MOUTH INFECTIONS
FELINE STOMATITIS/LPGS
Feline Stomatitis is also called Lymphocyte Plasmacytic Gingivitis Stomatitis (LPGS). LPGS is a severe disease of the oral cavity in certain cats. These cats develop an allergic reaction to the plaque around their teeth. This response causes severe inflammation at the junction where the tooth meets the gum line.
CAUSE
The actual cause is unknown. These cats are negative for Feline Leukemia and Immunodeficiency Virus and the diet is not a factor. Calici Virus has been found but its significance is not known. Certain purebreds including Abyssinians, Persians, Himalayans, Burmese, Siamese and Somali are prone.
SYMPTOMS
* Bad breath.
* Difficulty chewing hard food (may only eat soft food).
* Decreased appetite.
* Weight loss may occur.
* Excess salivation.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
Oral examination reveals red, swollen, severely irritated gum tissue that surrounds all or most of the teeth. The upper and lower check teeth are most often affected. Ulcers of the gums, tongue, lips and/or the roof of the mouth are also often present.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy of the gum tissue. A piece of gum tissue is removed and examined under the microscope to determine the exact problem.
TREATMENT
Currently, many therapies have been tried but are only effective temporarily. The only treatment that resolves the majority (over 70 percent) of these cases for the long-term is quite radical and involves removal of all teeth behind the canine teeth.
Owners must brush teeth daily and rinse with 0.2 percent chlorhexidine oral solution. If cats are positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, certain medications may provide temporary relief. These include:
1. AZT – 2.5 mg per pound given by mouth twice daily for 21 days.
2. Interferon (Roferon) given orally.
Bovine Lactoferin (20mg per pound of body weight) applied topically to gums and Carbon Dioxide laser therapy may decrease pain inflammation of gum tissue.
