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My cat has a mouth infection. Are there alternatives to an expensive biopsy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 8 lbs

My cat has had this mystery infection for about a month, I believe it's improving since I've given him antibiotics from his vet and been spraying his mouth with banixx antiseptic. I'm just wondering if there's something else I could try? The vet wants to do a biopsy but it's going to cost near 600 dollars

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2017

Poor Mitchell! I'm glad to hear that his infection seems to be improving with a course of antibiotics. Since it seems to be moving in the right direction, it may be worth asking your vet if the antibiotics can be continued for a longer period of time in the hopes of avoiding more extensive diagnostics, such as a biopsy. However, if the antibiotics do not fully resolve this type of lesion within 2-6 weeks, a biopsy and culture are the only available options. Steroids may decrease inflammation, but they could also delay healing of an infection and provide false results if a biopsy is needed after steroid treatment. Again, discuss a longer course of antibiotics, but if that is unsuccessful, it sounds as though a biopsy is the only other alternative at this point. I hope that all goes well for Mitchell! He's a cutie!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    This looks like a troubling problem for Mitchell. I would continue to use the products your vet has prescribed. Often times these issues can't be fully diagnosed without further diagnostics, like culture for resistant bacteria or a biopsy for other types of infections or cancer. I cannot think of any over the counter remedies that would help that he isn't already using.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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