Feline stomatitis is the inflammation of a cat's oral cavity. While this condition can afflict any breed, certain cats such as Himalayans and Persians, are more susceptible to developing stomatitis. Cats who have immunosuppressed disorders due to feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus can also develop stomatitis. If you notice the initial symptoms of stomatitis, which include foul breath and swollen red gums, seek medical treatment for your cat. If stomatitis progresses, your cat can lose all its teeth.
Things You'll Need
- Azithromycin
- Fluoride
- Cat finger toothbrush
- Chlorhexidine antibacterial solution
- Cat soft food
Instructions
Allow your veterinarian to take radiographs of your cat. These x-rays can assess the damage in your cat's mouth. Your cat may need to undergo anesthesia.
Ask your veterinarian to test your cat for a specific bacteria associated with stomatitis, bartonella. Virginia Veterinary Dentistry indicates that up to 70 percent of cats test positive for bartonella if the cat suffers from gingivitis or stomatitis. Antibiotics such as azithromycin can help kill bartonella.
Remove sources of the infection. Allow your veterinarian to remove plaque and apply fluoride to your cat's teeth.
Extract teeth with a serious stomatitis infection. This is sometimes necessary to prevent the spread of the infection throughout your cat's mouth.
Brush your cat's teeth daily after it has its teeth professionally cleaned. Daily cleaning can help reduce gum inflammation, as well as prevent the buildup of plaque.
Use a chlorhexidine antibacterial solution for your cat, especially if your cat resists the toothbrush. Use the chlorhexidine daily, suggests Virginia Veterinary Dentistry.
Switch to softer foods for your cat. This will help your cat's gums heal and keep bleeding to a minimum.