Content continues after advertisement

Interferon-Omega for Feline Stomatitis

Kendall Taney, DVM, DAVDC, FAVD, Center for Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Sign in to Print/View PDF

In the Literature

Matsumoto H, Teshima T, Iizuka Y, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of the subcutaneous low recombinant feline interferon-omega administration protocol for feline chronic gingivitis-stomatitis in feline calicivirus- positive cats. Res Vet Sci. 2018;121:53-58.


FROM THE PAGE …

Seventeen cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) that tested positive for calicivirus DNA via PCR were treated with either SC recombinant feline interferon-ω (rFeIFN-ω [1 M unit/kg]) or prednisolone (1 mg/kg) to evaluate the effectiveness of the former in reducing clinical signs. Thirteen cats received rFeIFN-ω on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, and 21; the remaining 4 cats received prednisolone on the same schedule. Clinical signs (ie, salivation, pain on opening the mouth, halitosis, mandibular lymphadenopathy) and stomatitis (ie, degree and extent of oral inflammation and bleeding) were scored on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. In addition, real-time PCR was used to quantify calicivirus replication.

The study found a reduction in salivation scores and degree and extent of inflammation in cats treated with rFeIFN-ω. Real-time PCR results demonstrated inhibition of virus replication in the rFeIFN-ω group but not in the prednisolone group. The authors concluded that SC administration of rFeIFN-ω could significantly improve clinical signs and appearance of stomatitis in cats with calicivirus and FCGS and that improvement was the result of inhibition of calicivirus proliferation. Limitations of the study included nonblinded evaluators, concomitant use of antibiotics in some patients, and small sample size, which did not allow statistical comparison between groups.

Further studies should be performed with a larger sample size and stricter protocol to determine the validity of this treatment. Until a definitive cause of stomatitis can be determined, it may be difficult to find a treatment that will eliminate the disease in all cases.


… TO YOUR PATIENTS

Key pearls to put into practice:

1

FCGS can be a frustrating condition that can severely affect a patient’s quality of life. The underlying cause of FCGS has not been determined. Although concurrent viral and bacterial infection (eg, feline calicivirus, bartonellosis, FeLV) can be present, there has been no definitive proof of a cause-and-effect relationship.1,2

2

Many treatments have been used in an attempt to treat FCGS, including full- or partial-mouth extractions, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, antibiotics, and rFeIFN-ω. No single method has been shown to have a 100% success rate.3

3

Although the cause of FCGS has not been determined, it is generally accepted that it develops from an inappropriate immune response to chronic oral antigenic stimulation and that the cause is likely multifactorial.3

4

Three studies regarding the success rate of full- or partial-mouth extractions are often quoted. The results of 2 of these studies are similar, with ≈80% of both groups demonstrating substantial improvement or resolution of stomatitis. The third study had a lower success rate, but most patients showed improvement after extraction.4-6 Full-mouth or near full-mouth dental extractions remain the current standard of care for treatment of stomatitis. Further studies are needed to develop treatments with higher success rates.3-6

5

Patients with refractory stomatitis after dental extraction may still have improved quality of life with medical management (eg, cyclosporine). rFeIFN-ω has shown promise as a treatment option but can be difficult to acquire in the United States.7

References

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy