Novel Treatment for Refractory Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis

Source

Febre M, Saulnier N, Roux P, et al. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as a treatment for refractory chronic gingivostomatitis in cats: eight cases (2018). J Small Anim Pract. 2022. doi:10.1111/jsap.13583

Research Note

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is thought to result from an inappropriate immune response to oral antigenic stimulation. Management includes surgical extraction of most or all teeth to remove pathogenic antigens in the plaque; however, not all cats respond to this treatment. Adult adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which act primarily through immune system modification, may be beneficial for treatment of refractory gingivostomatitis in cats.^1-3  

This case series* evaluated the safety and efficacy of feline chronic gingivostomatitis treatment using cryopreserved placenta-derived MSCs, which have higher immunomodulatory properties than adult MSCs.^4,5 Cats (n = 8) with refractory chronic gingivostomatitis received a single IV infusion of 10 × 10⁶ cryopreserved placenta-derived MSCs. Follow-up evaluations were performed on day 15, as well as 2, 3, and 6 months postinfusion. All cats showed improvement based on pet owner surveys and clinician stomatitis disease activity index scoring. A randomized, double-blinded controlled study with more restrictive inclusion criteria is planned for further assessment of safety and efficacy.

*This study was funded by Vetbiobank.