My cat's mouth sore won't heal. What could it be and what to do?

Hello, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this issue. This looks like it could be what's called a rodent or indolent ulcer, but something called an eosinophilic plaque is also common. Sometimes steroids are needed other times in antibioticd and sometimes both steroids and antibiotics are needed. If you're not satisfied with your current veterinarian I would consider getting a second opinion or seeking out a cat only practice

Poor Vivian! Unfortunately rodent ulcers are usually an auto-immune issue. I certainly think lysine and omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial long term. Vetriscience has some good products for both of those. I would also consider a veterinarian prescribed hypoallergenic diet. I am not sure colloidal silver will help. Some of these guys end up needing multiple steroid (+/- antibiotics) injections throughout the year to keep it under control. If it doesn’t start to clear up I would consider another steroid shot. Cats usually tolerate them well every 6-8 weeks. I hope this helps.

This appears to be what is commonly referred to as a 'rodent ulcer'. The most common cause for these to pop up in cats is an allergy, typically to something in the food. Sometimes these will resolve in their own, however sometimes they can become infected, long lasting, and problematic. If they become very large and painful it can discourage the cat from wanting to eat. If this ulcer has been present for more than 2 weeks it is probably not going to go away on its own. At that time I would recommend taking you cat to the vet for treatment. Nathaniel may need antibiotics and an immunsuppresive drug like steroids or Atopica. If the lesions keep coming back he may need to be on an immunosuppressive long term and/or a hypoallergenic diet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. So sorry that Max has not been feeling well. The lesion in the photo could be a rodent ulcer but I have honestly never seen one in a kitten this young. My first thought would be that this is a calicivirus lesion. Does he have any lesions/ulcers inside his mouth? Here is a link to an article about calicivirus in cats: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-calicivirus-infection Many rodent ulcers do not go away on their own without treatment with steroids which is not indicated to do since he has been ill. Most calicivirus lesions will go away on their own within a few weeks. Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes.

Rodent ulcers, or eosinophilic granuloma complex, are typically allergy related. Identifying and treating the underlying allergy is the foundation for treatment. Have Sophie examined by your veterinarian. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets and food elimination trials. Your vet can dispense or administer steroids to decrease inflammation and antibiotics to treat any infection.

Hello, and thank you for your question and great photos. It certainly looks much improved on the mupirocin, but there still seem to be a few scabs present, so I would probably continue the cream for another week. If it is fully healed, the hair should eventually grow back. However, if the rodent ulcer is due to an underlying allergy, and the allergen is not eliminated from her environment, then her lesions may come back once the cream is discontinued. I hope this makes sense! I hope that Vivian heals well.

Hi there, This appears very similar to something called a "rodent ulcer" or Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, but it may be something different, like an infection or a growth. Eosinophilic granulomas are often thought to stem from an overreactive immune system or allergies to insects, a protein in their food, or their environment. Many cases resolve with a course of medication. Some cats need to have strict flea control or a prescription diet. Your vet can tell you more about Chibi's specific case after they do a physical exam. Just in case it is an Eosinophilic Granuloma, here is a link to learn more: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-eosinophilic-granuloma-complex-in-cats I hope this helps! Thanks for using PetCoach.