Stomatitis fixed after shot, but returns.

[DNA123]

I am new here and I'm not sure if I am doing this right.
My cat came down with what I am thinking is Stomatitis.
I took her to the vet and the shot he gave her seemed to do the trick but he said if it returns to bring her back.
It did return, so I took her back and it returned again.
I had to make her normal hard food soft. Friskies Tender and Crunchy cat food.
When I did this, I noticed that the green morsels were like rocks, and didn't dissolve as the other colored morsels did.
I figure that cats or any animal teeth would face similar issues when eating and can't help wondering if these little rock like morsels aren't a contributing factor.
I have had cats all my life and this is the first cat I had that just began having health issues other than old age.
She was the cat that was strongest and appeared healthiest until this tooth issue. I feel so sorry for her.
She is strong and eats whatever I give her and still asks for food, drink lots of water.
I know that when the medicine works she goes back to normal. She has lots of life left in her.
The shots can be rather spendy.
Does anybody know how to get her a regular antibiotic to keep her more comfortable. It would break my heart even more to have to put her down when I think she has life left. Any suggestions?

 

[Rysiek]

I am new here and I'm not sure if I am doing this right.
My cat came down with what I am thinking is Stomatitis.
I took her to the vet and the shot he gave her seemed to do the trick but he said if it returns to bring her back.
It did return, so I took her back and it returned again.
I had to make her normal hard food soft. Friskies Tender and Crunchy cat food.
When I did this, I noticed that the green morsels were like rocks, and didn't dissolve as the other colored morsels did.
I figure that cats or any animal teeth would face similar issues when eating and can't help wondering if these little rock like morsels aren't a contributing factor.
I have had cats all my life and this is the first cat I had that just began having health issues other than old age.
She was the cat that was strongest and appeared healthiest until this tooth issue. I feel so sorry for her.
She is strong and eats whatever I give her and still asks for food, drink lots of water.
I know that when the medicine works she goes back to normal. She has lots of life left in her.
The shots can be rather spendy.
Does anybody know how to get her a regular antibiotic to keep her more comfortable. It would break my heart even more to have to put her down when I think she has life left. Any suggestions?

Instead of antibiotics there is an anti-inflammatory medication called metacam. We have been dealing with a gingivitis and mouth ulcerations for a long time now...he was in a such pain that food was falling out of his mouth...we stopped any dry food at that point, slowly reintroducing it now...
Eventually, the dental vet specialist was the most helpful, as the local vet seems more basic in their care...
He had a deep teeth cleaning, and apparently he is prone to a tartar build up in the way that affects his gums...he had two teeth removed (molar and premolar)...
He has been long term on metacam (unfortunately this affected his kidneys) and had buprenorphine three times a day firstly and now only if required...I think the medication regime has helped...his gums look nicely pink, no ulcerations present...
I was told I need to start brushing his teeth, if possible...if not, he will require deep teeth cleaning every year...

I am not a vet, but in my view only long term medicine has helped to get on top of his mouth problem.
Can you get referred or self referred to a dental vet? In our case we had to drive two hours one way as there was nothing local (we are in Scotland), but this was the best we did for his health...

He additionally has a trigeminal nerve irritation, which apparently is related to the mouth irritation...

I need to think now about the next steps, as we need to taper metacam and I worry about symptoms returning...

One more, there is a hypothesis that his mouth problems may relate to the acid reflux, so he has been on omeprasole as well...

 

[di and bob]

I give the liquid antibiotics mixed in either tuna juice, or Delectable Lickables in the stew flavors. They mask the smell. i ahve never had a cat turn down the Delectables. Good thing to keep around in case of sickness too. Good luck!

 

[Alldara]

If it's stomatitis the solution is a dental cleaning.
It it's another tooth issue she might need a tooth pulled. No one knows what causes stomatitis yet but there could be a genetic link.

Then afterwards, you have to keep up on at home cleanings. I've had good luck with a plain toothbrush and dental wipes for Magnus.

