Stomatitis (CUPS) In Dogs – Deborah’s Testimonial

Written by

Christine Hawke
BlogDog Dental Diseases, Testimonials
dog stomatitis

What Are Stomatitis and CUPS In Dogs?

Stomatitis in dogs refers to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and lips. This means that dogs will be very sore and red on their gums and the insides of their lips. A type of stomatitis in dogs is CUPS, which is an abbreviation for chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis.

Breeds such as Maltese, cavalier king Charles spaniels, cocker spaniels and Bouvier des Flandres are most commonly affected by CUPS.

What Causes Stomatitis and CUPS?

The cause of stomatitis and CUPS in dogs appears to be a hypersensitive immune response to bacteria and plaque on the tooth surfaces. This immune response causes severe inflammation of the mucous membranes. Importantly, the teeth are not the problem. The accumulation of plaque on the teeth causes the hypersensitive reaction in the surrounding tissues.

How Is It Treated?

Removing the plaque and tartar from the teeth through a dental cleaning procedure is not usually effective in treating stomatitis and CUPS. The bacteria (in the form of plaque and tartar) quickly return on and around the teeth and the problem persists.

In many dogs, full dental extractions are the best treatment. Bella is a great example of an old dog that has undergone full dental extractions and recovered amazingly well.

Bella’s Story

We are the owners of ‘Bella’, an 11-year-old Maltese/Lhasa Apso who was suffering from CUPS. After

dog stomatitis
Bella

seeing a number of Vets and multiple doses of antibiotics, we sought a second opinion at the University of Sydney Veterinary Hospital. We were then referred to Dr Christine Hawke.

After much deliberation and sleepless nights of worry, Christine performed full dental extractions. A major decision, given the age of Bella. We had to be clear that we were doing this for Bella and not for us!

One week post-op Bella now resembles her old self. She is pain-free, has a healthy appetite and all the gusto she used to exhibit a year ago.

If anyone has any doubts about their pet undergoing this major procedure, please speak to Christine before making any decisions. I can’t believe we were actually considering the awful alternative when Bella was suffering so much.

Many Thanks Again for your wonderful care and help with Bella

Deborah

Christine Hawke

Christine has been a vet since 1993, graduating with First Class Honours and the University Medal from the University of Sydney. After several years in small animal general practice (in both Australia and the UK) she went back to study and was awarded her PhD in immunogenetics in 2004.

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