
Unstable hormonal levels provoke the development of pathology. This type of disease can develop in pregnant cats.
Diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes) may be accompanied by inflammation in the oral cavity.
The uremic form of the pathology is the most severe complication of chronic renal failure. The animal's body is gradually poisoned by accumulating toxins. Possible death.
Allergic reactions to food sometimes manifest as stomatitis.
The autoimmune form of the disease is a rare type of pathology that occurs due to the cat’s body rejecting its own teeth. The inflammation is localized in the area of the dental arcades.

Important!
The type of disease and the cause of stomatitis can only be determined by a veterinarian after conducting a series of laboratory tests. Don't self-medicate!

Forms of stomatitis

Veterinarians distinguish several types of disease:

Species name	Description	Consequences
Catarrhal	This type of stomatitis is characterized by a mild course and the possibility of self-treatment without mandatory hospitalization. The main symptoms are: excessive salivation, swelling and redness of the oral mucosa, unpleasant odor and strong thirst of the animal. Timely treatment will alleviate the cat’s condition and lead to a quick recovery.	Lack of proper treatment and proper care for your pet’s oral cavity can lead to the transition of catarrhal stomatitis to ulcerative stomatitis.
Papillomatous	The main cause of the disease is the entry of the papilloma virus into the body. A characteristic feature is the appearance of growths in the mouth that resemble cauliflower. With a good immune response, all symptoms of the disease disappear within 2-3 months. If the cat’s immunity cannot cope with the virus that has entered the blood, surgical intervention is performed. After removing the growths, the animal needs to take antiviral drugs and immunomodulators.	The disease in this form is easily tolerated, but complete recovery takes time.
Diphtheria	This form occurs when diphtheria bacillus enters the body, as a result of which gray-yellow films are found in the oral cavity.	The form is characterized by an acute course, so you should immediately consult a doctor.
Phlegmonous	It is characterized by infection of a large area, as a result of which pus begins to accumulate and spread under the mucosa. The color of the mucous membrane changes to a blue or even black tint.	The danger lies in the rapid progression of the disease and complications in the form of sepsis. Veterinarians clean the cat's mouth under anesthesia to remove pus.
Gangrenous	Occurs in the absence of proper treatment of phlegmonous stomatitis. Characterized by the death of mucosal cells. A frequent companion to the disease is fever and enlarged lymph nodes.	An extremely dangerous form that can lead to blood poisoning and death of the pet.
Ulcerative	It manifests itself as small weeping ulcers that quickly fill the entire oral cavity. The number of wounds depends on the infection that has affected the animal’s body.	Improper treatment or ignoring the disease can lead to complete death of cavity tissue and disruption of its functions.
Autoimmune	The specific nature of this type of stomatitis is that the body’s immune cells stop recognizing dental tissue cells and begin to destroy them. After the inflammatory effect begins, viruses and bacteria enter the wounds, which aggravate the course of the disease. Characteristic signs are the localization of inflammation at the roots of the teeth. And only as the disease progresses, the palate, pharynx, and tongue of the animal are affected.	Progression of the disease can lead to complete or partial removal of the animal’s teeth for the benefit of complete recovery.
Uremic	It is characterized by damage to the gums and the appearance of an animal “uremic odor” from the cavity, which is associated with impaired kidney function. The disease is the most serious complication of kidney failure.	This form is usually not treatable and can be fatal.

Types of stomatitis

In veterinary medicine, several subtypes of stomatitis are distinguished depending on the nature, cause of occurrence, location of lesions and the clinical picture of inflammation.

Classification by location

Depending on the area of localization, stomatitis is divided into:

Gingivostomatitis. It is characterized by a gradual spread of the lesion. The mucous membranes of the entire mouth and gums become inflamed.
Glossitis. The focus of localization is the tongue.
Faucite. Inflammation of the palatoglossal arch.
Palatinite. The focus of the lesion is the palate.
Gingivitis. Inflammatory phenomena are localized on the gums.
Cheilitis. The focus of localization is the lips.

Classification according to the nature of inflammation

According to the severity and nature of the inflammatory processes, stomatitis can be:

Alternative. At the site of inflammation, tissue destruction processes predominate.

ulcerative Characterized by the appearance of weeping ulcers on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
necrotic. Complication of ulcerative. Characterized by tissue death.

Exudative. It is characterized by redness of the mucous membranes and the release of fluid (exudate) from small blood vessels.

catarrhal The most common form of pathology. Inflammation is manifested by redness and soreness of the gums, swelling, an unpleasant odor from the animal’s mouth, and excessive salivation;
serous. There is a white or yellowish coating in the animal’s mouth;
purulent. Abscesses, boils, fistulas, and carbuncles form in the oral cavity. Pus is released;
gangrenous (putrefactive). Develops as a complication of ulcerative disease. Characterized by a fetid odor;
fibrinous. White exudate has a protein structure;
hemorrhagic. The secreted liquid has a reddish color.

Proliferative (productive). In the area of inflammation, active cell proliferation occurs, which leads to the proliferation of connective tissues. This type of stomatitis is extremely rare.

In veterinary medicine, mixed types of inflammation of the exudative type are distinguished: catarrhal-purulent, serous-fibrinous, purulent-fibrinous, serous-purulent, purulent-hemorrhagic.

Classification by origin

Depending on the cause of occurrence, there are:

Primary. Appears as a result of the action of the cause of the pathology on the oral mucosa.

traumatic;
chemical;
thermal.

Secondary. Develops as a complication of other diseases.

papillomatous (viral);
fungal;
infectious;
hormone;
endocrine;
uremic;
food, allergic;
autoimmune.

Classification according to the course of the disease

According to the course of the disease, stomatitis can be acute (up to 2 weeks), subacute (from 2 to 6 weeks), chronic (over 6 weeks). Acute and subacute forms are characterized by a pronounced clinical picture. A chronic disease has a vague clinical picture and provokes the appearance of a general malaise in the animal.

Symptoms of the disease

All symptoms of stomatitis in cats are divided into main and accompanying, depending on the connection with the cause of the disease.

The main symptoms include:

Increased body temperature. When foreign cells enter the body, the immune system begins to attack them, which contributes to the onset of fever in the animal.
Swelling, redness of the oral mucosa. With various types of stomatitis, the color of the mucous membrane can vary from red to blue.
The presence of ulcers, diphtheria growths and wounds. With ulcerative, diphtheria and gangrenous stomatitis, weeping scarlet wounds form on the cat’s cheeks and tongue.

Associated symptoms appear during the active course of the disease and indicate possible problems in the pet’s body. These include:

Profuse salivation. Saliva can drain from a cat's mouth even if the animal is at rest.
Intense thirst. Due to infection of the body and loss of a large amount of fluid along with saliva, the cat needs frequent and abundant drinking.
Lack of appetite. An animal may not eat for a long time and refuse its most favorite foods. This symptom occurs not only with peptic ulcers, but also with other types of illness.
Lethargy, apathy. The cat loses playfulness, interest and activity. She spends most of her time alone.
The appearance of bad breath can be associated not only with stomatitis, but also with other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is precisely with stomatitis that the animal emits a peculiar uremic odor. The reason for this is impaired kidney function.
Enlarged lymph nodes as a result of infectious or viral damage to cells.

Periodontal disease

Symptoms:

Bad breath. One of the main reasons for visiting a veterinarian. The smell from the mouth becomes unbearable, putrid in nature, and can be felt from afar (when the animal enters the room).
Decreased appetite. The cat wants to eat, but cannot. Refuses the once-favorite “crackers”, preferring soft food.
Strange behavior. Owners notice how the pet shakes its head, rubs its muzzle with its paw, as if trying to get something out of its mouth. Sometimes you can clearly hear teeth grinding. The cat slurps when chewing. After eating, the lower jaw may tremble.
Constant discharge from the mouth. A sick animal will drool profusely. Blood or pus may occasionally leak from the mouth. The fur on the chin is wet all the time, the skin becomes inflamed.
Tartar and gum inflammation. If the cat is calm, you can move the upper lip and look into the mouth without opening its mouth. It is easy to notice yellow-brown tartar - massive hard deposits that sometimes completely cover the tooth itself. The gums are bright red or bluish in color and bleed. When pressed, a pus-like gray mass may come out from under it.

Treatment:

1. Hygienic cleaning of teeth from plaque and tartar at the initial stage of the disease. After this procedure, the crowns are coated with a fluoride-containing protective varnish. I treat the gums with antiseptic solutions and dental ointments (for example, Metrogil Denta).

