LPS
What is LPS?
The term LPS is simply the abbreviation for the condition known
as Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis, which comes from the
histological description of biopsies taken from affected cats.
What causes LPS?
The cause of LPS is not known, although some diseases and
viruses have been suspected in its occurrence. There appears to be
several forms of LPS and different treatments may work better in
some than in others. It is known that about half of the animals
with LPS may have one or more of the following complicating
diseases: FELV (feline leukemia), FIV (feline aids), FIP (feline
infectious peritonitis), Calici virus, thyroid conditions, FORL
(feline osteoclastic resorptive lesions), periodontal disease or
plaque.
What does LPS do?
LPS causes severe oral discomfort and inflammation. The pet may
have problems eating, lose weight, become highly sensitive around
the face and mouth, become irritable, more aggressive, debilitated
and weak.
Can it be treated?
There are many treatments that have been tried to control LPS.
No one treatment has been found to be always successful. Treating
any complicating diseases, cavities, and the pet's discomfort is
required. Also, good home care and diet can make a major
difference. Many cats with LPS, however, are very painful around
the mouth and will not allow any degree of home care. Specialized
dental diets can help to provide some degree of passive home care
without the risk of owner injury. Often extraction of all the teeth
is required when other treatments have not been successful.
How and with what do I brush my cat's teeth (if my cat will
allow me)?
Start very slowly. Due to the inflammation and discomfort in a
cat with LPS, extreme care must be exercised in attempting
brushing. Make the brushing simple, fun and tasty for your cat.
Save some water from a can of tuna. Dip your finger into the tuna
water and rub your finger over your pet's teeth. Once you have done
this, praise your cat. Repeat this once or twice a day until your
cat gets accustomed to it. Next, try a piece of gauze or cloth
wrapped around your finger using the tuna water. Gradually you will
be able to progress to a fingerbrush or a very soft pet toothbrush.
When your pet is comfortable with this process, introduce pet
toothpaste. This special toothpaste is designed to be swallowed and
will not irritate your cat's stomach (as will human toothpaste).
The CET brand of toothpaste contains enzymes that kill bacteria in
the mouth. This is extremely important in controlling plaque and
tartar buildup.
What else should I do?
- Have your cat's teeth and gums examined for the extent of
disease and an opinion of treatment options.
- Blood work may be required to rule out various complicating
diseases such as FeLV, FIP, FIV, thyroid disease, etc.
- Follow the treatment plan and report to the doctor how your cat
responds.
- Have your cat's teeth cleaned on a regular basis as
recommended.
- Have all diseased teeth treated or extracted.
- Use the home care products as directed for your cat.
- Follow up with regular rechecks to see that the medications and
home care are reasonably controlling the LPS.
There is no one absolute cure for LPS, just as there is no
absolute cause determined in most cases.
Severe LPS in a 3 year old
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