Calicivirus, Gingivitis & Stomatitis in Cats

Calicivirus, Gingivitis & Stomatitis in Cats

If you have a cat with chronic bad breath, red and inflamed gums, difficulty eating, excessive drooling, or painful sores in the mouth, feline calicivirus (FCV) may be part of the picture.

Calicivirus is a very common and contagious feline virus. One of its classic signs is painful ulcers on the tongue and other areas of the mouth. These ulcers can make eating extremely uncomfortable, particularly when they are severe.

Calicivirus and Stomatitis

Calicivirus has also been associated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS)—a much more severe form of oral inflammation than simple gingivitis. With stomatitis, inflammation extends beyond the gums and can involve the cheeks, tissues under and around the tongue, and the back of the mouth. These cats can be extremely painful and may drool, have difficulty eating, lose weight, or become reluctant to groom.

It is important to understand that calicivirus is not necessarily the entire cause of stomatitis. FCGS is believed to be multifactorial, involving the cat’s immune response, oral bacteria, dental disease and other factors. FCV is one of the infectious agents that may contribute to the disease.

What Can We Do for These Cats?

Treatment depends on the individual patient and how advanced the disease is. A thorough oral examination, dental radiographs, pain control and appropriate dental treatment are important parts of managing stomatitis. In some cats, dental extractions are ultimately necessary to reduce the inflammatory stimulus from the teeth.

But we also have newer options to help manage these difficult cases.

I have recently started using a compounded gingival medication designed to be applied directly to the gums and affected oral tissues in appropriate stomatitis patients. The goal is to provide targeted therapy to these painful areas and help decrease inflammation and improve comfort.

This can be particularly helpful as part of a multimodal treatment plan for cats suffering from chronic stomatitis. It is not a magic cure, and every stomatitis kitty is different, but having another tool available can make a meaningful difference in managing this frustrating disease.

If your cat has red, bleeding gums, severe dental inflammation, drooling, difficulty eating, or chronic mouth pain, don’t assume that it is simply “bad teeth.” Stomatitis is a painful medical condition that deserves a complete evaluation and individualized treatment plan.

And remember—cats are experts at hiding pain. A cat that is still eating may still have a very painful mouth.

Dr. Cassie Sheehan, DVM, CVA, CVMMP Floral City Animal Hospital, Inverness Fl

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