Systemic & Other Problems with Oral Signs

Question 1

Discuss FCV – Feline Calici Virus?

Answer 1

Apart from signs of upper respiratory infection, affected cats often display moderate to severe ulceration of especially dorsal aspects of the tongue. In general,
herpesvirus infections rarely present any oral symptoms.

Question 2

Discuss FeLV/FIV?

Answer 2

The immune suppressive viruses might predispose affected patients to periodontal disease.

Question 3

Discuss fungal disease?

Answer 3

Fungal Malassezia can be isolated from 30% of dog patients but this is considered to be
more likely to be contamination.

Question 4

Discuss Candida Albicans?

Answer 4

This opportunistic yeast can become established with chronic use of antibiotics or immunosuppression.

Question 5

Discuss Aspergillus?

Answer 5

Nasal aspergillosis can extend to the oral cavity via the nasopalatine fissures.

Question 6

Discuss Uraemia?

Answer 6

Because of the high cell turnover of the oral mucosa, signs of toxaemia are
demonstrated here earlier. Especially in cats with uraemia oral signs of anorexia
oral pain and drooling is often far more prevalent than PU/PD.

Question 7

Discuss drug reactions and their effects on the oral cavity?

Answer 7

Drug Reactions
Because of the high cell turnover, drug reactions are often manifested in the oral
mucosa. Drugs like phenytoin and cyclosporine could cause gingival enlargement.

Question 8

Discuss the eosinophilic granuloma complex?

Answer 8

This condition appears to be associated with hypersensitivity and flea treatment
is always a sensible adjunctive treatment. In cats these granulomas occur primarily on the lips and the tongue but possibly also on the chin and ulceration on
the palate.
Diagnosis is made by biopsy and in general corticosteroid therapy is effective,
but relapses might occur.
In dogs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (hard palate) and Siberian Huskies (side of
the tongue) are affected.