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One of the most frustrating oral illness seen in dogs and especially cats is one called stomatitis. Stomatitis is defined as an inflammation of the structures of the oral cavity including the gums, cheeks, palate and often throat. In lots of patients this starts out happening around the teeth, but eventually may spread to involve any area of the mouth.
While bacteria may be involved as instigating factors, the exact reason why stomatitis occurs is not known. It is believed that an overactive immune action of the immune system to antigens or tissues of the oral cavity may be involved. This overactive immune action will lead to symptoms of inflammation and redness, ulceration, drooling and foul odor. In badly impacted pets, the ability to eat and drink may be compromised. Diagnosis is typically suspected from direct visual exam; however, biopsy of the affected tissues of the mouth is needed for a conclusive diagnosis.
While ultrasonic dental cleaning and extraction of diseased teeth, in addition to antibiotics may be helpful, these still do not address the underlying cause of stomatitis in most cases. In lots of triggers immune suppressive medications with medications such as Prednisone and gold salts may be needed. other medications including Azathioprine and Cyclosporine may also be needed in a lot more severe cases. Mouth washes, including Chlorihexidine flushes, may also be valuable to soothe ulcerated and inflamed tissues. The prognosis for remedy of stomatitis is certainly guarded; however with aggressive medical and often surgical treatment, most pets may lead normal lives.