Q&A for How to Diagnose and Treat Rodent Ulcers in Cats

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Are rodent ulcers in cats contagious?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, rodent ulcers are not contagious. This condition is linked to allergic skin disease, and may be caused by contact with a food or even a plastic feeding bowl.

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Question

What causes ulcers in a cat's mouth?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Ulcers can arise for several reasons, including viral infections, contact with floor cleaning chemicals, and organ (specifically kidney) problems.

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Question

Is a rodent ulcer painful?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Many rodent ulcers are actually quite large before they come to the owner's attention. This tends to indicate that the cat doesn't have difficulty eating or oral pain. So it would seem these dramatic looking sores are not that painful.

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Question

How do you treat ulcers in cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The main treatment is steroids to suppress the allergic reaction, with or without the addition of antibiotics. It may also be worth changing the cat's food or swapping from a plastic to a ceramic feeding bowl.

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