Fungal Stomatitis In Dogs:Causes, Treatment, and Related Symptoms

Overview
Fungal stomatitis is a rare disease, which is usually caused by long-term antibiotic treatment. It can also be associated with immunodeficiency diseases and may occur as a complication of other oral diseases.

Causes of Fungal Stomatitis In Dogs

Excessive growth of Candida albicans in the mouth causes fungal stomatitis.
 

Main symptoms of Fungal Stomatitis In Dogs

Diseased dogs present with chronic dysphagia, anorexia or anorexia, polysalivation, halitosis, and sometimes marked damage at the mucocutaneous junction. Examination may reveal ulcerations and crustings at the corners of the mouth, chronic gingivitis, gingival recession, glossitis in some dogs, characterized by a friable white plaque like lesion on the surface of the tongue, and other mucocutaneous junction lesions are seen in immunosuppressed animals. "Varying degrees of otitis, vulvovaginitis, and paronychia may be seen, but rarely concurrent candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract."
 

Diagnostic criteria for Fungal Stomatitis In Dogs

A culture of Candida albicans from the lesion or a biopsy with periodic acid-Schiff hematoxylin staining showing yeast filaments can be diagnostic. Immunofunction tests can identify immunodeficiency.
 

Treatment of Fungal Stomatitis In Dogs

After the exclusion of any potential causative agent, treatment should be targeted, with withdrawal of antibiotics, dental cleaning, and oral administration of ketoconazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole until the lesion becomes normal.