Have you noticed your cat having distinctly bad breath? This could be a sign of stomatitis. Stomatitis is a painful oral disease found in cats. It causes severe inflammation of the entire mouth, including the gums inside of the cheeks and the back of the mouth. The bone around the teeth can also become inflamed. Frequently, the pain from this condition can be so severe that your cat will stop eating. In addition to bad breath and refusal to eat, symptoms of this condition include:
- Bright, red inflamed gums
- Drooling, sometimes with blood present
- Pawing
- Lack of grooming
- Crying while eating
- Dropping food from their mouth
Stomatitis is a complex condition that remains a bit of a mystery. Veterinarians believe the primary cause is an overreaction of the immune system to the plaque on the teeth. But while vets are still learning about this condition, it can be managed with medical intervention. The first approach will be a dental cleaning. If the condition does not resolve quickly or returns, a partial or full-mouth extraction will likely be the next step. While this may seem extreme, 90% of cats show complete resolution of their symptoms. There is no cure for stomatitis and there are no medications or alternate treatments to aid with this condition.
If diagnosed, the cat should receive treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, your cat’s pain will be severe and relentless, and their quality of life will be drastically impacted. After a treatment plan has been established, your veterinarian will walk you through the next steps and a recovery plan. Once the mouth has completely healed, you should see an immediate improvement in the attitude and appetite of your cat.