The Inflammation Game: Decoding Feline Oral Inflammation

"Diagnosis of inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity of cats, and veterinary patients in general, can be complicated by the fact that there is a limit to the creativity of the oral tissues in their response to inflammatory disease. Not surprisingly, these inflammatory conditions create pain and discomfort for our veterinary patients and many of them suffer in silence due to the potentially subtle changes in their behaviors that may be missed by their caregivers and veterinary providers.

It is important to look at oral lesions in cats with a critical eye and work to obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible. Diagnostic follow-through is critical. Inflammatory and malignant lesions can overlap in their clinical appearance and care must be taken to avoid assumption and mis-identification. Inflammatory lesions may represent more of the lesions seen in our patients than previously recognized, and a diagnosis of a malignant lesion can have serious implications for the care a patient may be provided, impacting the length and quality of their life.

While there are many inflammatory oral conditions that can be seen in our feline patients, this presentation is focused on those commonly referred to specialty practice and those commonly seen in general veterinary practice. In this presentation we will review pattern recognition to narrow the differential list based on clinical findings which can help facilitate discussion with clients to develop a diagnostic plan to guide therapeutic planning."