Issues with my FIV positive cat

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Morenaflor53 Icon representing the flag Italian
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I have a cat that turned up in my garden 8 years ago and I had him neutered about a year later. At least 3 years ago, a test showed that he has FIV, which manifested as faucitis, stomatitis and gingivitis. For a year I tried everything – anti-inflammatories, steroids, Aloe Plus oral paste – but after a while, the pain always came back and he couldn't eat. Last December, I decided to go ahead with a full dental extraction... he made a really quick recovery and even put on weight... but unfortunately, a few months later he couldn't eat again. This time his tongue was covered in papules. The vet tried a course of either ciclosporin or cephalosporins (I can't quite remember which) injected every other day; he was fine for 20 days but now we're back to square one. I'm desperate and don't know what to do anymore. Has anyone else had a cat with the same problem?

Translated from Italian
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    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
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    I can really relate to how discouraged you're feeling… 😔
    You've already done so much for him, and it's clear that he is very much loved. FIV cats can sometimes have periods where everything seems to be improving… and then the inflammation flares up again despite treatment.

    Having his teeth out often helps a lot with severe stomatitis, but unfortunately, some cats still have persistent inflammation linked to their immune system and FIV. The fact that he put weight back on after the surgery shows that he responded well initially, which is encouraging.

    Regarding the papules on his tongue and the pain returning, it’s definitely worth getting him a vet check-up quickly, especially to check:

    • if the inflammation has come back more aggressively,

    • if there’s a secondary infection,

    • or if a different long-term management plan might work better in the long run.

    Sometimes FIV cats respond better to a combination of:

    • pain management,

    • suitable anti-inflammatories,

    • very palatable/soft wet food,

    • and regular monitoring rather than "one-off" treatments.

    You’re not alone in this. ❤️
    I knew an FIV cat with chronic stomatitis who also had his ups and downs after dental extractions. It’s really not an easy condition to manage…

    I sincerely hope your vet can find something to make him comfortable again. Best of luck to you both 🐾

    Chatzen 🐾

    Translated from French

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