Food allergy possibility with inflamed gums

carlieebug

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Hi everyone. Long story short my kitty Marble is 8. He’s had all his teeth removed due to FORLs and suspected stomatitis. I thought that this last procedure to remove the last of his teeth would rid him of the inflammation in his mouth so he couldn’t back to being my happy & pain free boy again. I was wrong. He is still in pain daily, even on meds & steroids for inflammation. He does still eat but he’s not himself anymore & I can tell he’s hurting by the occasional drool and mouth chattering/jerking. He’s been to a dental specialist & they see nothing left in the mouth or anything wrong with the jaw to indicate an issue with the extraction surgeries. Did an extensive blood panel and all came back normal. They want to chalk it up to a food allergy. Which is okay, I guess. I’ve got him on new wet and dry food (for when I’m not home) for about 2 weeks now. I don’t see much improvement. My question is how long would it usually take to see a difference from the new food? Also has anyone else dealt with this or can help me figure out what else it could be? I’ve tested for everything I can think of. Even the oral specialist is at a loss.
 

FeebysOwner

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HI. Stomatitis isn't always resolved by removing all of a cat's teeth, if the cause is not dental related. Many cases are affiliated with a viral condition, such as calicivirus or herpes. Some even think it can be linked to FeLV or FIV, but that is less clear than the previous two. All said, it is more what any of these viruses can do to a cat's immune system - which can result in inflammation of the mouth. So, I am not sure your answer is a food allergy.

Since none of the vets you've dealt with have mentioned a connection to a viral condition/overactive immune system, I would suggest you consult with an internal med vet/specialty group and see if they can give you better insight on possible treatments. Anti-inflammatory meds might be one thing they would suggest. I have also heard of taking swab tests of the tissue in a cat's mouth to analyze what kind of bacteria may be involved. I am sure there are other options as well.
 
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carlieebug

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I have ran all the tests for those & all came back negative. We even did a biopsy of the inflammation on the roof of his mouth by taking a piece if it and sending it off for testing for multiple things and all came back showing negative. 😔 I have done every test possible to where I’m basically in debt. Nothing is showing up.
 

FeebysOwner

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I see... Maybe it is another virus that wasn't tested for? Still not sure that taking all the tests you have had run and consulting with an internal med vet might not be another step to try. Maybe a vet university should be consulted? It seems to me that you have to go 'up a notch' in knowledge if all the vets/specialists so far are stumped.

As far as food changes, it can vary but it likely would take at least 6 weeks, but that is nothing more than a best guess. And, what are the vets proposing you do to narrow down the allergy? Have they run any kind of allergy tests? If you have to take stabs in the dark, you could be doing this for months.

Would they/you consider giving Marble steroids just to see if that helps temporarily while you figure out what your next steps are?
 
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carlieebug

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I guess I could reach out to another specialist & see? I’ve also done my research extensively to no avail since everything people say he may have, he doesn’t. 😭

he is on pred 1mL every other day to help with inflammation and gabapentin 1mL every 8-12 hours.
 

FeebysOwner

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I truly would find - at a minimum - an internal med vet, but I think it would be worth your while to get one or more of these vets/even an internal med vet to consult with a vet university. They may be able to offer more just because their field of study/research goes well above and beyond regular vets and most specialists. All of the vets involved so far should be willing to help you pursue such an angle, as opposed to just guessing that it is a food allergy.
 

fionasmom

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If you consult with a specialist, you only have to pay for the initial consultation. During that time, I would have a lot of questions prepared. You do not have to go forward with expensive testing or procedures given how much you have already done. Bring everything with you and have them take a look and try to draw a conclusion. Don't hesitate to point out how much you have spent (which should be quite clear) and to state that you can't continue in the same vein indefinitely
 
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carlieebug

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If you consult with a specialist, you only have to pay for the initial consultation. During that time, I would have a lot of questions prepared. You do not have to go forward with expensive testing or procedures given how much you have already done. Bring everything with you and have them take a look and try to draw a conclusion. Don't hesitate to point out how much you have spent (which should be quite clear) and to state that you can't continue in the same vein indefinitely
Thank you! I will do that. Thank you.
 
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