Metacam isn't a long-term drug unless there's not a suitable alternative for your cat. My cat was on it long term because he reacted to medications. Long term use of metacam has a high likelihood of other issues.

 

[Rysiek]

If it's stomatitis the solution is a dental cleaning.
It it's another tooth issue she might need a tooth pulled. No one knows what causes stomatitis yet but there could be a genetic link.

Then afterwards, you have to keep up on at home cleanings. I've had good luck with a plain toothbrush and dental wipes for Magnus.

Metacam isn't a long-term drug unless there's not a suitable alternative for your cat. My cat was on it long term because he reacted to medications. Long term use of metacam has a high likelihood of other issues.

Yes, you are right with metacam...
We are just preparing to taper but last time his symptoms were back...
I am unsure what to do...
Until metacam long term, he was in constant mouth pain...

 

[lisahe]

One of our cats had a tooth extracted because of stomatitis but has gone two or three years now without further incidents. We think that slippery elm bark, which she gets in a syrup every day, has helped. I've seen other anecdotal mentions of slippery elm bark helping cats with stomatitis. Our vet didn't seem surprised! It may be worth asking your vet about "the elm," as we call it. (The elm is also great for stomach issues.)

 

[Rysiek]

Thank you. This is possibly something I am looking for...something for gingivitis and stomach issues...

I am in the UK, I asked my vet today if he could suggest anything instead of meds, but had only shrug his shoulders...

Would you mind to send a full name of this product. You said she gets this in the syrup, is this already made or you have to make it yourself?

 

[Rysiek]

Thank you. This is possibly something I am looking for...something for gingivitis and stomach issues...

I am in the UK, I asked my vet today if he could suggest anything instead of meds, but had only shrug his shoulders...

Would you min

One of our cats had a tooth extracted because of stomatitis but has gone two or three years now without further incidents. We think that slippery elm bark, which she gets in a syrup every day, has helped. I've seen other anecdotal mentions of slippery elm bark helping cats with stomatitis. Our vet didn't seem surprised! It may be worth asking your vet about "the elm," as we call it. (The elm is also great for stomach issues.)

Is this how you make it?

 

[lisahe]

Thank you. This is possibly something I am looking for...something for gingivitis and stomach issues...

I am in the UK, I asked my vet today if he could suggest anything instead of meds, but had only shrug his shoulders...

Would you mind to send a full name of this product. You said she gets this in the syrup, is this already made or you have to make it yourself?

It's slippery elm bark powder. I make the syrup myself.

The proportions are easy: one packed teaspoon powder to one cup of water. I don't feed a lot of it so I halve the recipe. You can cook it lightly in a little pot or just let it sit for a little while until it does its own thing to go into a suspension. Cooking makes it a little thicker, though. I give Edwina about 2-3 teaspoons a day with a small amount of food and/or freeze dried chicken.

Judging from what I see on Amazon.co.uk, it looks like it's fairly easy to buy SEB in the UK. A bag isn't cheap but it lasts a long time!

Here's my favorite article (written by a well-known US holistic vet) that describes use:

Slippery Elm | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

Updated 1/2/24 Slippery elm bark is an amazing herb, and unlike many plants, it is extremely safe for cats! Caution: As you may know, it is potentially dangerous to give herbs to pets, especially cats. Many people commonly extrapolate a dose of herbs by using the pet’s weight compared to the...

littlebigcat.com

You mentioned stomach issues, too, so I'll mention that there are also excellent stomach remedies that have the elm (as we call it!) as an ingredient. Both our cats take Adored Beast's Feline Gut Soothe, which has probiotics plus herbs (Canada). They do very well on it. I bought the stuff for Edwina, who all sorts of digestive peculiarities, but it works well for our cat who gets constipated, too. There's GastroElm, too. It's just herbs, no probiotics, and apparently also very good (US), though I think our cats benefit a lot from the probiotics. I'm not sure what might be available a little closer to you. (Also, in case you're wondering, I've done calculations to make sure that it's okay to give Edwina both the Gut Soothe supplement plus the syrup, which helps calm her stomach and her food anxiety before her meals, thus preventing regurgitation. And the vet, who was already familiar with Gut Soothe, agreed that it was fine.)