2. Surgical intervention.

============================================================================================================================================================================================

Diagnostics

If your pet's oral cavity becomes inflamed and one or more signs of disease appear, it is important to perform an examination. In order for the animal to allow the manipulation, you need to gently turn to the cat and raise your lips. While performing these steps, you can examine your teeth and gums.

How to independently examine your cat's oral cavity.

To open your pet's mouth, you need to grab the animal's head, grabbing the upper jaw, while using your other hand to grab the lower jaw. After this, the cat will open its mouth and a visual inspection of the mucous membrane will become possible to determine the area affected by stomatitis.

After examination, you should contact a veterinarian. Treatment at home is possible only after consulting a specialist and receiving recommendations for caring for the animal. You can help an animal yourself only at the initial stage of stomatitis development. Otherwise, self-medication in the worst case may result in the death of your pet. You need to approach the situation especially responsibly when signs of stomatitis are observed in a kitten.

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian will examine the cat's oral cavity to determine the severity of the disease. In the fight against a disease, the main thing is to find the cause. Therefore, in order to confirm the root cause of the disease, eliminating the possibility of dangerous diseases, the animal is prescribed a list of tests:

general blood and urine analysis;
blood chemistry
cytology of inflamed areas;
culture from the oral cavity.

Useful video:

Only with proper diagnosis and testing can you count on success in treating your animal. After the veterinarian becomes aware of the causative agent of the disease, they begin to treat the pet.

Caries

The process of demineralization, accompanied by the destruction of the hard shell of the tooth and the formation of a cavity in its tissues, is called caries.

Caries occurs in several forms, which characterize the depth of damage to hard tissues:

stage of a light spot (reverse development of the pathological process is possible for unknown reasons) - there are no changes in the structure of the tooth;
superficial carious process - a dark pigment spot appears on the enamel, the enamel softens;
with average carious lesions, enamel and dentin suffer;
deep damage leads to complete damage to the tooth, affecting all its tissues, and attacks of acute pain are possible if hot or cold food comes into contact with the tooth; after the cessation of exposure to the temperature factor, the pain stops.

In the acute course of the pathological process, several teeth may be affected. In this case, the affected areas look like dirty gray spots.

Symptoms:

decreased pet appetite;
changes in the cat’s eating behavior (the animal may chew on one side or try to swallow food with minimal chewing movements);
foul odor from the mouth;
hypersalivation;
change in color of the affected tooth;
pain when chewing.

The cat cannot complain of pain, but will avoid any touching of the sore tooth.

Treatment:

1. At the initial stage, the veterinarian can use local antiseptics:

silver nitrate;
sodium fluoride.

2. If the damage is serious, the tooth is removed.

============================================================================================================================================================================================

Treatment

The doctor prescribes a number of medications:

If an infectious pathogen is present, antibiotics (amoxiclav, erythromycin, oxytetracycline) - the course of treatment ranges from one week to two weeks, depending on the type of stomatitis and the degree of its progression.
If the cause of the disease is a virus or fungus, antiviral and antifungal drugs .
Antiseptics for treating the affected area and relieving inflammation are prescribed until the inflammation is eliminated.
Vitamin complex.
Immunomodulator to strengthen the immune system – Interferon. The drug is instilled 5 drops into each nostril of the cat up to 5 times a day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the disease.
Antipyretic drugs are used when the animal’s body temperature rises above 38-39 degrees. The normal temperature of each cat is individual, so it is best for the owner to know the temperature of the cat at rest.

Only a veterinarian can prescribe medications that will eliminate the cause of the disease and remove symptoms in the cat.

Important! Self-medication of a pet with medications intended for humans can result in the death of the animal.

Treatment of stomatitis in cats

Now that we have learned how to determine that a cat has stomatitis, let's talk about how to treat this disease at home. If the cat is hospitalized, all necessary procedures will be carried out in the clinic.

The first and most important thing that cat owners should know is that the treatment regimen is prescribed by a veterinarian, and the owner’s duty is to strictly adhere to all recommendations.

Stomatitis is a fairly serious disease; it cannot be treated without professional medicine.

We will talk about traditional methods a little later, but their use is permissible only in combination with prescribed medications.

