Plasma Cell Stomatitis, also known as lymphoplasmacytic stomatitis or LPS, is an infection of the mouth and gums occurring in cats. It is a very painful, chronic condition. Symptoms typically include red and irritated gums which may bleed at the slightest touch, drooling, a bad odor of the breath, and inability to eat.
Though the exact causes are not known, plasma cell stomatitis is often associated with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Calicivirus. It's believed to result from an excess immune reaction against plaque or the dentin which comprises the tooth. Because the cause is not entirely known, prevention can be difficult.
Diagnosis may be done through a general physical exam and inspection of the teeth and mouth, though biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. The irritation is often most apparent in the back of the mouth where the lower and uppers jaws meet. Treatment typically involves control of plaque with routine teeth cleaning under general anesthesia and at-home mouthwashes or brushing if possible. Cortisone medications like prednisone may be prescribed to relive the inflammation and antibiotics may be necessary to control bacterial infections. Very painful flare-ups may be treated with a fentanyl patch. Other treatments may include the use of dilute Interferon-alpha, an immune modulator; bovine lactoferrin to bathe the tissues of the mouth; stronger immune-suppressive medications; and surgery or full mouth extraction. |
