Feline Gingivostomatitis: Advancements in Clinical Diagnostics MiDOG Animal Diagnostics

July 21, 2021

Feline Gingivostomatitis

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a painful, chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that affects 0.7% to 12% of cats in their lifetime [1]. FCGS has a multifactorial etiology caused by a “hyper” immune response to one or more initial triggers. Therefore, a combination of understanding the conditions that cause FCGS and the infective pathogens themselves is critical in delivering quality healthcare to your cat.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is uncomfortable at best for your furry friend, and if left untreated may result in serious health complications. Current treatment for FCGS is variable, with treatment often requiring partial or full mouth tooth extractions [2]. Fortunately, new research using Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) technology has provided exciting insights into the oral microbiome of cats and the possible role of fungi in FCGS, which could have substantial impacts on how veterinarians treat the disease [3]. If you suspect your cat has FCGS, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your veterinarian to diagnose and provide a treatment plan tailored to your cat’s needs as soon as possible.

What is Feline Gingivostomatitis?

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis refers to the characteristic longitudinal presentation of oral mucosal ulcerative and/or proliferative inflammatory lesions lateral to the cat’s palatoglossal folds [2]. While the etiology of FCGS is still the subject of intensive investigations in veterinary medicine, various infectious agents have been associated with FCGS pathogenesis: feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), various bacteria, and various noninfectious factors (dental disease, environmental stressors, hypersensitivity, etc.) [2]. In terms of predisposing factors, one study revealed that there seems to be an association between multi-cat households and FCGS pathogenesis, with each additional cat increasing the odds of a cat developing FCGS by over 70% [4].

The feline microbiome potentially plays an important role in FCGS manifestation, with the feline oral microbiome having less diversity in FCGS-affected cats versus healthy cats [2]. Moreover, the species Pasteurella multocida, phylum Bacteroidetes, and genus Peptostreptococcus are more common in FCGS cats than healthy ones [2,5]. Bartonella infections (cat scratch fever) are also considered by veterinarians when trying to diagnose your cat [6]. In general, Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria are implicated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis, although current research is attempting to elucidate if this relationship is causative or simply associated with FCGS’s pathogenesis [2]. Regardless, treating the infection, whether it be causative or associated with FCGS, is necessary.

For any cat parent, identifying symptoms of feline gingivostomatitis is critical. Symptoms may include:

Extreme oral pain
Swollen, ulcerated, and bleeding gums
Bar breath
Blood in saliva
Drooling
Lack of appetite and/or weight loss

597e61_715aa2b2af3849f28d51958307b54f8c~mv2

The image above depicts the red, swollen, and inflamed gums that are characteristic of a cat with gingivostomatitis.

Treating and Diagnosing Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis

The prognosis for cats suffering from FCGS is guarded, considering that approximately 30% of cats do not respond to full mouth tooth extractions [1]. While research suggests partial tooth extractions may be equally as effective as full tooth extractions, it is important to consider possible microbial causes of FCGS when treating your cat [7]. Antibiotic therapy is often included in an FCGS-afflicted cat’s treatment plan, although this without a proper understanding of the potential infection at hand may be counterintuitive. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens, advances in recent clinical diagnostics have allowed for more targeted and efficient interventions. Empirical treatment of feline chronic gingivostomatitis with amoxicillin, amoxicillin clavulanate, clindamycin, or metronidazole could contribute to this human and veterinary health dilemma [3].

Historically, culture-based methods have been used to assess the oral microbiome of cats, but there are notable diagnostic shortcomings. One recent study characterizing the oral microbiome of healthy cats using NGS technology notes “the tendency of culture [based methods] to overestimate the importance of species that are easily cultivated, and underestimate the fastidious organisms that grow poorly on culture media” [8]. This study goes on to support the potential usage of molecular diagnostics for feline oral disorders, as results revealed a far more diverse oral microbiome in cats than was previously established [8].

Recent Advancements in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis Diagnostics

Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) has increasingly helped researchers and veterinarians characterize the feline oral microbiome. A collaboration between Western University School of Veterinary Science and MiDOG has shed light on the role fungi may play in FCGS manifestation [3]. This is one of the first studies to show that fungi may play a larger role in the initiation and progression of feline chronic gingivostomatitis, as Malassezia restricta, Malassezia arunalokei, Cladosporium penidielloides/salinae, and Aspergillaceae sp. were significantly enriched in cats with FCGS [3]. Conversely, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was enriched in clinically healthy cats [3]. This research not only supports the use of NGS when attempting to diagnose potential FCGS cases but also indicates a more complex interaction between feline oral bacterial and fungal populations than was previously thought.

