My cat’s mouth area is losing fur and stays wet, with redness, swelling and ulceration—what should I do?
Expert Answer
From your description and the picture, the redness and wetness around the cat’s mouth are likely an ulcer and drooling from an eosinophilic granuloma, and if you see gum or mucosal redness, inflammation or drooling, calicivirus stomatitis is possible.
An eosinophilic granuloma is a skin inflammation from low immunity or allergen contact that raises eosinophils, thickening and reddening the lips; the sore spreads along the upper lip into surrounding tissue. Confirm it with a local smear and biopsy, and screen for calicivirus by PCR.
Once diagnosed, treatment usually includes an oral antibacterial spray, antibiotics, vitamins or anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Corticosteroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone suppress immune responses and control acute inflammation, but must be used strictly under veterinary guidance.