Feline Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS), also known as Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis (LPS), is a severe, chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the oral cavity affecting domestic cats. This debilitating condition is characterized by profound inflammation extending beyond the gingiva to involve the buccal mucosa, palatoglossal folds, and caudal oral cavity. FCGS represents one of the most challenging oral diseases in feline medicine due to its unclear etiology, chronic course, and variable response to treatment.

The prevalence of FCGS ranges from 0.7% to 12% of the domestic cat population, with the disease more commonly affecting cats in multicat households. The median age of affected cats is approximately 7 years, though cats as young as 4 months can be affected. This condition significantly impacts quality of life due to severe oral pain, often leading to anorexia, weight loss, and behavioral changes.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

The exact etiology of FCGS remains multifactorial and incompletely understood. Current evidence suggests the disease results from an inappropriate immune response to chronic antigenic stimulation, likely involving both infectious and host factors.