Stomatitis in Dogs and Cats

Stomatitis is a descriptive term indicating inflammation and proliferation of the oral mucosa beyond the mucogingival line. affected areas may include the gingiva, buccal mucosa, palatal mucosa, pharynx, tongue and the mucosa in the back of the mouth. Stomatitis is a painful process for the affected animal and the treatment can be frustrat- ing for the owner as well as the veterinarian.
Stomatitis is found in cats and dogs. in cats is it also known as feline chronic gingiviosto- matitis or caudal stomatitis. in dogs the most common form of stomatitis is chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis (CupS).

Stomatitis in cats
The etiology of stomatitis in cats has not been identified (1). it has been speculated that there is an exaggerated inflammatory response to bacterial plaque on the teeth. feline Calicivirus (fCV) has been isolated in approxiomately 95% of the stomatitis cases, how- ever fCV seems to play a secondary role in the disease. Cats stop shedding fCV in most cases when the stomatitis has been cured.
Clinical signs include dysphagia, halitosis, anorexia, drooling, mandibular lymphnode enlargement. the oral examination can be painful in a conscious animal. periodontal disease and resorptive lesions are common co-findings in cats with chronic stomatitis. Stomatitis affects all breeds however in Main Coons the disease seems to affect animals at a relatively younger age and it is usually associated with juvenile periodontitis.
A complete blood count and biochemical profile is indicated to evaluate underlying and concurrent problems. Evaluation of the feLV and fiV status is recommended. if areas of asymmetric inflammation or ulceration are present a biopsy is indicated to rule out malignancies.
The initial treatment of stomatitis consists of a dental profylaxis. Dental radiographs are mandatory in all cases to identify periodontal disease, resorptive lesions and retained root tips. all teeth with periodontal disease, complicated fracture and resorptive lesions as well as retained root tips should be extracted. Dental homecare on daily basis is man- datory to achieve control of the disease. Stomatitis is an indication for systemical use of antibiotics and nSaiD. Corticosteroids should be avoided. [...]