Chronic Gingivostomatitis in Cats: A Debilitating Disease

Subheading 1: Understanding Chronic Gingivostomatitis

Chronic gingivostomatitis (CGS) is a painful and inflammatory disease that affects the oral cavity of cats. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the gums, which can lead to significant discomfort and difficulty eating. CGS can be a debilitating condition for cats, and it is important to understand the causes and treatments for this disease.

Subheading 1.1: Misnomer of Faucitis

The term "faucitis" is often used to describe CGS, but this is a misnomer. By definition, faucitis refers to inflammation of the fauces, which is the region at the back of the throat. In CGS, the inflammation is primarily located in the gums, not the fauces.

Subheading 1.2: Classification of Inflammatory Disease

CGS is classified as either specific or nonspecific inflammatory disease. Specific inflammatory disease is caused by a known trigger, such as a virus or bacteria. Nonspecific inflammatory disease, on the other hand, has no known cause.

Subheading 1.3: Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of CGS can vary depending on the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Painful gums
• Swollen gums
• Drooling
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Difficulty eating

Diagnosis of CGS is based on a thorough examination of the oral cavity. Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work and X-rays, to rule out other potential causes of inflammation.