Stomsatitis is the medical name for the condition of sores in a dog’s mouth and can be the inflammation of the mouth, gums and tongue. It is typically caused by periodontal disease or foreign bodies wedged between the teeth or embedded in the tongue. Occasionally, it follows mouth lacerations and burns of the mucous membranes. It is a really painful condition which is usually accompanied by drooling, bad breath, difficulty chewing and reluctance to permit an examination of the mouth. The inside of the mouth is red, inflamed and sometimes ulcerated. Stomatitis can be a local manifestation of a systemic disease. It is seen in dogs with kidney failure and uremia, diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism, leptospirosis, distemper and autoimmune skin diseases. It is important to diagnose and treat any systemic cause of the stomatitis. In most cases the periodontal disease is present as a cause or a contributing factor. Your vet may recommend a thorough cleaning of the dog's mouth under anesthesia which affords the opportunity to treat dental calculus, decayed roots and broken teeth treatments that are all important to cure the problem. The dog is then placed on an suitable antibiotic. When the dog arrives home, aftercare would involve rinsing the mouth with a 0.1 or 0.2 per cent chlorhexidine solution (Peridex or Nolvadent) once or twice a day. Soak a cotton ball and gently swab the gums, teeth and oral cavity. You can use a plastic syringe and squirt the mouth wash directly onto the gums. Feed a soft diet consisting of canned dog food diluted with water to a mushy consistency. Your veterinarian may prescribe a pain medication such as Etogesic or Deramax. B-complex vitamins that contain niacin may be of benefit and will hopefully rid the dog of this nasty problem.
