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Cat stomatitis: What are other options besides long-term steroids?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 13 years and 7 months old | 9 lbs

12yr old cat has stomatitis. Had teeth pulled from eye teeth back. Get steroid shot every four weeks for four years. Any other options?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2017

Unfortunately there are not many options a part from complete dental extraction and immunosuppressive medication. In some cases though some infectious diseases are associated with gingivitis and it may be an option to perform screening for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection, or feline calicivirus (FCV). Especially FCV may also be associated with some cases of chronic (long-standing) gingivitis or stomatitis. After diagnosis the treatment available against FCV is rarely effective, but it is certainly another option that can be discussed with your vet. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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