Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in a dog's mouth. It can develop primarily (on its own) or secondarily as a result of other underlying diseases and can affect only a limited area or the entire mouth. Small dogs and dogs with misaligned teeth are particularly affected.
Primary stomatitis can be caused by gum or tooth inflammation that spreads to the oral mucosa, as well as foreign bodies, chemicals, or chewing on electrical cables, which irritate the mucosa and damage its protective mechanisms. Pathogens can attack the injured mucosa and lead to inflammation. However, inflammation of the oral mucosa can also develop secondarily as a result of diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, various viral infectious diseases, immune system disorders, or even after poisoning.
The first thing owners usually notice is an unpleasant odor coming from the animal's mouth. As the disease progresses, the animals show increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and clear signs of pain when eating, which causes them to lose their appetite and lose weight. The inside of the dog's mouth may show red, swollen areas of mucous membrane and bleeding. If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your pet, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The attending veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis relatively quickly after a thorough clinical examination and review of the preliminary report. If an underlying general illness is suspected, further examinations such as X-rays, ultrasound, biopsies (tissue sampling) or a blood count may be necessary. It is not always possible to determine the exact cause.
If the causes of the disease are known, they should be eliminated or, if possible, any underlying disease diagnosed and treated. To treat the inflammatory changes in the oral cavity, the veterinarian will administer anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and/or antibiotic medication depending on the extent and severity of the condition.
The chances of recovery depend on the cause and severity of the inflammation. Isolated inflammation with a known cause and once the cause has been eliminated has a good prognosis, whereas the prognosis is poorer if the cause is unknown. Inflammation of the oral mucosa whose underlying disease cannot be treated has a rather unfavorable prognosis.
Due to its many causes, stomatitis cannot be completely prevented. However, the risk of developing the condition can be significantly reduced with a few simple measures. These include a balanced diet, brushing your pet's teeth, strengthening their immune system through exercise and appropriate care, and regular veterinary check-ups to help detect and treat inflammation at an early stage.
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