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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat with chronic mouth inflammation linked to feline immunodeficiency

By Pereira, Andréa de Lima Rodrigues Alves & Eller, Isabela·Published in Clínica Veterinária·2026·View original on Crossref

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

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

An 8-year-old male cat with chronic gingivitis and difficulty swallowing was brought to the vet and tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). The vet performed a total extraction of the cat's teeth and provided pain relief with gabapentin. After these treatments, the cat's quality of life improved significantly, and he was able to eat and feel more comfortable.

People also search for: cat gingivitis treatment · FIV cat care · cat tooth extraction recovery

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.

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Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.46958/rcv.2026.xxxi.n.180.p.32-38