Feline oral inflammation: diagnosis and options for treatment

Abstract

Oral disease in feline patients can be challenging to diagnose and, at times, difficult to treat in general practice. Many causes lead to similar presentations involving inflammation of the gingiva and mucosa (swelling, redness and ulceration). It is important that a diagnosis be reached to establish appropriate treatment. Cats often hide oral pain and discomfort until a disease is quite advanced, so early signs that may help in determining the cause may not persist until the time of presentation. Location, life stage of the patient, severity, duration and lesion type are crucial in identifying the underlying origin of the inflammatory response. Biopsies may be needed to further classify the cause, and these can be performed in a general practice setting to determine if specialist referral is necessary. This article provides some tools to help practitioners reach an accurate diagnosis to manage treatment, prognosis and guide owner expectations.