Red, Swollen, and Ulcerated Cat Lips: Quick Solutions!
When a cat's mouth corner appears red and swollen with oozing sores, it's natural for their owner to feel a surge of worry and urgency. However, there can be numerous reasons behind such symptoms, so it's crucial for the owner to remain calm and approach the situation with reason. Below are some common causes of cats having red, swollen corners of their mouths, along with appropriate measures to take:
【Reasons for Concern】
1. Oral Ulcers: Cats may suffer from oral ulcers due to a deficiency in Vitamin B, viral infections (such as herpesvirus or calicivirus), dental calculus, or periodontal disease. Immune system issues can also contribute to the development of ulcers.
2. Viral Infections: Diseases like feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, and herpesvirus can lead to oral ulcers in cats.
3. Malnutrition: A diet that is too monotonous or lacks Vitamin B can result in oral ulcers.
4. Trauma or Foreign Objects: Cats might develop ulcers from accidentally ingesting sharp objects or sustaining injuries.
5. Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like kidney disease can cause uraemic oral ulcers.
【What to Do】
1. Diet Adjustment: Offer soft, easytochew, and mild foods to avoid dry, hard foods that could irritate the mouth and exacerbate pain or infection. Consider using soaked cat food or highmoisture canned food. During this period, it's advisable to use supplements like Apovit (a multivitamin B solution) to help the cat regain its appetite and supplement its vitamin intake.
2. Vitamin Supplementation: Increase the intake of vitaminrich foods such as liver, lean meat, eggs, and leafy greens. However, cats with red, swollen corners may have decreased appetite, so supplements are recommended to aid in vitamin replenishment.
3. Oral Hygiene: Regularly clean your cat's mouth using petspecific oral sprays or rinses to maintain oral health. Additionally, you can apply oral antiseptic sprays (such as Oralcease spray) directly to the ulcerated areas to alleviate inflammation and promote healing.
4. Professional Cleaning: If your cat has tartar, routine oral cleaning may not suffice, and professional dental cleaning surgery may be necessary.
5. Medication: Under veterinary guidance, antibiotics (such as Clavamox (amoxicillin clavulanate potassium)) or antiviral drugs (such as interferon) can be used to control infections. The specific medications depend on the confirmed cause of the ulcers.
Regardless, if the cat's oral ulcers persist or worsen, it's essential to take them to a veterinary clinic for professional evaluation and treatment.
In summary, the reasons for a cat's red, swollen corners of the mouth can be varied. For minor oral issues, proper oral hygiene and antiinflammatory measures are sufficient. For ulcers caused by other conditions, a comprehensive treatment plan is necessary. The specific treatment should be tailored to the cat's unique situation by a professional veterinarian.
