Clinical and Radiologic Evaluation of Dental Diseases in Cats
Keywords:
Dental radiography, Feline dental disease, Tooth resorptionAbstract
This study investigated the prevalence of dental diseases in cats, with a focus on the distribution of age and gender among effected individuals. A total of 50 cats were included, comprising 21 females (42%) and 29 males (58%). Age distribution revealed that 24 cats (48%) were kitten (0-11 months), 22 (44%) were adults (1-5 years), and 4 (8%) were elderly (≥6 years). Comprehensive clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed to assess the condition of the pulp, resorption, and the overall dental health, including the status of deciduous and permanent teeth, tooth mobility, dental plaque, halitosis, salivation, and mucous membrane appearance. The condition and number of deciduous and permanent teeth, mobility of teeth, dental plaque status, bad breath, salivation, and the appearance of mucous membranes were assessed. The findings showed that 44 cats (88%) presented with at least one dental disease, affecting a total of 125 teeth. Alarmingly, none of the owners practiced routine oral or dental care for their cats, and only a minority had any awareness of feline dental health. These results underscore the widespread neglect of oral hygiene in cats and highlight the urgent need for educational initiatives to improve awareness and management of feline dental health in the general population.
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