Description

Investigator(s): S. Dawson, RM. Gaskell, K. Healey

Feline Chronic Gingivo-Stomatitis (FCGS) is a syndrome characterised by persistent, often severe, inflammation of the mucus membrane which lines the mouth. Although several factors have been suggested as playing a role in FCGS, no comprehensive epidemiological studies have been carried out to determine the prevalence of the disease in the cat population or exactly what risk factors predispose cats to the condition. The first objective was to determine the prevalence of FCGS in the vet-visiting cat population. Twelve practices took part, providing a sample population of 4858 cats. Veterinary surgeons identified cases of FCGS over a 12-week sampling period; the prevalence of FCGS was 0.7% (34 cases).

The second part of the study was to determine and quantify possible risk factors for FCGS in cats. No statistically significant difference was found when the age, sex and breed of cats with FCGS was compared to data from cats without the condition. A later, more detailed report highlighted the risk factors they found played a contributory role, including feline calicivirus (FCV), and bird catching.

K. Healey's 2009 final thesis

Published papers: Healey KA, Dawson S, Burrow R, Cripps P, Gaskell CJ, Hart CA, Pinchbeck GL, Radford AD, Gaskell RM. Prevalence of feline chronic gingivo-stomatitis in first opinion veterinary practice. J Feline Med Surg. 2007 Oct   

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