Read the study here to learn more.

The MiDOG All-in-One Microbial Test offers comprehensive diagnostic information for cats suffering from feline chronic gingivostomatitis. Utilizing NGS technology to detect and quantify all microbial DNA through untargeted and comprehensive sequencing and quantitative comparisons to reference databases, the MiDOG NGS technology provides a useful opportunity to shed light on the microbial makeup of your cat’s infection for clinical application. The MiDOG microbiome test is a microbial identification test grounded on scientific research that provides veterinarians DNA evidence for the guided treatment of cat diseases, such as feline chronic gingivostomatitis.

midog swab collection kit

Find out if your vet uses MiDOG before you book your next appointment!

References

[1] Vapniarsky, N., Simpson, D., Arzi, B., Taechangam, N., Walker, N., & Garrity, C. et al. (2020). Histological, Immunological, and Genetic Analysis of Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis. Frontiers In Veterinary Science, 7. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00310

[2] Lee, D. B., Verstraete, F., & Arzi, B. (2020). An Update on Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 50(5), 973–982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.04.002

[3] Krumbeck, J., Reiter, A., Pohl, J., Tang, S., Kim, Y., & Linde, A. et al. (2021). Characterization of Oral Microbiota in Cats: Novel Insights on the Potential Role of Fungi in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis. Pathogens, 10(7), 904. doi: 10.3390/pathogens10070904

[4] Peralta, S., & Carney, P. (2019). Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is more prevalent in shared households and its risk correlates with the number of cohabiting cats. Journal Of Feline Medicine And Surgery, 21(12), 1165-1171. doi: 10.1177/1098612×18823584

[5] Dolieslager, S., Riggio, M., Lennon, A., Lappin, D., Johnston, N., Taylor, D., & Bennett, D. (2011). Identification of bacteria associated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Veterinary Microbiology, 148(1), 93-98. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.08.002

[6] Reiter, A. (2018). Dental Disorders of Cats – Cat Owners – Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved 21 July 2021, from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/digestive-disorders-of-cats/dental-disorders-of-cats

[7] Druet, I., & Hennet, P. (2017). Relationship between Feline calicivirus Load, Oral Lesions, and Outcome in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (Caudal Stomatitis): Retrospective Study in 104 Cats. Frontiers In Veterinary Science, 4. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00209

[8] Sturgeon, A., Pinder, S., Costa, M., & Weese, J. (2014). Characterization of the oral microbiota of healthy cats using next-generation sequencing. The Veterinary Journal, 201(2), 223-229. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.01.024

Categories: Cats, Next-Gen DNA Sequencing Technology

Validated by Veterinarians

“Clients expect their veterinarians to stay up to date on all matters that affect the health and well being of their non-human family members. The current technique that we have used to determine the presence and antibiotic sensitivity of organisms causing disease in our pets is over a century old.

With the emergence of dangerous antibacterial resistance, it is critical that veterinarians are able to offer laser focused diagnostics and treatment. MiDog enables us to offer care that exceeds the typical standard of care.”

Bernadine Cruz, DVM, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital Laguna Woods, CA

“I love the absolute abundance and comparing the fungal with bacterial infection. I do not worry as much about getting a false negative urinary infection reading as I do with traditional urine cultures. Several times the same urine would culture negative but MiDOG would detect pathogens.”

Michael Morgan, DVMQuail Animal Hospital, Tustin, CA

“The MiDOG All-in-One Test is amazing, I would use it instead of culture and sensitivity. Such rapid and detailed results, I will reach for MiDOG before culture next time!

Thank you very much MiDOG, for sharing the opportunity to try your technology.”

Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, President of Forensic Veterinary Investigations, LLC – Boston, MA

“The MiDOG All-in-One Microbial Test is our new gold standard of pathogen identification. The results are so accurate and valuable – especially with assessing both bacterial and fungal infections with the same sample.

Thank you MiDOG!”

Kathy Wentworth, DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine and Feline Practice – PetPoint Medical Center, Irvine, CA

“The MiDOG staff was extremely helpful and supportive.”

Cathy Curtis, DVM – London, UK

“I have had great results using the MiDOG® Test. Compared to traditional culture tests, I am better able to target the treatment for dogs because the MiDOG® Test is so sensitive that it identifies all pathogens including bacteria and fungi, as well as antibiotic sensitivity.

