Causes of Stomatitis in Dogs and Treatment

Stomatitis is the name given to inflammation occurring inside the mouth. There are several causes behind it, such as a foreign object or gum disease.

Either way, we should know it's a very painful condition. It will keep the dog from eating normally, and it can also point to the dog having a systemic disease such as diabetes.

What is stomatitis?

Stomatitis is inflammation affecting the oral mucosa, gums, and tongue. This inflammation can have different origins. It may seem like a minor issue, since it's localized, but it's essential that, at the slightest suspicion of stomatitis, we seek veterinary care.

This is because it's an especially painful condition. It affects the dog's quality of life, making it hard for them to eat, drink, or even swallow saliva. It can also be caused by underlying chronic diseases, which are essential to also get treated.

What triggers stomatitis?

Most cases of stomatitis are due to what's known as periodontal disease, conditions affecting the gums and teeth. Another possible cause is a foreign object getting stuck between the teeth or around the tongue.

Less often, stomatitis results from lacerations or burns in the mouth. It's also among the symptoms of certain systemic diseases.

Stomatitis linked to diseases

Many times, stomatitis is caused by an underlying disease, or is one of its symptoms. Although many diseases are linked to it, these are the most common:

• Kidney disease.
• Uremia, a syndrome that occurs when toxic substances build up in the blood from poor kidney function.
• Diabetes.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Leptospirosis.
• Distemper.

Symptoms of stomatitis

Although a vet exam is generally needed to diagnose stomatitis, there are several symptoms that can put us on alert. These are:

• Extreme pain.
• Excessive drooling.
• Bad breath.
• Refusing food, not from lack of appetite, but from pain.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Refusing to have their mouth area touched.
• The inside of the mouth appears red, swollen, and, in more severe cases, ulcerated.
• Bleeding gums.

Types of stomatitis

Not every case of stomatitis is the same. It can be distinguished into several types based on their key characteristics. Below, we explain the most important ones.

Necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis

Also known as trench mouth or Vincent's stomatitis. Its distinguishing feature is the extreme pain it causes. Several bacteria are involved in its development. The smell coming from the dog's mouth will be very unpleasant.

Saliva becomes very thick, with pus and a brownish tinge. If we look at the gums, we'll notice they're very red and bleeding. There are also wounds present. It can develop from periodontal disease.

Yeast stomatitis

Known as thrush or oral candidiasis. This case is less common. It occurs more often in dogs who've been on antibiotic treatment, which has also wiped out their normal bacterial flora, allowing yeast to overgrow.

The same happens in dogs with a weakened immune system, generally from already having some chronic systemic disease. What's typical of this type of stomatitis is that the gums and tongue become covered in soft white patches, which eventually merge together. Painful ulcers also develop.

Recurrent stomatitis

In this case, we'll find lesions in the mouth where there's constant contact between the mucous membranes of the lips or gums. This can be due, for example, to a broken tooth, or one with an irregular edge causing this friction. Bacteria are identified, but also fungi, when cultures are run.

What is the treatment for stomatitis?

The first and most essential step is finding the cause behind the stomatitis. If there's ongoing periodontal disease, treatment will involve a thorough cleaning of the mouth. This is done with the dog under general anesthesia, and the opportunity is also used to remove tartar or damaged teeth.

Antibiotics will also be prescribed to control bacterial infections or to prevent them from complicating the condition further. Pain relievers may also be needed to ease the intense pain.

When stomatitis is caused by yeast, an antifungal will be prescribed. This can be given topically or systemically. Lastly, if stomatitis was caused by a disease such as those mentioned — diabetes, hypothyroidism, distemper, etc. — treating it is essential.

Home care for a dog with stomatitis

In some cases, following the vet's instructions, we'll need to disinfect the dog's mouth at home. To do this, diluted chlorhexidine is usually used once or twice a day. The solution is poured onto a good-sized piece of cotton and gently wiped over the entire inside of the mouth, teeth included.

Special attention should also be paid to feeding. We'll need to switch their usual menu for a soft, almost liquid diet to make eating easier. There are canned wet food products available formulated for recovering dogs.

These can be diluted enough to give with a syringe. Another option is making homemade purees. It's also considered beneficial to supplement with niacin, of course, always with the vet's prescription.

Bibliography Carlson and Giffin. 2002. Manual práctico de veterinaria canina. Madrid. Editorial el Drac.