What causes infectious stomatitis?
Infectious stomatitis usually occurs as a response to stress such as an inappropriately temperature-regulated environment, overcrowding, internal or external parasites, trauma, or especially, poor nutrition. Vitamin C deficiency and inappropriate calcium/phosphorous levels in the diet have been implicated. Any of these stresses suppress the immune system of the reptile and make it much more susceptible to infections. Many pathogens can cause infectious stomatitis including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Mycobacterium are bacterial causes. What are the clinical signs of infectious stomatitis? Signs can vary in number and degree, depending on the stage of infection. Anorexia, purulent discharge from the mouth, excessive mucous (salivation) in the mouth, swelling or reddening around or in the mouth, inability to close the mouth, reduced or absent tongue flicking, and gingival swelling or necrosis may all be seen. The lining of the mouth c