How to help your cat before visiting a doctor

Before visiting the veterinarian, you can help your pet by:

Try to remove foreign objects from the mouth (blades of grass, thorns, bones). If this does not work for you, immediately go to the doctor.
Transfer the animal to liquid, slimy food. Dry food injures the inflamed oral cavity.
In case of complete refusal of food, pour liquid food into the pet’s mouth with a syringe.
Eliminate all dairy products from your diet. Only acidophilus is allowed.
Gently rinse the mouth with herbal decoctions (chain, calendula, oak bark) or a 1% solution of baking soda.

Professional treatment regimens

Depending on the nature of the disease, its severity and the general condition of the pet, the veterinarian may prescribe the following treatment regimens:

Medication. Includes:

cleaning the oral cavity from plaque, pus, blood, necrotic tissue;
suppression of infections (antibiotic therapy);
relieving inflammation (antiseptics);
painkillers (analgesics);
healing of mucous surfaces;
increasing immunity.

Surgical. Used in advanced cases. A part of the affected mucosa that cannot be restored is removed. Teeth are cleared of tartar. With autoimmune stomatitis, all teeth are gradually removed - no more than two teeth in one session.
Combined. It consists of surgical cleansing of the oral cavity from ulcerated areas of the mucous membrane and teeth, followed by the administration of drug therapy.

Medicines for stomatitis

The following medications are used in the drug treatment regimen:

Antiseptics: “Lugol”, “Metrogil-denta”, “Chlorhexidine” (0.05%), “Dentavedin-gel”, “Protargol” (1.5%).
Antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial drugs: “Levorin”, “Oxolinic ointment”, “Lincomycin”, “Amoxicillin”, “Oxytetracycline”, “Cholisal”, “Nystatin ointment”, “Miramistin”.
Wound-healing and restorative agents: “Levomekol”, “Actovegin-gel”, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil - smear 2-3 times a day on wounds and ulcers.
Immunomodulatory agents: “Hemobalance”, “Gamavit”, “Katozal”.
Drugs for therapy for the autoimmune form of the disease: Prednisolone, Cyclosporine.
Homeopathic remedies: “Traumel”, “Echinacea”.
Vitamins. Phytomines.
Oral sprays: “Zubastic”, “Candioli”, “API-SAN”. They help relieve pain and disinfect the affected area.

Folk remedies

In the complex treatment of stomatitis, it is possible to use traditional medicine under the supervision of a veterinarian.

These are decoctions of various wound-healing, astringent herbs: oak bark, chamomile, sage, calendula, string. For the same purpose, the fruits of bird cherry, blueberry and chokeberry are brewed. They can be used to treat the animal’s mouth using a syringe or a moistened cotton pad.

Important!
Stomatitis is a contagious disease, so you should isolate the sick animal from other pets and strictly observe hygiene.

Caring for a cat when sick

When diagnosing stomatitis in a cat, you need to exclude hot and cold foods so that the inflamed area of the mucous membrane is not irritated.

Due to the fact that stomatitis affects large areas of the oral mucosa, the owner should take care of preparing food for his beloved pet in ground or liquid form. To eliminate the infection, the animal must be given clean water frequently.

If inflammation is detected and before visiting the veterinarian, you can alleviate the animal’s condition at home by irrigating the oral cavity with a soda solution or water with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, you can use a decoction of oak bark.

Causes of diseases

Your pet's weakened immune system opens the door wide to various infections, viruses, fungal and bacterial infections.

Poor quality nutrition or lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet, lack of roughage leads to the formation of tartar. Plaque, seeded with bacteria, begins to increase and injure the gums. Infections enter the animal's blood and inflammatory diseases begin.

Oral diseases can be effectively treated only at an early stage, which is why it is so important to notice the signs of impending trouble in time.

Prevention

In order to prevent stomatitis in your beloved animal, you should adhere to certain rules. First of all, pay close attention to the pet’s hygiene. Veterinary stores sell special toothbrushes. By taking care of your teeth, you can reduce the likelihood of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

The cat's diet should be complete, excluding bones and cartilage, which can damage the teeth. It is worth paying more attention to the temperature of the food your animal eats.

One of the preventive measures is timely vaccination. Monitor your pet's health, do not delay visits to the veterinarian, take care of a nutritious diet, and your animal will thank you.