The cost and turnaround time are about the same as a culture test, but I get much more data. The test has great performance and I believe the NGS technology will be a game changer for veterinarians treating dogs with lesions or other infections.”

Michael Kavanagh, DVM, Practice owner – Saddleback Animal Hospital, Tustin, CA

“It’s helpful to have an NGS spectrum because it gives you a broader insight of what’s happening and what might be going on.”

Richard Harvey BVSc DVD DipECVD PhD FRSB FRCVS – European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology – Head of Dermatology, Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service – Solihull, England UK

“I have been using MiDog for over 4 years now and exclusively as my test of choice for all cultures for 3 years. It is so great to submit a culture and feel confident there will be a result when it comes back, especially for urine cultures. The reports were intimidating at first because they contain so much information. After the first few, I am now quickly able to glance over it and pick out the highlights. I can then come back later and pour over all the details. I have been extremely pleased with my patients’ results using the test as well. I don’t envision ever going back to traditional culture and susceptibilities again.”

Brian M. Urmson, DVM, Columbiana Veterinary Associates

“As an exotic veterinarian, there are numerous tests we have to consider to check specific bacterial and fungal organisms based on the species. MiDOG eliminates the need for many of these separate samples and provides definitive results quickly to help us treat our patients more efficiently and effectively. The lab is wonderful to work with and has never rejected our samples- they even processed a lizard toe we amputated and determined the cause of skin infection.”

Dr. Melissa Giese, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital

“MiDOG’s diagnostic approach offers the unique ability to identify pathogens that evade traditional culture and sensitivity testing. I have found that adding a molecular based testing approach in the form of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) from MiDOG to my routine diagnostic cultures can be extremely helpful in the identification and diagnosis of uncommon pathogens in veterinary medicine.”

Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, Animal Dermatology Clinic – Tustin

“She [Dr. Krumbeck] really did a great job of making complicated concepts accessible and demonstrating the value of your services. I’m really looking forward to working with MiDOG on my research project!”

Dr. Yaicha Peters, Animal Dermatology Clinic – San Diego

“As a proud collaborator with MiDOG, I deeply appreciate their dedication to fostering partnerships between industry and veterinary experts. Their commitment to enhancing diagnostic quality for veterinarians is commendable. In my experience, their support has been invaluable, earning them a ‘Double A+, Triple Star’ rating. Their assistance has been faultless, contributing significantly to the success of my projects and studies. I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration.”

Dr. Richard Harvey, BVSc DVD DipECVD PhD FRSB FRCVS; European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology

“We’re seeing that, if we prescribe too many antibiotics or they’re taken too frequently, animals are developing inappropriate or pathogenic strains of bacteria. We’re also seeing that our antibiotics are just not working against them anymore… It’s a good example of why we need better diagnostic testing, like MiDOG, so that we’re selecting the correct antibiotic every time our patients have an infection.”

Dr. Alissa Rexo, DVM, CVA, DACVD, Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Dermatology

“The NGS technique as offered by MiDOG is wonderful because pathogens like Melissococcus plutonius, for example, are difficult to grow and keep alive in the laboratory. A standard laboratory cannot truly examine or even properly diagnose this pathogen in bee hives at this time. But with NGS, we can reliably diagnose it.”

Dr. Joerg Mayer, Entomologist and Microbiologist at the University of Georgia

“For me, as a clinician and as a researcher, I see the immense value in the product [the All-in-One Test]. I have had great success using MiDOG clinically, including identifying Mycoplasma in a 24 year old pigeon, a Nannizziopsis spp in a ball python from a large pet distributor, Mycoplasma and Fusobacterium necrophorum co-infection in a peacock, and to identify an abnormal gut GI in a technician’s dog that tested negative for everything else (but we were able to establish what was abnormal, and work toward fixing it).”

Dr. Jeremy Rayl – Veterinarian, Block House Creek Animal Hospital, Cedar Park, Texas

“With MiDog results I not only receive a list of organisms detected in the sample, but also cell counts which allow me to target the most abundant pathogens or the most pathogenic. The identification of antimicrobial resistance genes is also helpful in selecting an appropriate antibiotic. Another benefit is that sample handling is less prone to risk of overgrowth and is stable at room temperature. Easy and informative. A great tool in our diagnostic toolbox!!”

Lauren Palmer DVM, MPH, Marine mammal Care Center Los Angeles