Feline OroFacial Pain Syndrome
FOPS (or Feline Orofacial Pain Symdrome) is a highly distressing condition. It appears to affect primarily Burmese cats and a genetic link is being investigated. Affected cats demonstrate various degrees of apparent oral discomfort, which can lead to severe self trauma as cats paw at their mouths. Some cats may even self-amputate a portion of their own tongues such is the severity of the problem.
The condition appears to be similar to a condition in man with abormal sensitivity or "neurogenic pain" localised to the Trigeminal nerve (the main sensory nerve to the mouth). Affected cats are divided into two groups - those that seem to show constant pain with periods of increase and those that show episodic attacks, appearing normal in between. The continuous pain group are more at risk of severe self trauma. Cats appear to show pain in the mouth (sometimes very specifically the tongue), this often becomes apparent after the cat has been fed or after grooming episodes. Cats show exagerated licking or chewing, sometimes extending this to clawing at their mouths as if they were trying to remove something painful. The condition can occur in any age of cat, but sometimes appears to start with the eruption of the adult teeth. There also appears to be an association with dental treatment (especially if extractions have been carried out in a less than ideal manner). Behavioural factors may also be an influence, as stressed cats (especially those in multi-cat households) appear to be more commonly affected.
Treatment can be difficult. Intitially the aim is to limit self trauma - the use of "soft claws", elizabethan collars and foot bandaging should be employed. Analgesics should also be used. Then proper dental investigation and full mouth radiographs by a veterinary dentist should be carried out to rule out any underlying dental problem. Behavioural investigations and coping strategies should also be investigated. Finally use of anti-epileptic type drugs may have some benefit.
As a genetic link is suspected, affected cats should not be bred from. A DNA survey is being carried out to try and identify any genetic markers associated with the problem.
Research is ongoing into this worrying problem.
Dr Clare Rusbridge (a European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology) is especially interested in the syndrome. Please do not hesitate to contact PetSmile Month with details of any cases, or the Feline Advisory Bureau for more information.
Did You Know?
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