Oral diseases: list and characteristics

Cats suffer most from gum disease that develops as a result of feeding poor quality food. Symptoms: hyperemia, swelling, ulcers, similar to signs of scurvy.

Inflammation of the gums.

A strong odor from the mouth indicates tartar, an accumulation of food particles between the teeth. During the inflammatory process, there is a danger of tooth decay and the development of periodontitis.

Upon examination, reddened, swollen gums are visible, painful with areas of bleeding. If left untreated, the gums gradually recede from the tooth, forming pockets in which food accumulates. Putrefactive inflammation, caries, and periodontitis develop. The cat refuses to eat, becomes weaker, has unkempt fur, and saliva may flow from its mouth.

Inflammation of the tongue.

Infectious pathology, glossitis, indicates immunodeficiency conditions, feline leukemia, acute respiratory disease, viral immunodeficiency syndrome. Sometimes the inflammatory process appears when exposed to external factors, licking highly irritating substances. Symptoms: profuse salivation, sometimes foamy, anorexia, pain. Externally, the cat looks unkempt. After healing and disappearance of the inflammatory process, the surface of the tongue is smoothed, it becomes varnished, smooth without a hard brush. Erosion and ulcers often form.

Stomatitis.

Oral disease is manifested by severe salivation and inflammation of the mucous membrane. The cat refuses to eat, inspection of its mouth is difficult, it rubs its face with its paws and shakes its head.

Redness and swelling are noticeable on the mucous membrane, gums bleed, and there is a strong odor from the mouth. The cat seems to be “ruffling up”, looking unkempt and disheveled. In young cats, candidiasis (thrush) is diagnosed; the disease becomes more pronounced when treated with antibiotics, steroids, with low immunity, or after a serious illness. Symptoms of thrush: a whitish film on the tongue, gums; if left untreated, ulcers form on the mucous membrane.

Pharyngitis.

This is a rare disease of the oral cavity, occurring as a secondary pathology against the background of a viral infection, diseases of the mouth and pharynx. With pharyngitis, the temperature rises, pain, cough, and nausea appear. No appetite.

Tonsillitis.

Inflammation of the tonsils is rarely diagnosed in cats. Hyperthermia (above 39.4C), lethargy, and anorexia are observed. The underlying cause of the disease is a bacterial infection.

In case of recurrent tonsillitis, removal of the tonsils is indicated, since greatly enlarged tonsils interfere with the normal passage of air into the lungs, cause attacks of suffocation, and interfere with food intake.

Neoplasms of the salivary glands.

Cysts and tumors form under the influence of external factors. As a rule, the salivary gland is damaged in cat fights, when a foreign object enters. The accumulating fluid ruptures the duct and a cyst is formed - a mucocele.

The submandibular gland is most often affected; when palpated under the tongue, a smooth, large cyst can be detected. Neoplasms disturb the animal, making it difficult to breathe and swallow. More often, complete removal of the damaged salivary gland is required; punctures and rinses do not give the desired effect.

In older cats, tumors are (usually) malignant and appear as hard, slow-growing lumps on the side of the face or neck.

Foreign bodies.

Needles, bones, fragments, chips, thorns, threads get into the oral cavity. The specific structure of the tongue with papillae curved inwards does not allow a foreign object to fall out. It is easy for a breeder to understand that something has got into the cat’s mouth; she shakes her head, meows, and tries to reach with her paws what is bothering her. Severe drooling, restlessness, refusal to eat.

Particularly dangerous are the bones from fish, which dig into the soft tissues of the mouth and pharynx and “sit” there without causing signs of concern. After a few days, the bone rots, a strong odor from the mouth appears, intoxication, weakness, and apathy develop. If the outcome is successful, the bone comes out with a ruptured abscess and pus.

Jacobs ulcer.

It is found in the middle of the upper lip, sometimes on the lower or oral mucosa. It looks like a yellow or reddish shiny spot that turns into a weeping erosion without pain or itching. Diffuse growth: the ulcerated surface increases, teeth and gums are exposed. Jacobs ulcer has a tendency to develop into cancer or fibrosarcoma. The cause of the pathology is not clear; a connection is suggested with dental infections and the feline leukemia virus.

Developmental anomalies and acquisition of pathology

Some oral diseases are transmitted along with genes:

nasopharyngeal polyps;
cleft lip;
cleft palate, sometimes together with a cleft lip;
squamous cell carcinoma (malignant formation).

