stomatitis consists of inflammation of the oral mucosa, gums and tongue. It can have multiple causes and a correct diagnosis will depend on finding the right treatment, although, as we will see, its resolution can be complicated.
In this article on our site we will explain the symptoms of stomatitis in dogs. If we recognize any, we should go to the vet, since it is a very painful disease with serious repercussions for the dog's quality of life.
Causes of stomatitis in dogs
As we have said, stomatitis is the inflammation of the oral mucosa and normally also affects the gums (gingivitis) and the tongue (glossitis), which is very painful.
Some of the causes of stomatitis are:
- Periodontal disease, which can cause chronic paradental ulcerative stomatitis in dogs. These diseases affect the support of the tooth.
- Foreign bodies, such as bones, that get lodged between the teeth.
- Lacerations or burns caused by irritating agents, such as the pine processionary caterpillar, responsible for glossitis.
- Toxics or drugs.
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, leptospirosis, distemper, autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus or lupus or the disease renal, causing uremic stomatitis in dogs.
- Infections, which may be caused by fungi such as Candida albicans, responsible for mycotic stomatitis in dogs, especially those found weakened by other diseases, age or prolonged use of corticosteroids that affect the immune system or antibiotics that modify the bacterial balance of the body. It is characterized by white spots.
- Deficiency diseases such as avitaminosis. The lack of adequate nutrients could be behind stomatitis, but they are very rare diseases today.
- Genetic diseases and neoplasms.
Symptoms of stomatitis in dogs
If our dog suffers from stomatitis we will observe symptoms such as the following:
- Hypersalivation
- Bad breath
- Unable to eat due to pain or even drink, which could cause dehydration
- Difficulty swallowing
- Resistance to being manipulated in the mouth, also because of the pain
- If we can see the oral cavity, it will be red, swollen or, in more serious cases, ulcerated
- Touching may cause bleeding
- The dog may rub its nose against objects or with its paws in an attempt to relieve itself
Diagnosis of stomatitis in dogs
Our veterinarian will ask us about the dog's history, in case the stomatitis is caused by contact with an irritating substance or a drug. If unknown, a blood test may be done to look for systemic disease.
When exploring your mouth You may need to be sedated, due to the pain you will feel. Smears, cultures, or biopsies of the interior of the oral cavity may be done if necessary, and even X-rays, depending on the symptoms. We are interested in establishing a diagnosis since treatment and prognosis will depend on it.
Specific types of stomatitis in dogs
We have already mentioned some and in this section we will add the following:
- Necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis in dogs: we mention it because of the extreme pain it causes. It is caused by bacteria and produces intense mouth odour, purulent saliva and bleeding gums. It is a severe case in which ulcers can be observed. It can be caused by periodontal disease.
- Lymphoplasmacytic gingivostomatitis in dogs (LPGS): these seem to be immunologically based cases, rare in dogs and perhaps related to some breeds. The treatment is complex and the prognosis guarded. [1]
How to treat stomatitis in dogs?
In addition to eliminate the cause in cases where this is possible, such as when the stomatitis is caused by a foreign body, the treatment usually includes a mouth cleaning, which will be done under anesthesia, to remove tartar, affected teeth, etc.
After this procedure antibiotics are prescribed. Washes with disinfectant solutions are also prescribed once or twice a day, which we can do by soaking cotton in the liquid and gently rubbing the gums, teeth and oral cavity. A syringe can also be used.
It is important to offer the dog a soft diet to make eating easier. If he is unable to eat, he will have to be fed through a tube. You will also need medication to control the pain. If there are fungi, the vet will prescribe an antifungal treatment If a systemic disease is present, it should also be treated.
Vitamins can be prescribed to help regenerate the skin. In some cases, corticosteroids are used and the teeth are extracted.
