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Stomatitis in Pets

Stomatitis in Pets: Dogs & Cats

Stomatitis is a painful and often chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mouths of both dogs and cats. At Elevate Pet Dentistry, our team is trained to detect, treat, and manage this complex condition—helping your pet regain comfort, function, and quality of life.

Canine Stomatitis

Canine stomatitis, also known as caudal mucositis (depending on the affected area), is more than just a typical toothache. It’s a severe, painful inflammation of a dog’s mouth and gums that can significantly affect their health and wellbeing.

What causes canine stomatitis?

The exact cause of canine stomatitis is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be an autoimmune condition where the immune system overreacts to plaque on the teeth. Contributing factors may include:

  • Dental diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis
  • Viral infections (e.g., canine herpesvirus)
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Underlying systemic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease)

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of canine stomatitis include:

  • Severe gum inflammation
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Visible tartar or plaque buildup
  • Difficulty eating or refusing food
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Drooling, possibly blood-tinged
  • Weight loss and overall lethargy

Treatment Options for Dogs

Treatment for canine stomatitis focuses on both symptom relief and treating the underlying causes:

  • Professional Dental Cleaning
  • Medications (including anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants)
  • Dietary Changes to support healing
  • Advanced Treatments, depending on severity

Feline Stomatitis

Feline stomatitis, or lymphocytic-plasmacytic stomatitis, is a debilitating oral condition seen in cats, marked by widespread inflammation of the gums and oral tissues. This disease is extremely painful and often interferes with eating and grooming.

Symptoms of Feline Stomatitis

Cats with stomatitis may show:

  • Severe oral inflammation
  • Painful ulcers in the mouth
  • Excessive drooling
  • Difficulty eating or loss of appetite
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Changes in behavior or grooming habits

What causes stomatitis in cats?

Like canine stomatitis, the cause is not fully understood, but likely contributors include:

  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Viral infections (e.g., calicivirus, FIV)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Chronic plaque and tartar buildup

Feline Treatment Options

At Elevate Pet Dentistry, our comprehensive feline stomatitis treatments may include:

  • Professional Dental Cleaning
  • Tooth Extractions when inflammation is unmanageable
  • Medications such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids
  • Laser Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
  • Nutritional Support with soft, high-quality diets

Home & Follow-Up Care

  • Comprehensive Dental Care: Addressing sources of inflammation via cleaning and possible extractions
  • Antibiotics/Anti-inflammatories: To control infection and reduce pain
  • Laser Therapy: A non-invasive tool for healing and comfort
  • Regular Rechecks: Monitoring and adjusting treatment as needed

Prevention Strategies for Both Dogs & Cats

While stomatitis can’t always be prevented, these steps help reduce the risk and severity:

  • Regular Veterinary Check-ups to catch early signs
  • Daily Oral Hygiene, including brushing and vet-approved products
  • Professional Cleanings under anesthesia to remove plaque and tartar
  • Balanced Diets tailored to support oral and overall health
  • Stress Management, especially for cats, to support immune health
  • Avoid Irritants like smoke or harsh chemicals in the home environment

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from stomatitis, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve their comfort and outcome.

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