What are mouth ulcers in cats?
Mouth ulcers in cats, also known as stomatitis, are painful lesions or open sores that develop on the gums, inner lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, or anywhere in the mouth of a cat 1. They can range from small shallow ulcers to large deep wounds that bleed easily. Mouth ulcers are quite common in cats and can occur due to a variety of causes.
Some common causes of mouth ulcers in cats include 2:
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth root abscesses
- Oral cysts
- Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Feline calicivirus
- Allergies or immune disorders
- Oral tumors or cancer
- Trauma from foreign object
- Chemical or thermal burns
Symptoms of mouth ulcers in cats may include 3:
- Reluctance to eat or difficulty chewing
- Excessive drooling
- Weight loss
- Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Oral discharge
What causes mouth ulcers in cats?
There are several common causes of mouth ulcers in cats:
- Periodontal disease – This is by far the most common cause. Bacteria from plaque and tartar buildup can lead to infection and ulceration of the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.
- Tooth root abscesses or infections – Abscesses at the root of a tooth can rupture and create ulcers in the mouth.
- Oral cancer – Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral tumor in cats. It can lead to painful ulceration.
Some less common causes include:
- Viral infections – Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus can cause mouth ulcers in cats.
- Autoimmune disorders – Rare diseases like pemphigus may lead to ulceration.
- Food allergies or irritants – Allergic reactions to food or irritation from crunchy foods can sometimes ulcerate the mouth.
To diagnose the cause, your vet will examine your cat’s mouth and may run tests like dental x-rays, biopsy of the ulcers, or bloodwork. Finding the underlying cause is important for getting the right treatment.
Symptoms of mouth ulcers in cats
The most common symptoms of mouth ulcers in cats include:
- Pain – Cats with mouth ulcers will likely experience pain and discomfort in the affected areas of their mouth. They may cry out when their mouth is opened or touched.
- Trouble eating – Ulcers can make chewing and swallowing painful. Affected cats may drop food from their mouth while eating, leave food uneaten, or be reluctant to eat at all.
- Excessive salivation – The pain from mouth ulcers can cause cats to salivate more than usual. You may see strands of drool hanging from their mouth.
- Pawing at the mouth – Cats may rub or scratch at their mouth, trying to relieve irritation from the sores.
- Decreased grooming – The discomfort may cause cats to groom less, leading to an unkempt coat.
- Bad breath – Ulcers can lead to a foul odor from the mouth.
- Redness or bleeding – Visible redness, inflammation, bleeding or pus may be present in the affected areas.
If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of potential mouth ulcers.
Diagnosing mouth ulcers in cats
Diagnosing mouth ulcers in cats begins with a thorough examination of your cat’s mouth by a veterinarian. The vet will visually inspect the mouth, looking closely at the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth and teeth for any signs of inflammation, lesions, or ulcers.
The vet may use additional tools to get a closer look, such as a mouth speculum to keep the mouth open during examination and good lighting and magnification. They will note the number, location, size, shape and appearance of any ulcers or abnormal tissue.
Tests may be recommended to determine the cause of the mouth ulcers, such as:
- Biopsy of the abnormal tissue for histopathology
- Bacterial culture to identify any infection
- Bloodwork to look for underlying disease
- Oral swabs or scrapes to look for viruses or fungi
Diagnostic imaging like dental x-rays or an oral ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate the teeth, roots and jaw for any abnormalities contributing to ulcer development.
Once the underlying cause is determined through a thorough oral exam, testing and diagnostic imaging, the vet can recommend appropriate treatment for the cat’s mouth ulcers.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/mouth-ulcers-cats
https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/mouth-inflammation-ulcers
Treating mouth ulcers in cats
There are several approaches to treating mouth ulcers in cats depending on the underlying cause. Mouth ulcers often require medications prescribed by a veterinarian as well as home care to support healing.
If a bacterial or viral infection is causing the ulcers, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline or antiviral medications. Steroids like prednisolone may help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine can calm an overactive immune system attacking the mouth. Immune modulators like interferon may also help regulate the immune response.
At home, the goal is to keep the mouth clean and prevent further irritation. A saline or antiseptic mouth rinse from the vet can be used to gently cleanse the sores several times a day. Soft foods should be fed to avoid rubbing on painful ulcers. Canned food can be mashed up or softened with warm water into a mash. Hard kibble should be avoided.
It’s also important to identify and address any underlying issues causing the mouth ulcers. Chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other systemic illnesses may need specific treatment. Working closely with a vet allows for tailored medical care to both treat the sores and manage any related health conditions.
With appropriate treatment guided by a veterinarian along with supportive home care, most mouth ulcers in cats will heal within 1-2 weeks. However, some may take longer depending on the cause and severity.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/mouth-ulcers-cats
https://vetericyn.com/blog/mouth-ulcers-in-cats-everything-you-need-to-know/
How long do mouth ulcers last in cats?
