Oral cat ulcers are lesions that are frequently found in the oral cavity of these animals. Oral pathologies in the cat represent one of the main reasons for a veterinary visit. The conditions that can afflict the mouth are different, so much so that the term "feline stomatitis", Just to indicate, generally, a very painful inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa that can affect cats of all ages. The causes that determine feline stomatitis are manifold, while the symptoms are almost the same: your bottom line, difficulty feeding, drooling (hypersalivation) e reluctance to open your mouth.
Oral ulcers: what they are and what are the main causes
Oral ulcers, also called canker sores, are circumscribed erosions, characterized by slow healing and therefore healing capacity. One of the most common causes of oral ulcers is Calicivirus, an RNA virus that is localized in the cat's upper airway. Since there are at least 40 different strains of Calicivirus that differ in virulence, it is understood that the severity of the disease can also vary significantly. THE symptoms typical of Calicivirosi are sneezing, canker sores that are typically located at the level of the tongue, palate, gums or nose, fever, lethargy. In some cases, the presence of painful ulcers in the oral cavity may be the only symptom present.
Aphthae in the oral cavity of the cat, may also be due to severe chronic renal failure; in this case we talk about uremic ulcers, precisely because the cause is the high level of uremic toxins that accumulate in the blood due to the reduced functioning of the kidneys.
What to do in case of oral ulcers:
From what has been said, it is clear how the first thing to do, if we notice that our cat has difficulty in taking food, licks his lips persistently, has pain while eating or feeds less, it is to go to the vet as soon as possible. Feline stomatitis is very frequent and the causes can be varied, despite overlapping symptoms. During the visit, the veterinarian may already issue a first diagnosis and indicate a therapy to be followed scrupulously. In some cases antibiotic therapy will be necessary, in others the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or blood tests may also be required to find out the kidney function, the general health of the cat or to exclude the presence of infectious diseases such as IVF and FeLV .
In any case, it will still be good to help the cat to feed itself, for example by administering soft food and applying local substances that can relieve pain and promote the healing of any canker sores. For this we can also use herbal remedies.
Veterinary Physician Dr. Annamaria Carbone
CTS Union BIO approved
Union BIO advice:
DENTAL CLEAN CAT is a preventive and protective toothpaste lotion, simple and quick to use. L'Aloe it contains a marked re-epithelizing, healing, soothing and immunostimulating activity, which makes this spray an excellent natural adjuvant and free of side effects in the course of gingivitis, stomatitis, canker sores and ulcers.
Photo: Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue (formerly known as Animal Rescue and Adpotion Society), Marco Tersigni, Keith Kissel.