I hope you're able to find something that helps your cat's stomatitis without heavy drugs!

 

[stephanietx]

The most common treatment of stomatitis that is effective is to pull all the teeth. There used to be a veterinarian in Texas (USA) who was developing a treatment, but he passed away and I don't know if the clinic has continued the treatment.

 

[Rysiek]

It's slippery elm bark powder. I make the syrup myself.

The proportions are easy: one packed teaspoon powder to one cup of water. I don't feed a lot of it so I halve the recipe. You can cook it lightly in a little pot or just let it sit for a little while until it does its own thing to go into a suspension. Cooking makes it a little thicker, though. I give Edwina about 2-3 teaspoons a day with a small amount of food and/or freeze dried chicken.

Judging from what I see on Amazon.co.uk, it looks like it's fairly easy to buy SEB in the UK. A bag isn't cheap but it lasts a long time!

Here's my favorite article (written by a well-known US holistic vet) that describes use:

Slippery Elm | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

Updated 1/2/24 Slippery elm bark is an amazing herb, and unlike many plants, it is extremely safe for cats! Caution: As you may know, it is potentially dangerous to give herbs to pets, especially cats. Many people commonly extrapolate a dose of herbs by using the pet’s weight compared to the...

littlebigcat.com

You mentioned stomach issues, too, so I'll mention that there are also excellent stomach remedies that have the elm (as we call it!) as an ingredient. Both our cats take Adored Beast's Feline Gut Soothe, which has probiotics plus herbs (Canada). They do very well on it. I bought the stuff for Edwina, who all sorts of digestive peculiarities, but it works well for our cat who gets constipated, too. There's GastroElm, too. It's just herbs, no probiotics, and apparently also very good (US), though I think our cats benefit a lot from the probiotics. I'm not sure what might be available a little closer to you. (Also, in case you're wondering, I've done calculations to make sure that it's okay to give Edwina both the Gut Soothe supplement plus the syrup, which helps calm her stomach and her food anxiety before her meals, thus preventing regurgitation. And the vet, who was already familiar with Gut Soothe, agreed that it was fine.)

I hope you're able to find something that helps your cat's stomatitis without heavy drugs!

Thank you ever so much! GutSoothe is available in UK! It looks really good.
We have been using some probiotics, but this product looks much better...

I need to find a way in which I will be able to taper metacam, as it affects his kidneys... omeprasole is not good long term either...

 

[lisahe]

Thank you ever so much! GutSoothe is available in UK! It looks really good.
We have been using some probiotics, but this product looks much better...

I need to find a way in which I will be able to taper metacam, as it affects his kidneys... omeprasole is not good long term either...

Gut Soothe had been great for both our cats -- maybe it will be helpful for yours, too! Just start with a very small dose, just a pinch ir two, and increase slowly. We saw results even when Edwina was at just a half a dose. Good luck!

 

[Rysiek]

Gut Soothe had been great for both our cats -- maybe it will be helpful for yours, too! Just start with a very small dose, just a pinch ir two, and increase slowly. We saw results even when Edwina was at just a half a dose. Good luck!

I just bought it! It looks really good and address many problems...
I will be preparing to taper metacam and I hope this product will assist us with this...then I have to taper omeprasole...

 

[Antonio65]

A relapsing stomatitis might be a sign of a lymphoplasmatic stomatitis, which is an autoimmune issue in the cat's mouth.
I have an outdoor cat that had a relapsing stomatitis that the vet tried to treat with several shots of antibiotic and cortisone, once every 3 to 4 weeks, for several months.
Eventually the issue was fixed with a full extraction.
This is the thread where I discussed the matter, with photos.
Outdoor cat with stomatitis

 

[lisahe]

I just bought it! It looks really good and address many problems...
I will be preparing to taper metacam and I hope this product will assist us with this...then I have to taper omeprasole...

