Page 595 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

27 – THE CAT WITH SALIVATION 587

Treat concurrent skin allergy and ectoparasites to Differential diagnosis
achieve control.
Inflammatory polyps – usually have stalk.
Change to a novel protein diet.
Intra-oral abscess and granulation tissue can have a
Regular manual grooming and bathing. similar appearance – differentiate by biopsy or trial
antibiotics.
Prednisolone (2 mg/kg PO q 12 h for 5–10 days, then
taper). Eosinophilic granuloma complex (linear granu-
loma) has characteristic white-yellow nodules – dif-
Megestrol acetate (2.5–5 mg/cat PO for 4 days, then
ferentiate by biopsy or trial corticosteroids.
2.5–5 mg q 5–7 days until lesions regress).
NB This drug, although very effective, has numerous side
effects especially in the Burmese breed (diabetes melli- Treatment
tus, pyometra, obesity, iatrogenic Cushings disease).
Treatment of lingual squamous cell carcinoma in the
Cyclosporine (5 mg/kg PO q 12–24h). cat has not proved successful, however some of the
newer chemotherapic agents may be more effective
Doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg PO q 24h).
combined with tumor excision.
Mandibular masses can be treated by partial
ORAL NEOPLASIA * mandibulectomy.

Classical signs
Prognosis
● Ptyalism, often blood stained.
Grave for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
● Halitosis.
● Dysphagia. For other tumors, the prognosis will depend on the
tumor type and suitability for treatment.
Pathogenesis
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common neo-
HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS AND
plasm. Usually on the ventral surface of the tongue
DISINFECTANTS*
causing immobility of the tongue but sometimes tonsil-
lar crypt or under the canine tooth.
Classical signs
Usually in older cats (> 10 years).
● Ptyalism, acute onset.
Other tumors include epulis, fibroscarcoma and lym- ● Dysphagia.
phoscarcoma. ● Depression, saliva-stained front feet.

Clinical signs
Excessive salivation, often blood stained. Signs usually Pathogenesis
present longer than 1 week.
Most common household cleaning products and disin-
Dysphagia, difficulty in prehension. fectants are extremely toxic to cats.
Facial distortion, halitosis. These include chlorine (sodium hypochlorite), strong
alkalis, strong acids, pine oils, phenolic compounds,
Weight loss due to inability to eat or metastatic disease.
hydrocarbons and quaternary ammonium com-
pounds.
Diagnosis
Most cause contact necrosis of skin and mucous
Biopsy and histologic examination.
membranes especially if undiluted or incorrectly
Radiography to assess extent of tumor invasion. diluted.