Clinical and surgical management of a domestic cat with chronic feline gingivostomatitis associated with feline immunodeficiency virus infection – case report

Abstract

The most common clinical signs of feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are erythematous gums, localized or generalized edema, halitosis, oral discomfort, dysphagia, weight loss, and anorexia. Diagnosis is clinical and can be confirmed by histopathological analysis. As it becomes chronic, persistent inflammation can lead to other secondary diseases such as feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS), which is characterized by neuropathic pain that causes behavioral changes and mutilation. A correlation has been observed between FCGS and an exacerbated immune response related to viral diseases, such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Immunosuppression from viral infections combined with chronic inflammation of the oral cavity worsens symptoms and leads to a worse prognosis. An 8-year-old male, neutered, mixed-breed cat was treated at a Veterinary Hospital with complaints of dysphagia and gingivitis, which tested positive for FIV. After total extraction and analgesic therapy with gabapentin (5 mg/kg every 12 hours) in continuous use, the patient showed an improvement in life quality.