Viral leukemia leads to most diseases and pathologies.

By getting injured during fights or being injured by sharp objects, cats increase the risk of disease and the development of pathology.

Treatment of these diseases is very difficult and often ends in death, which is why prevention and careful care of your pet are so important.

Deviations and signs of an incipient illness noticed in time will literally save the animal’s life. Timely contact with a veterinarian and early diagnosis are a guarantee that treatment will be successful.

Preventative teeth cleaning, high-quality food and vitamins will strengthen the cat’s immunity and minimize the risk of infection.

Antiseptics and disinfectant solutions for the oral cavity

Lugol's solution with glycerin or Lugol's spray for stomatitis (glycerin is included) show excellent disinfecting properties: to treat ulcers directly - smear or spray. You can replace it with an iodine glycerin mixture (1 part iodine + 4 parts glycerin). Important: long-term use is avoided, because can provoke the proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is not affected by iodine;
Chrorgexidine 0.05% - for washing the mouth or treating wounds and ulcers directly;
Rotocan is rarely used for mouth treatment in cats, because... in most cases it provokes already excessive salivation;
Dentavedin gel is used up to 2-3 times a day, applied in a thin layer to sore gums, or placed directly into the sockets after tooth extraction;
Metrogil-denta in the form of a gel is applied in a very thin layer to areas of inflammation or ulceration. It is important not to overdose, so as not to provoke increased side effects - vomiting, thirst, indigestion, loss of appetite;
1-5% solution of Protargol - irrigate the oral cavity in case of inflammation or cauterize ulcers, wounds or sites to remove papillomas with the same type of stomatitis.

Fungal stomatitis.

Fungal stomatitis

causes excessive proliferation of the fungus Candida albicans. This disease is rarely the cause of mouth inflammation in cats. The main symptom is the appearance of creamy white patches (plaques) on the tongue or lining of the cat's mouth. Fungal stomatitis is thought to be associated with other oral diseases, long-term use of antibiotics, or a suppressed immune system. Ideally, treatment of both the underlying disease and the fungal infection is necessary. A balanced diet is prescribed. If the underlying disease cannot be cured, the prognosis is quite unfavorable.

Inflammation of the tongue in cats.

Glossitis

is an inflammation of the tongue caused by infection, irritation, injury, disease, or other causes such as electrical burns or insect bites. Fibers, threads, and other foreign objects can get stuck under the tongue. The cat may drool and refuse to eat, but the reason for this becomes clear only after a thorough examination of the mouth. In such cases, the treatment of glossitis requires the removal of foreign objects and all remnants of broken or diseased teeth.

If glossitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics are prescribed. In some cases, washing wounds and antiseptic rinses have a good effect. Your cat may need to be put on a wet food diet or receive intravenous fluids. If the cat cannot eat for a long time, tube feeding is used.

Short-term glossitis can be caused by insect bites, and sometimes emergency treatment is required. In cases where glossitis is a consequence of other diseases, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary. The tongue tissue usually heals quickly once the irritation is relieved and the infection is cleared.

Tumors in a cat's mouth.

Tumors in the mouth and throat are less common in cats than in dogs. Unfortunately, tumors that do arise are often malignant.

Benign tumors.

Gum fibroma

(gingival fibroma) a benign (non-growing) growth that usually occurs near the gum line. The growth is relatively insensitive and hard, having either the color of normal gums or a slightly paler color. The amount can be large enough to completely cover the surface of several teeth. The usual treatment is surgical removal of the fibroid. After the operation, daily rinsing is prescribed until the cat recovers completely.

Epulis

(supragingival, Epulides) is another type of benign tumor-like formation that occurs on the gums. In practice this is rare. This type of tumor usually affects only the area around one tooth. A biopsy of tissue samples may be performed for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Malignant tumors.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity of cats. Usually occurs on the gums and tongue, then quickly spreads throughout the mouth.

Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor. Typically, symptoms include bad breath, refusal to eat, and excessive drooling. If the swelling affects the back of the mouth or throat, swallowing may be difficult. The tumor often has ulcers and bleeds. Your cat's face may become swollen as the tumor enlarges and invades surrounding tissue. Nearby lymphatics often enlarge before the tumor itself becomes noticeable. For diagnosis, a biopsy of tissue samples is usually performed.

