What does FOPS mean in MEDICAL

Symptoms of FOPS include difficulty eating, drooling, excessive yawning or stretching, pawing at the mouth or face, rubbing against objects or people more often than usual, and sensitivity to light touch on the cheeks or lower jaw.

The exact cause of FOPS is unknown, however it may be related to dental problems such as tooth root abscesses or infections, traumas such as mouth injuries and surgeries, tumors in the head and neck area, chronic inflammation of structures around the jaw joint and/or some diseases like calicivirus infection.

To diagnose FOPS your veterinarian will take a complete history of your cat's health including any recent changes in behavior that may indicate a problem with their mouth or face. They will then perform an examination looking for signs such as visible lesions on their gums or teeth, drainage around an afflicted area (e.g., draining tract), tenderness when pushing on areas of their face or jaw joint area, stiffness when moving their head side-to-side from front-to-back etc. Your vet may also recommend diagnostic tests like x-rays to pinpoint any underlying conditions causing your cat's pain before treatment can begin.