Feline Stomatitis Treatment in Beaverton, OR
Feline stomatitis is a severe, painful inflammatory condition of the mouth that can make eating and grooming miserable for your cat. At Premier Pet Dentistry, we provide specialized diagnosis and treatment for chronic stomatitis — including the surgical care that offers most cats their best chance at long-term comfort.
What Is Feline Stomatitis?
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is an exaggerated immune response to the bacteria and plaque on a cat’s teeth. Instead of mild gingivitis, the body mounts intense inflammation that spreads beyond the gums to the back of the mouth, the cheeks, and sometimes the tongue and throat. The tissues become bright red, ulcerated, and bleed easily. The exact trigger is still being studied, and viral infections and other factors may play a role.
Stomatitis falls under our oral medicine service, which focuses on inflammatory, immune-mediated, and systemic diseases that affect the mouth.
Signs of Stomatitis in Cats
- Bright red, inflamed tissue at the back of the mouth and along the gums
- Drooling, sometimes with blood
- Strong bad breath
- Reluctance to eat, crying when eating, or approaching food and walking away
- Pawing at the mouth and an unkempt coat from lack of grooming
- Weight loss and hiding
How We Treat Feline Stomatitis
Medications such as anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and antibiotics may provide temporary relief, but long-term medical management alone rarely controls the disease. The most effective treatment is removing the plaque-retentive surfaces that trigger the immune response, which typically means extracting most or all of the teeth behind the canines, or a full-mouth extraction in some cases. These procedures are performed through our oral surgery service, with dental x-rays to confirm every root fragment is removed.
Most cats experience substantial improvement or complete resolution after surgery, and they eat comfortably without teeth. For cats who need additional support, Dr. Martin creates a follow-up medical plan. Stomatitis may occur with tooth resorption and periodontal disease, which we address in the same treatment plan. Learn more about our veterinary dental services or our pet dentistry FAQs.
Feline Stomatitis FAQs
Is feline stomatitis curable?
Many cats are cured or dramatically improved after extraction of the teeth that trigger the inflammation. A smaller percentage need ongoing medical management for remaining inflammation.
Can my cat eat without teeth?
Yes. Cats adapt remarkably well after extractions and can eat both wet and dry food comfortably once healed.
Can stomatitis be managed with medication alone?
Medications can provide short-term relief, but long-term control with medication alone is rarely successful, and prolonged steroid use carries risks.
How do I know if my cat has stomatitis or just gingivitis?
Gingivitis is limited to the gumline, while stomatitis extends to the back of the mouth and surrounding tissues. A dental exam is needed to tell the difference.
How long does recovery take after stomatitis surgery?
Most cats begin eating soft food within a day or two. Inflammation continues to improve over the following weeks, and we schedule rechecks to monitor healing.
Is stomatitis contagious to my other cats?
Stomatitis itself is an immune response and is not considered contagious, although some associated viral infections can spread between cats. Your veterinarian can advise on testing.
Help Your Cat Eat Comfortably Again
Call 503-PREMIER ((503) 773-6437) or request an appointment with Premier Pet Dentistry in Beaverton, OR . We proudly care for dogs and cats from Beaverton and across the Portland metro.