Putting A Cat Down with Stomatitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & More

Decide to put a cat down due to stomatitis is a heart-wrenching choice faced by many pet owners. Stomatitis can severely impact a cat’s quality of life. You need to understand its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

In this article, I will share with your critical information regarding the cat’s well-being. This difficult journey involves weighing the pet’s suffering against their comfort, highlighting the importance of compassion and professional guidance. Let’s slide down to the main details.

Symptoms Of Stomatitis in Cats

Stomatitis in cats is also known as feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS). It is a severe and painful oral condition characterized by inflammation in the mouth. The symptoms of stomatitis in cats are often noticeable and can significantly affect their quality of life.

One of the primary signs is severe oral pain, and lead to difficulty in eating and reluctance to groom or play. Cats with stomatitis often exhibit excessive drooling and bad breath due to the inflammation and infection in their gums and mouth.

Red and swollen gums are common symptoms. These lesions can be found on the gums, tongue, throat, and the back of the mouth. Weight loss is another noticeable symptom, as cats may avoid eating due to the pain associated with chewing.

Besides, stomatitis can lead to excessive head shaking or pawing at the mouth, and indicate their attempt to alleviate the pain. If left untreated, stomatitis can cause significant dental problems and even lead to secondary health issues.

Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial. It is essential to alleviate the cat’s suffering and improve their overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are vital in preventing the onset or recurrence of stomatitis in cats.

Causes Of Stomatitis in Cats

Stomatitis in cats can significantly affect their quality of life. You need to know about main causes for early detection and effective management. Here, we will share the key factors triggering stomatitis in felines.

Dental Plaque and Tartar Buildup

One of the primary culprits behind stomatitis is the accumulation of dental plaque and tartar. When left untreated, these deposits harbor harmful bacteria. It can lead to gum inflammation and, ultimately, stomatitis.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Infection

FCV is a common viral infection in cats. It is known to cause various oral problems, and trigger severe inflammation and discomfort.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Cats infected with FIV or FeLV have weakened immune systems, and make them susceptible to stomatitis. The compromised immune response allows oral bacteria to proliferate, exacerbating the condition.

Allergic Reactions

Certain cats may develop stomatitis due to allergic responses to food, environmental factors, or dental materials. Allergens can trigger an inflammatory response in the oral cavity, and lead to stomatitis symptoms.

Genetic Predisposition

Some cat breeds are genetically predisposed to stomatitis. The exact genetic factors are still being studied, but specific breeds exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing this painful condition.

Treatments For Stomatitis In Cats

Treating stomatitis in cats requires a multifaceted approach aimed at alleviating pain. It will reduce inflammation, and manage the underlying causes. With a combination of medical and dental interventions, stomatitis can be effectively managed.  

Dental Cleanings

Regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This procedure helps in preventing bacterial proliferation and reduces oral inflammation.

Extractions

In severe cases, extracting some or all of the cat’s teeth might be necessary. Removing the source of inflammation often provides significant relief and prevents further discomfort.

Immunosuppressive Therapy

Immunosuppressive drugs can help manage the immune response. It can be reduce inflammation in the oral cavity. These medications are typically used in combination with other treatments.

Pain Management

Pain relief is a crucial aspect of stomatitis treatment. Veterinarians may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to make the cat more comfortable and improve their overall well-being.

Supportive Care

Supportive care, including a soft or liquid diet, can aid in feeding cats with oral discomfort. Ensuring proper nutrition is essential for their overall health and recovery.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-ups

Close monitoring and frequent veterinary check-ups are necessary to assess the cat’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. This ongoing care is vital for managing stomatitis in the long term.

Tooth Extraction For Stomatitis In Cats

Tooth extraction is a common and often necessary procedure in managing stomatitis in cats. In severe cases of feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS), inflammation extends beyond gingivae to the back of the mouth. It can alleviate the constant pain and discomfort.

Removing the affected teeth, particularly the premolars and molars where the condition is most prominent, eliminates the source of chronic inflammation. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the cat’s comfort and safety.

Post-extraction cats might experience temporary discomfort, but this is typically mild and managed with pain medications prescribed by the veterinarian. Following extractions, many cats experience significant improvement in their quality of life.

They can eat more comfortably and show reduced signs of oral pain, and enhance their overall well-being. Regular dental care and check-ups post-surgery are crucial to monitor the cat’s oral health and ensure a swift recovery. Tooth extraction is an effective way to manage stomatitis and enhance a cat’s overall oral health and happiness.

Quality Of Life For Cats With Stomatitis

Cats afflicted with stomatitis often experience a significantly diminished quality of life due to the persistent pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Stomatitis can make eating a painful ordeal, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

Cats may avoid grooming activities, further impacting their hygiene and overall well-being. The constant pain can also affect their behavior, causing irritability and withdrawal. Additionally, the oral inflammation can lead to bad breath, and make social interactions challenging.

Stomatitis can substantially limit a cat’s ability to enjoy their life, and hinder their playful and active nature. However, the quality of life for cats with stomatitis can vastly improve with proper management and treatment.

Dental interventions like tooth extractions and regular professional cleanings can alleviate pain and inflammation. Pain management medications ensure their comfort, and allow them to eat and groom without agony.

A carefully planned diet is often consisted of soft or moist food. It will aids in easier chewing and swallowing. Furthermore, providing a stress-free environment and regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

Although stomatitis is a chronic condition, timely and consistent care can help cats lead fulfilling lives. Monitoring their oral health, and offering a supportive and loving environment are essential steps in enhancing the quality of life for cats affected by stomatitis. It will enable them to live comfortably and happily.

When to consider euthanasia for a cat with stomatitis?

Deciding when to consider euthanasia for a cat with stomatitis is a deeply emotional and personal decision. It is often influenced by the cat’s overall quality of life and well-being. Mostly, it happens when the pain and discomfort caused by stomatitis reach a point.

Where it severely compromises the cat’s ability to enjoy life, eat, groom, or engage in social interactions, euthanasia might be considered. If the cat stops responding to pain management, dental treatments, and other interventions, and their suffering become chronic and unmanageable.

The euthanasia can be a humane choice to end their pain and provide relief. Besides, if stomatitis leads to severe complications such as weight loss, malnutrition, or organ failure, and these conditions cannot be effectively addressed, than euthanasia might be a compassionate option to prevent further suffering.

Veterinary guidance is crucial in making this decision. A veterinarian can assess the cat’s condition, and provide insights into their quality of life, and discuss available options. It is essential for pet owners to balance their cat’s comfort and well-being.

It will make the decision with empathy and love, and ensure their beloved feline companion is spared from prolonged pain and distress. Ultimately, the decision to consider euthanasia is made out of love, and aim to provide the cat with a peaceful and pain-free end to their life.

Conclusion

The decision to put a cat down due to stomatitis is an emotional and deeply personal process. Acknowledging the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is essential for pet owners. Veterinary advice plays a crucial role here.

Stomatitis in cat is not always end of the world. You can take proper care of your cat and bring them back to healthy life.  Let us know what else you us to cover next. Don’t forget to check our other article. Keep coming back for more updates shortly.