Infectious caiman stomatitis (rotten mouth)

What is it?

Infectious stomatitis, sometimes called "rotten mouth", is an infection of the oral mucosa affecting caimans and other crocodilians.\n\nIt manifests itself by lesions, ulcers and sometimes pus in the animal's mouth. It is a common condition among caimans kept in captivity, especially when breeding conditions are not optimal.\n\nWithout treatment, the infection can spread to neighboring tissues, the jaw bone, or even the rest of the body, which can put the animal's life in danger.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

Infectious stomatitis is most often of bacterial origin, caused by opportunistic bacteria normally present in the environment or the animal's mouth (such as certain Gram-negative bacteria) which take advantage of a wound, a bite or a drop in immune defenses to develop.\n\nFungus or bacteria-fungus associations can also be involved, particularly when the infection becomes chronic.\n\nSmall oral wounds - due to fights between conspecifics, the capture of hard prey, or handling - often constitute the entry point for infection.

Rearing conditions play a major role: dirty water, poor pool hygiene, unsuitable temperature or chronic stress weaken the animal's natural defenses.\n\nAn unbalanced or poor-quality diet, particularly a lack of certain nutrients, also favors the appearance of the disease.\n\nOvercrowding in an enclosure, fights between individuals and repeated injuries increase the risk of mouth sores which can become infected.\n\nYoung animals and subjects already weakened by another disease are generally more sensitive.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Treatment

Treatment generally combines careful local cleaning of oral lesions and the administration of antibiotics, ideally chosen according to the results of the samples.\n\nIn cases where a fungus is involved, an antifungal treatment may be added.\n\nAn improvement in breeding conditions (water quality, temperature, diet) is an integral part of the treatment.\n\nIn severe forms with bone involvement, a surgical procedure to clean the affected tissues may be necessary. considered by the veterinarian.

Prevention

Possible complications

Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jaw bones (osteomyelitis), leading to deformation or loss of teeth.\n\nIt can also spread throughout the body (sepsis), which is life-threatening.\n\nDifficulty eating linked to oral pain can lead to significant weight loss and a general weakening of the animal.

When to see a veterinarian

Prognosis

The prognosis is favorable if the disease is detected and treated early, before the infection spreads to deep tissues.\n\nOn the other hand, in the event of bone involvement or generalization of the infection, the prognosis becomes more guarded and healing can be long, sometimes with after-effects in the jaw.

Frequently asked questions

References

WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 27 September 2026