What are the signs of chronic gingivitis and stomatitis?
Chronic gingivitis and stomatitis can cause severe pain. The animal’s behavior may change – irritability, aggressiveness, depression, or reclusiveness may be seen. The cat may drool excessively, have difficulty eating or not eat at all. Some cats will go up to the dish as though they are very hungry (which they are) and then run from the food dish because eating is so painful. They will often have bad breath (halitosis) and may not be grooming themselves adequately. Their gums bleed very easily. How is this disease diagnosed? During the physical exam, which may need to be done under anesthesia to do it well, multiple lesions are seen. There may be ulcers or proliferative lesions. The lesions can be on the gums, roof of the mouth, back of the mouth, tongue, or lips. The lesions at the gumline surround the whole tooth. Usually the area around the back teeth, the premolars and molars, is most affected. Sometimes, resorption lesions are seen. Radiographs (x-rays) of the mouth often show mo
