Causes of Feline Oral Ulcers: Understanding the Issues

Stomatitis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa, is characterized by symptoms such as excessive drooling, refusal or aversion to food, and red, swollen mucous membranes. The most common form is ulcerative stomatitis. Causes of this condition include oral trauma, chemical irritation, tumors, and imbalances in nutrition and metabolism. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to be caused by insufficient water intake, excessive heart fire, and rising stomach fire, leading to sores on the tongue and lips.

In cats, symptoms of stomatitis include malnutrition, weight loss, and a lack of vitality. The cat may exhibit hypersensitivity in the mouth, resist examination, and have sticky, brownish secretions around the nose and mouth. The oral cavity may show ulcerations on the inner mucous membranes of the lips and gums, with a foul, fishy odor. The teeth may have tartar, and the tongue may be covered with a white, cheesy substance. The cat's body temperature might be elevated to 39.7°C.

Treatment involves the following steps:

First, remove dental tartar. Then, rinse the mouth with a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution to clean the mucous membranes and remove any covering. Apply a paste made from gentamicin sulfate, Yunnan Baiyao, and clotrimazole to the affected areas, twice a day. Administer intravenous injections of vitamin B2 and vitamin C in normal saline, once a day for three days. Prepare a decoction with 5g of Huangqin, 3g of Huanglian, 5g of Lianqiao, 5g of Zhizi, 5g of Danzhu Ye, 5g of Shengdi Huang, 6g of Shengshi Gao, 2g of Dahuang, 2g of Gancao, and 2g of Shengma in 400ml of water, boiling it down to about 100ml. Take one dose a day for three days. Continue applying the paste to the affected areas and give the cat oral ketoconazole twice a day until the lesions heal.

Herbs such as Huangqin, Huanglian, Lianqiao, Zhizi, Danzhu Ye, Shengshi Gao, Gancao, and Shengma have the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing fire, and alleviating pain and swelling. Dahuang has the functions of bitter and cold descending, reducing fire, and cooling the blood, as well as clearing the bowels and reducing heat. It can treat eye redness and swelling, sores on the tongue and lips, and reduce the excessive growth and accumulation of bacteria and toxins in the intestines.

Upon discovering stomatitis in cats, it is crucial to isolate the animal for treatment and thoroughly disinfect the environment. Continue medication even after the inflammation has subsided to ensure complete healing and prevent recurrence. Feed the cat with nutritious fluids like milk, fish broth, or meat broth, or soft foods to minimize irritation to the oral mucous membranes.