Page 611 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

28 – THE CAT WITH BAD BREATH OR ORAL LESIONS 603

NEOPLASTIC
● Oral neoplasia** (p 607)
Visible tumors often with secondary bacterial infection and periodontal disease. Signs may include
rubbing face, pawing at mouth or facial distortion.
INFECTIOUS (BACTERIAL)

● Periodontal disease*** (p 604)
Chronic disease with halitosis, inflamed gums and calculus on teeth.

● Oronasal fistula (p 610)
Chronic occasional sneezing and nasal discharge associated with dental disease or trauma.
● Bacterial infection of tongue lacerations* (p 609)
Halitosis with purulent open wound on or under tongue.
● Oral ulcerations associated with viral causes (herpesvirus and calicivirus)* (p 607)
Oral lesions are more common with calicivirus infection and the vesicles rupture to form oral
ulcers, which allows secondary bacterial invasion.
IMMUNE/IDIOPATHIC
● Feline oral inflammatory disease (plasmacytic-lymphocytic gingivopharyngitis
complex, plasmacytic-lymphocytic stomatitis/faucitis)** (p 606)
Chronic severe inflammation of gingiva and fauces.
● Eosinophilic granuloma complex (p 611)
Lip ulcer or raised firm lesions especially on the tongue or hard palate. Oral lesions postulated to
be secondary to chronic licking.
TRAUMA
● Mandibular and maxillary fractures (p 610)
Inability to chew, salivation and rapid secondary infection of traumatized tissue.
● Tooth fracture with periapical abscessation (p 610)
Fractured teeth often go unnoticed in cats and will progress to pulp death and periapical abscessa-
tion and possible external discharge.
TOXIC
● Oral ulcerations associated with uremic or toxic causes (p 607)
Oral ulceration may occur with uremia or associated with concentrated cleaning agents, allowing
secondary bacterial invasion.
EXTRA-ORAL CAUSES OF BAD BREATH (NASAL CAVITY, ESOPHAGUS, LOWER
AIRWAY)
INFECTIOUS

Bacterial:
● Bacterial rhinitis secondary to viral upper respiratory tract disease* (p 608)
Chronic mucopurulent or hemorrhagic nasal discharge and sneezing.
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