What are Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers?
Canine Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis (CUPS) is a chronic oral disorder characterized by painful lesions inside the mouth and on the tongue, caused by an intolerance to plaque.
Canine Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis (CUPS), also referred to as Canine Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis (CCUS), is an ulcerative disorder that affects the lining of the mouth in dogs. It is characterized by painful lesions of the lining of the mouth and connecting tissues. These lesions are caused by an excessive reaction to the plaque on the dog’s teeth, and are therefore more common on surfaces that are in direct contact with the teeth. It can be a daunting condition to treat and it has a tendency to reoccur.
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Symptoms of Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Dogs
This disease is considered to be a paradental disease, rather than a periodontal disease. The lesions are located on the oral mucosa, gingiva, tongue and pharynx instead of the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament or the structures at the root of the tooth.
- Blood in saliva
- Blood on toys
- Excessive drooling
- Lesions that are near teeth, painful or ulcerative
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to chew on toys
- Reluctance to eat
- Severe halitosis
- Swelling of lining of the mouth
- Swelling of the lip folds
- Thick, cloudy saliva
Types
Scrupulous dental care at home is essential in preventing recurrences of the symptoms. Brushing your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush is the most common method for removing plaque from their teeth, but this is not a natural process for your dog and they may have to be trained to cooperate with the process. In order to get your dog used to having its teeth brushed, start by getting the dog used to the toothpaste, by letting it lick the toothpaste off your finger, followed by praise and rewards. (It is imperative that to find a toothpaste formulated for dogs, as human toothpaste can quickly prove deadly to dogs due to both fluoride and the possible inclusion of the sweetener xylitol.)
The next step is to get the dog used to the feel of something being placed against the teeth by placing the toothpaste on their teeth with your finger and gently rubbing. Once your dog is comfortable with this process, the toothbrush can be introduced by putting the toothpaste on the brush and letting the dog lick it off the brush. Give your pet several days to get used to the feel of the brush on their tongue and gums before actually using it to brush their teeth. Use a soothing voice while brushing your dog’s teeth, and be sure to finish with lots of praise and rewards.
Causes of Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Dogs
The painful inflammation and lesions of CUPS are caused by a severe reaction to the plaque found on the affected dog’s teeth. The oral ulcers are also called contact ulcers or “kissing ulcers” as they kiss the surface of the tooth. Breeds that may be predisposed to developing CUPS include:
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd
- Greyhound
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
There is also some evidence to indicate that about five to ten percent of these stomatitis cases have a concurrent autoimmune disorder.
Diagnosis of Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Dogs
Initial diagnosis is based on the placement and appearance of the inflammation and the lesions. The ulcers form in the mouth mainly where the surface of the skin touches the teeth. The dog may exhibit reluctance to have its mouth examined due to pain. CUPS is similar in presentation to several other diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris and epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma, and additional testing will need to be done to exclude them from the diagnosis. A complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis will be done, as well as an evaluation of thyroid function.
Laboratory findings may show increased immunoglobulins and white blood cells, but any other unusual readings would need further analysis. A biopsy to rule out certain types of auto-immune disorders may also be recommended. Since the treatment for some auto-immune diseases is very different from the treatment for CUPS, it is essential to rule these out before finalizing any treatment plans.
Treatment of Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Dogs
The first course of action in treating CUPS is to remove as much plaque from the surface of the teeth as possible. The patient is likely to be anesthetized for the cleaning procedure, which will most likely include a more comprehensive assessment of oral health. X-rays of the dog’s mouth will be taken at this time and the teeth will be probed and charted to check for periodontal disease. Any teeth that are significantly affected by damage or disease may also be removed at this time.
Your veterinarian will most likely prescribe pain management medication to help with pain from any extractions as well as the pain from the disorder itself. In some situations, additional medications such as antibiotics or corticosteroids may be recommended. If these measures combined with meticulous follow-up care are unable to bring relief a whole-mouth tooth extraction may be needed to control the disorder. In extreme cases, medication will continue to be required even after extraction.
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Recovery of Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers in Dogs
This disorder requires vigilance on the part of the owner to resolve. Any buildup of plaque can result in new lesions forming, so steps must be taken to maintain the cleanliness of the canine’s mouth. Daily or twice-daily brushing of the dog’s teeth is a must in all cases where teeth are retained. Wax barriers, oral rinses or gels and even prescription dental diets may be employed to reduce the amount of plaque that forms in the mouth, and regular dental assessments and cleanings will be mandatory to maintain oral health. Dogs that require an entire mouth of teeth extraction generally respond well to the procedure, but soft food will be required for the remainder of their lives.
Conditions related to chronic 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.
Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Average Cost
From 60 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,500
Average Cost
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Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Twelve Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Bumps
My dog has bumps under her mouth that are swollen and full of pus and infection. They are hard to the touch. She also has what looks like ulcers on the roof of her mouth.