The duration of mouth ulcers in cats depends on the underlying cause and severity. With appropriate treatment, most mouth ulcers resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, some ulcers can last longer if the cause is more serious or treatment is delayed.
Mild mouth ulcers from accidental biting or foreign objects often go away on their own within 5-7 days as long as the cat’s oral hygiene is good. More severe or chronic ulcers associated with viral infections, autoimmune disease, or kidney disease may last 3-4 weeks or more.
Cats with recurring bouts of mouth ulcers may suffer for months until the underlying condition is diagnosed and properly managed. Feline calicivirus, for example, causes ulcers that wax and wane over time. Treatment focuses on managing secondary infections and supporting the cat’s immune system.
In general, the sooner mouth ulcers are treated, the shorter their duration. Working with a vet to identify the cause and using medications, vitamins, and supplements as directed can help ulcers heal faster. Keeping the mouth clean is also key. With prompt treatment and good home care, most mouth ulcers in cats resolve within a couple weeks.
Sources:
https://cats.com/mouth-ulcers-in-cats
Preventing mouth ulcers in cats
There are some steps cat owners can take to help prevent their cats from developing mouth ulcers.
Diet plays an important role. Feeding your cat a high-quality diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals can help keep their immune system strong and better able to fight off infections. Canned food is easier on a cat’s mouth than dry kibble. Avoiding foods with artificial flavors and preservatives may also reduce irritation in a cat’s mouth.
Regular dental hygiene is also key. Brushing your cat’s teeth daily or a few times a week removes plaque and bacteria that could lead to dental disease, which is a common cause of mouth ulcers. Annual veterinary dental cleanings can also help minimize plaque buildup.
Avoiding trauma to your cat’s mouth is another way to prevent ulcers. Make sure your cat doesn’t chew on or ingest harmful objects and materials that could scratch or puncture their mouth and gums. Supervise them during playtime with items like string or ribbon that could get wrapped around their tongue or teeth. Proper scratching posts and trimming their nails can help prevent scratches inside their mouth as well.
While mouth ulcers cannot always be prevented entirely, taking these measures can greatly reduce your cat’s chances of developing them.
When to see a vet for cat mouth ulcers
In most cases, cat mouth ulcers will heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, it’s important to take your cat to the vet if the ulcers last longer than 2 weeks or are accompanied by severe symptoms.
According to PetMD, you should take your cat to the vet right away if the mouth ulcers are causing excessive drooling, trouble eating or drinking, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms. Severe ulcers that don’t seem to be healing can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and other problems if left untreated.
Additionally, the vet can rule out underlying conditions that may be causing recurring or persistent mouth ulcers in your cat. They can prescribe medication to help soothe irritation and speed healing if needed. Don’t try to treat severe or long-lasting mouth ulcers at home without consulting your vet first.
With appropriate care guided by your vet, even serious cases of mouth ulcers can be managed. But it’s important not to wait too long before seeking veterinary attention if your cat’s mouth ulcers don’t start to improve within 2 weeks.
Outlook and prognosis for cat mouth ulcers
With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for cats with mouth ulcers is usually good. Mouth ulcers often resolve within 1-2 weeks with medications like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers according to https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/mouth-ulcers-cats. However, some ulcers can be chronic and recurrent. Cats may need long-term medication and follow-up care.
In rare cases, mouth ulcers can lead to complications if left untreated. Bacteria from the ulcers can spread infection to the cat’s jaw, causing osteomyelitis. Ulcers may also cause reduced appetite and malnutrition. With aggressive treatment, these complications can often be avoided. Work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s mouth ulcers and make sure they are healing properly.
The key is to identify and treat mouth ulcers early. With prompt veterinary attention and proper care at home, most cats make a full recovery and their quality of life returns to normal. Be alert for any signs of mouth pain, drooling, or trouble eating so you can get your cat the help they need right away.
Key takeaways on cat mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers in cats are painful sores that can form on the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue. While ulcers often resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks, identifying the underlying cause is important to prevent recurrence. Cats may develop ulcers due to viral infections, dental disease, oral cancer, immune disorders, or other illnesses. Treatment focuses on resolving the cause and providing pain relief while the ulcer heals. Cats may benefit from soft food, antibiotics, antiviral medication, steroids, or other therapies depending on the diagnosis. Routine dental care, limiting stress, and prompt treatment of medical issues can help prevent cat mouth ulcers. Contact your veterinarian if your cat develops ulcers or shows signs of mouth pain, bleeding, or reduced appetite. While most feline mouth ulcers are not serious, quick diagnosis and care enhances your cat’s comfort and quality of life.