Treatment and prognosis depend on the type of tumor and its stage. Malignant melanomas are highly invasive and grow rapidly, so the prognosis is poor. Surgical removal improves the chances of survival and may even eliminate the tumor, but recurrences are common. Squamous cell carcinoma has a poor prognosis and survival is only possible with early diagnosis and treatment. Removing a tumor often requires removal of the lower jaw.

How does a veterinarian treat stomatitis?

Antibiotics, antimicrobials, antivirals and antifungals

Lincomycin 10% - a course of 3 to 7 days at a dose of 2 ml/10 kg for intramuscular administration and 1 ml/10 kg for intravenous administration;
Amoxicillin 15% - single injection in a dose of 1 ml/10 kg (or 15 mg/kg) under the skin or into the muscle; if necessary, you can re-inject after 48 hours;
Oxytetracycline – 0.1 ml/kg body weight once a day for a course of up to 5 days (minimum 3);
Nystatin and Oxolinic ointments, Levorin, Cholisal and Kamistad gels are applied topically to areas of inflammation and ulceration in a very thin layer, avoiding overdose; have: antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and analgesic effects.

Wound healing

Actovegin-gel - apply a thin layer to wounds and ulcers in the mouth 2-3 times a day after signs of inflammation have disappeared;
rosehip oil - smear directly onto the ulcers for faster healing;
Levomekol (Methyluracil) - apply a thin layer to ulcers and wounds up to 3 times a day, you don’t have to worry about getting into the gastrointestinal tract.

Immunostimulating agents

Gamavit - 0.3-0.5 ml/kg once a day up to 3 times every 7 days for 2-4 weeks.
Catozal – 0.5-2.5 ml/animal, depending on the size and severity of the condition, once, repeated after 3-5 days (as necessary);
Hemobalance – 2-3 times/week. at a dose of 0.25 ml/animal if the weight is up to 5 kg and 0.5 ml/animal if the weight exceeds 5 kg.

Adjuvant therapy for autoimmune stomatitis

Cyclosporine - 7 mg/kg once daily for 4-16 weeks, depending on the severity of the cat's condition. If disorders in the gastrointestinal tract appear, then the initial dose is ½ of the main daily dose, increasing to the daily dose in 2-3 days;
Prednisolone is used to suppress inflammation or for targeted immunosuppression. In the first case, the dose will be 0.5 mg/kg twice a day at the beginning of therapy, and after a few days the maintenance dose will be up to 1 mg/kg every other day. In the second case, the main dosage is 1-3 mg/kg twice a day, maintenance - up to 2 mg/kg also every other day.

Gingivitis in kittens and cats

Gingivitis in cats is a serious problem that can lead to complications if you treat it negligently. Inflammation in the absence of therapy leads to periodontitis, periodontal disease, necrosis of jaw tissue and complete loss of teeth. The disease causes the animal a lot of suffering: the cat cannot eat due to acute pain. The result of advanced gingivitis can be problems with the gastrointestinal tract and exhaustion.

Causes of gum disease in cats

Why does my cat's gums become inflamed and swollen? This problem usually starts with simple tartar. Food residues on the gums and surfaces of the teeth begin to decompose if they are not removed in a timely manner. Gradually, the soft plaque hardens and eventually turns into tartar.

In addition to tartar, the following factors can provoke inflammation:

genetic predisposition of some breeds (Persians, Siamese cats, Maine Coons);
hormonal imbalance in young animals (juvenile form);
malocclusion;
decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency;
hard and spicy foods that lead to injury;
infections;
autoimmune processes in the body;
lack of oral care;
diabetes;
benign and malignant tumors.

How to examine a cat's oral cavity?

The entire procedure should be carried out slowly, talking affectionately to the pet. The examination usually begins with the gums and teeth, for which the lips are simply raised and lowered.

To look exactly into the mouth, you need to take the cat by the head with one hand along with the upper jaw, so that the thumb and middle finger are at the corners where the jaws meet. Lightly press down on the toothless edge along with the cheek so that it seems to slightly fall into the mouth on the sides. The cat will reflexively open its mouth. Then, with the thumb of your second hand, lightly press the incisors of the lower jaw, holding the chin. The mouth will be open and you can examine it carefully.