Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/08/2016Updated: 01/21/2022
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What are Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers?

Ongoing mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats is termed feline 'stomatitis', characterized by gradually worsened inflammation of the oral mucosal tissues. Feline stomatitis etiology is assumed to be an immune-mediated disease caused by dental disease and viral infections, such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Ongoing mouth inflammation and ulcers only affect about 3 percent of the feline population with purebred cats being the majority of those affected. Feline stomatitis, although rare, is a very serious and painful disease for cats that can eventual becoming life-threatening if it is left untreated. 

Mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats create an extremely painful condition. A cat with this condition may have a difficult time eating or drinking, may have bad breath, drool, and paw at her face. Mouth inflammation often causes a cat’s mouth to develop ulcers on the palate, gums, tongue or lips, which may even prevent the cat from opening her mouth. Mouth inflammation and ulcers are not linked to a single underlying cause, but dental disease is believed to be the main culprit. Mouth inflammation and ulcers in its early stages resembles dental disease and causes pain, making an appointment with the veterinarian essential. 

Youtube Play

Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Average Cost

From 455 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background

Symptoms of Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

Mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats is one of the very few conditions that will cause a feline to show obvious signs of pain. It is in a cat’s nature to not freely express pain, but feline stomatitis is so painful cats often cry out in pain with a simply yawn. Cat owners also report a type of behavior veterinarians call, “approach-avoidance.” This behavioral term is used to describe a cat who hungrily approaches her food, only to hiss at her bowl and run away. Approach-avoidance behavior is a symptom that develops over time as the feline anticipates the consumption of food to be painful. Behavioral changes may be the first signs of feline stomatitis a cat owner notices, as inflammation and ulcers in the mouth are not easily seen. The following additional symptoms may also be noted in a cat with mouth inflammation and ulcers: 

  • Severe pain
  • Vocalization or crying out upon the opening of the mouth
  • Dropping food while eating
  • Refusal to eat or drink
  • Facial pawing
  • Weight loss
  • Halitosis (bad breath) 
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
  • Ptyalism (hypersalivation, drooling)
  • Poor hair coat
  • Red, swollen gums and/or mouth
  • Visible ulcers or lesions 

Causes of Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

The exact cause of mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats is unclear, but what is clear is that the condition appears to be immune-mediated. In other words, feline stomatitis is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system, causing the feline’s own immune system to attack bacteria in the mouth as well as its oral tissues. The immune system is triggered by plaque in the mouth, making feline dental disease the prime suspected cause. Mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats can be caused by dental disease, but also infection and viruses, including: 

  • Bartonellosis
  • Feline calicivirus (FCV)
  • Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1)
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
  • Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

Diagnosis of Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

Diagnosis of mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats begins with an examination of your cat’s medical history, including dental records and procedures to rule out standard conditions of the teeth. A physical examination of the mouth will be completed in order to evaluate the level of ulceration. Sedation or a general anaesthetic may be needed to allow the veterinarian to properly examine the feline’s mouth. A visual identification of mucosal inflammation and ulcers will give the veterinarian a diagnosis, but to determine the cause, further testing will be made including: 

  • Systemic disease evaluation (detection of organ disease)
  • Virus isolation test (detection of virus)
  • Retroviral test (detection of immune-related virus)
  • Histopathological evaluation (detection of oral disorders)
  • Biopsy (detection of oral neoplasia) 

Treatment of Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

Treatment of mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats initially begins with pain control and anti-inflammatory medication. Feline stomatitis is an overreaction of the immune system, so your veterinarian may prescribe a steroid or immunosuppressant drug to suppress the immune system, and suppress the disease. Medicated mouth washes and oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. Although effective, treating feline stomatitis with therapeutic drugs is only temporary, therefore, many veterinarians suggest total dental extractions. Sometimes all teeth are removed while, in other cases, the incisors and canines may be left.

Plaque is the known trigger of feline stomatitis. Plaque is a bacteria that only remains in the mouth when it adheres to the teeth. Rigorous dental care at home (regular tooth brushing, feeding a dental diet and the use of certain products like mouthwash) can help keep the disease at bay.

For many, dental extraction is the only potential cure of feline stomatitis. Sometimes, all premolars and molars are removed. In more severe cases, all teeth are taken out. Unfortunately, a total dental extraction is costly, drastic and in the end, may not cure your cat’s stomatitis. 

Petted logo

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

background

Recovery of Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Cats

The refractory nature of mouth inflammation and ulcers in cats makes recovery as well as management of the condition frustrating to both parties. Pain management will be continuous for cats with feline stomatitis to improve the quality of their life. A soft food diet will be required for cats who have undergone total dental extractions and routine dental cleanings may be required of those who have not.

Mouth inflammation and ulcers can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs. 

Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Average Cost

From 455 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

arrow-up-icon

Top

Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

dog-breed-icon

domestic short hair

dog-name-icon

Milo

dog-age-icon

2 Years

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Fcv, Mouth Leasions, Eating Difficulties
Fcv, Mouth Leasions
Milo was diaognosed with FCV a year ago and we have fighting the war since. I keep reading that it comes in flare ups but we have yet to see any really good days. Are there any current studies being conducted in TN or surrounding states? The only way we can get him to eat is to put wet food with additional water and blend it until completely liquidfided. Any lumps will send him under the couch. We are also feeding him powdered food supplement (Pet Sure) daily. It takes all we can do to keep him at 5 lbs. On those days when we can not get him to eat I make a homeade Pedialite made of boiled water, sugar, salt and backing soda to help perk him up. Have you heard of this and could it cause long term issues? None of our 3 vets heard of it. The only symptoms he suffers from is mouth lessons (corner of mouth along with fowl odor) thankfully but looking for help to get to those times (if any can be had) of a break in the "flare ups". None of the antibotics or weekly shots of steroids and anti-inflammatory supply any relief or improvement. Hence why I am seeking any studies being conducted or new ideas. There is 1 med that helps for a few days but can not give often as it is not good for kidneys or eyesight. Metha something but can read rx .3 ml daily for 5 days. He is in good health otherwise and quality of life is still good which is why I fight the war! He is 100% indoors and he has a brother (not litter mate) that has no issues even after a year of living together. Both were rescued at 8 weeks and had the full workup day of rescue. Any tips, direction, advise would be appreciated. Don't have many vets to choose from where we live for cats and they are not willing to read up and help us much more.

Sept. 8, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?
dog-breed-icon

Domestic shorthair

dog-name-icon

Leo

dog-age-icon

10 Months

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

thumbs-up-icon

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Drooling
High Temperature
Ulcers
Hi, I have 2 10 month old cats, brother and sister. We have just taken the brother to the vets 2 days ago as he has ulcers which seem to have spread up his mouth and caused an infection oozing green gunk, he is drooling also. he is on antibiotics and pain killers, had a blood test which came back clear apart from a little inflammation which the vet thought was him fighting an infection. I have since noticed today, his sister has been very tired sleeping for the past few days, today however I checked her tongue and she has a couple of ulcers in her mouth now too, are ulcers infectious? She has no other symptoms such as dribbling or infection. Vet said blood test showed no virus? Thanks

Aug. 24, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

0 Recommendations

There are many viruses that will not necessarily show up on a blood test, and Calicivirus is one that is spread between cats and causes ulcers in the mouth. If she is showing the same signs, she may need to be treated until her body can fight off the virus.

Aug. 24, 2018

Was this question and answer helpful?

Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Average Cost

From 455 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000

Average Cost

$850

Wag Compare logo

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

background
Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.