July 28, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. That is called chin dermatitis or chin acne. With the pus and swelling I would recommend taking her to your veterinarian so they can prescribe antibiotics for her. They can also examine her mouth to make sure all appears normal. Take care!
July 28, 2020
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unsure
Scruffy
5 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic
Ulcers Above Canine Teeth,
Feverish
I think my dog has CUPS, I have been to the vet with him 4 times and although they prescribe antibiotics he gets a little better then reverts. He was doing really well, but the plaque (greenish) on his canine teeth have come back and he has the ulcers again. I was rinsing his mouth with listerine via vets advice, but then stopped, i just restarted yesterday
April 30, 2018
6 Recommendations
The best course of action in these cases (if it is chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis) is a thorough dental cleaning, scale and polish as well as anti inflammatories, antibiotics (as required) and immunosuppressive therapy. Without examining Scruffy I cannot say whether he has chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis or some other condition, your Veterinarian should review the case and adjust treatment as required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/dental-corner-diagnosing-and-treating-chronic-ulcerative-paradental-stomatitis
April 30, 2018
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chihuahua mix
Cookie
3 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Won’T Chew Food Or Play With Toys
Our 3 yr old chi/mix, Cookie, had a hard time eating and wouldn’t play with her toys. I took her to the vet and they cleaned her teeth. She was back to her old self, playful and rambunctious. This lasted about a month and a half. Now she’s in pain again and smelly breath. Took her back to the vet and told him she had a sore on the inside of her upper lip. After a weird speech, he recommended x-rays and blood work, another $250! He says it’s not her teeth, not sure how he knows this when he wouldn’t look in her mouth. I want to know what the next best approach is for her. Not sure I trust this guy and may find a different vet.
Feb. 22, 2018
2 Recommendations
There are various causes for sores, ulcers, blisters etc… to form on a dog’s mouth which may include infections, poisoning, autoimmune disease, stress, medication side effects, dental disease among others; dental issues shouldn’t spring up a month an a half after a full dental and there may be another underlying cause here, I would recommend getting a second opinion if you’re not happy with the response you received from your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 22, 2018
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Zeff
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bad Breath
Ulcers
Lately I have noticed my dog has really bad breath. I’ve had a look and I think two of his teeth may be suffering from plaque and was planning on taking him to the vet for a clean (we live remote and there is no vet nearby so need to plan ahead for this trip). I have today noticed what looks like an ulcer inside his lip that is rubbing on his front teeth. There also seems to be a cut/scratch on the outside of his lip in the same area. Are the teeth/bad breath issues and ulcer related? We will be taking him to the vet as soon as possible this week but is there anything we can do in the meantime to help him? He is still eating/drinking normal at this stage.
Jan. 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. It wouldn't be likely that the plaque would be causing the ulcer or the scratch, but either might be causing the bad breath. I am concerned about what might be causing the ulcer. If he is eating and drinking and acting normally, you should be fine to see your veterinarian this week as planned, and have them examine his mouth. If he is not eating, seems lethargic, or is vomiting, it might be a good idea to make the trip sooner. Assuming that all is well otherwise, you can try to keep that area clean, but it is a difficult area to wash or clean, so you may just want to monitor the area and make sure that the ulcer isn't getting larger or causing him any pain, and try to keep any hard toys away from him in the meantime so that he isn't traumatizing the area and allow his mouth to heal. I hope that everything goes well for him.
Jan. 21, 2018
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German Shepherd
Sarg
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Gastritis/Colitis
Elevated Wbc
Furunculosis Of Feet
Tooth Root Destruction
Lesion On Cheek Of Mouth
Teeth Extractions 2
Cheek Bx
No Loss Of Weight
Works Hard For A Living
Police Dog
My German Sheperd is 5 yrs old, he has just developed Furunculosis of his feet, took him to vet and he had irritation of gum that killed root of his tooth and a ulcer inside his cheek. He also had an elevated WBC and he recently had a gastritis/colitis. Can all of this be related to some type of autoimmune inflammatory condition that he should be on treatment for? He is a police dog and on every type of ground,pavement and surface you can think of. He puts nasty things in his mouth and such. He hasn't lost weight, but reluctant to bite or play with kong.
They took out 2 teeth and did a bx of the cheek. But I'm afraid that we are treating one thing as one thing and not putting it all together
Jan. 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without examining Sarg and seeing any lab work results that he might have, I can't comment on whether he has an immune disorder - this would be a great question for his veterinarian, as they have examined him, and will be able to comment on whether the signs are somehow related, or random. I hope that he is okay.
Jan. 18, 2018
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Chronic Mouth Inflammation and Ulcers Average Cost
From 60 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,500
Average Cost
$2,200
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
