Safe, Stomatitis Treatment

Stomatitis is a painful medical condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the soft tissues inside a pet’s mouth. While it is a common condition, it should be treated quickly and aggressively to prevent complications and unnecessary discomfort. We offer safe, effective stomatitis treatment for cats and dogs at Pet Doctor of Chandler, in Arizona. Our treatment options can slow and eliminate uncomfortable stomatitis symptoms and reduce the risk of ulcers, infection, and tooth loss.

Understanding Stomatitis In Cats & Dogs

Both cats and dogs can develop stomatitis, but it is more common in cats. The condition causes inflammation of the gums, mucous membranes, and surrounding tissues in the mouth, eventually resulting in severe swelling, pain, ulcers or lesions, and bleeding. Stomatitis symptoms might affect your pet’s appetite, as eating can be painful. If you don’t seek stomatitis treatment quickly enough, your pet may need to have one or more teeth extracted to reduce symptoms and prevent serious infection.

Stomatitis Symptoms & Causes

Stomatitis symptoms are similar in dogs and cats. As soon as you notice any of these warning signs, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian:

• Trouble eating
• Pawing at the mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• Ulcers or sores in the mouth
• Signs of pain and discomfort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Accumulation of fluid in the gums
• Red, inflamed tissues in the mouth
• Bloody saliva and/or bleeding gums
• Poorly kept coat as grooming is painful
• Excessive drooling and saliva production
• Excessive dental plaque or yellow and brown stains on the teeth or near the gum line

There are a few different causes of stomatitis in cats and dog

• Hormonal or autoimmune disorders
• Exposure to toxic substances or chemicals
• Excessive dental plaque and/or dental disease

Diagnosis & Evaluation of Stomatitis in Cats & Dogs

If you or your veterinarian recognizes symptoms of stomatitis during an oral exam, he will need to confirm the diagnosis using dental x-rays, blood tests, bacterial culture, or an oral biopsy or histology of tissues or lesions. A comprehensive veterinary exam is necessary to confirm the diagnosis to rule out other dental conditions and diseases that present with similar symptoms. Annual veterinary exams are crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health and wellness. During an annual exam, your veterinarian will screen your pet for signs of illness, disease, and age-related or genetic disorders. The sooner your veterinarian diagnoses a health condition like stomatitis, the more likely treatment will be effective, and your pet will fully recover.

Stomatitis Treatment Options

After diagnosing stomatitis and evaluating the severity of the symptoms, progression of the disease, and your pet’s age, weight, and overall health, our veterinarians can design a customized stomatitis treatment plan. We carefully consider each pet’s specific needs before recommending specific stomatitis treatment options. Your pet’s treatment plan might include one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics
• Steroid treatments
• Deep dental cleanings
• Pain management therapies
• Extractions of affected teeth
• Immune-modulating therapies
• Anti-inflammatory medications

Ongoing Care & Monitoring

Once your pet receives effective, aggressive stomatitis treatment, the prognosis for a full recovery is excellent. You must follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions and aftercare treatments to ensure a successful outcome. Your pet will need regular oral assessments and dental cleanings and a consistent at-home oral healthcare routine. Regular follow-up visits and dental check-ups with your veterinarian are necessary to monitor the progress of stomatitis, manage any potential recurrences, and maintain your pet’s overall health and oral health. If one or more of your pet’s teeth are extracted as part of his treatment plan, you will need to modify his diet per your veterinarian’s advice and recommendations.

Compassionate Care After a Stomatitis Diagnosis

Our compassionate, experienced veterinary care team has years of experience diagnosing, treating, managing, and preventing stomatitis in cats and dogs. We work closely with pet owners to ensure they know how to manage their pets’ daily at-home care so they can live full, happy, and healthy lives. We will treat existing conditions and help you prevent future health and dental problems from occurring. Our goal is to create a calm, comfortable, and supportive environment to ensure the comfort and well-being of pet owners and their pets.

Contact Us if Your Pet Is Showing Stomatitis Symptoms

Call or contact us online if your pet is showing stomatitis symptoms in Chandler, AZ. We will quickly fit your pet in for a full exam, x-rays, and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of his symptoms. We provide compassionate, affordable veterinary care services, including dental care and veterinary surgery.