Fingers crossed that it helps! I'm not sure how much just Gut Soothe will help the stomatitis if you don't also give small amounts of syrup but it's most definitely worth trying. If your cat has consistent digestive issues, though, Gut Soothe is likely to reduce stress, which may help ease the stomatitis. Only in the last six months have I realized the how much various forms of stress -- noise, bad weather, cat spats, etc., etc., etc. -- appear to contribute to Edwina's gut issues.

 

[Rysiek]

Fingers crossed that it helps! I'm not sure how much just Gut Soothe will help the stomatitis if you don't also give small amounts of syrup but it's most definitely worth trying. If your cat has consistent digestive issues, though, Gut Soothe is likely to reduce stress, which may help ease the stomatitis. Only in the last six months have I realized the how much various forms of stress -- noise, bad weather, cat spats, etc., etc., etc. -- appear to contribute to Edwina's gut issues.

We don't deal with stomatitis but a severe mouth ulcerations and gingivitis and the hypothesis was that it may relate to the acid reflux ...I want to stop omeprasole eventually, so hopefully this will help ...

 

[lisahe]

We don't deal with stomatitis but a severe mouth ulcerations and gingivitis and the hypothesis was that it may relate to the acid reflux ...I want to stop omeprasole eventually, so hopefully this will help ...

Ah, got it! Yes, reflux can cause all sorts of troubles. If the Gut Soothe doesn't help ease the chain of problems, it might be worth taking a look at the slippery elm syrup, which would coat the mouth better because it's liquid. (Rather than Gut Soothe, a powder that you mix into food.) Of course every cat is different and lots of the accounts of elm's effects are very anecdotal in the first place! About all I know for sure is that it works well for our cat and I've read of other cats' problems lessening, too.

 

[Rysiek]

Ah, got it! Yes, reflux can cause all sorts of troubles. If the Gut Soothe doesn't help ease the chain of problems, it might be worth taking a look at the slippery elm syrup, which would coat the mouth better because it's liquid. (Rather than Gut Soothe, a powder that you mix into food.) Of course every cat is different and lots of the accounts of elm's effects are very anecdotal in the first place! About all I know for sure is that it works well for our cat and I've read of other cats' problems lessening, too.

Thank you. Does slippery elm cause any bowel problems?

I will be making it over the weekend!

 

[lisahe]

Does slippery elm cause any bowel problems?

This is a very good question! I'll give you two answers:

1. Slippery elm is often recommended, particularly by holistic vets, for easing cats' bowel problems. Here's a good summary (for humans!) from Mount Sinai Hospital. Slippery elm Information | Mount Sinai - New York

2. I've seen a few mentions that SEB can cause constipation in cats if they go over some threshold dose known only to them -- every cat is different. Our cat who tends to get a little constipated does much better now that she's taking two daily supplements with slippery elm: Feline Gut Soothe and Vet's Best Hairball Relief tablets. (The Vet's Best tablets do include psyllium husk, which also helps ease constipation.) I'll mention again that I did calculations to be sure it would be okay to give the cats multiple remedies with SEB. I based that on the daily 1/4 teaspoon of powder that I've often seen recommended. Our vet has no problem with the amounts I'm giving.

Don't despair if your syrup doesn't come out especially thick or syrupy. Mine never does but it works just fine.

I should add this, too... You've probably already seen this warning but I'll mention it just in case: it's best not to give any pharmaceutical drugs an hour or two before or after administering the elm. The elm may inhibit absorption. If I need to give Edwina some Cerenia, which dissolves and takes effect pretty quickly, I still give the pill an hour or two before giving elm syrup or Feline Gut Soothe.

It sounds like your vet was indifferent when you asked about non-pharma remedies but it's probably good to let them know you're trying these. Our vet was actually excited to hear that Gut Soothe was working so well for Edwina, who has long-time stomach and inflammation problems. The practice manager has a cat who takes it, too, so they were glad to hear it was helpful for another cat!

 

[white shadow]

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