Caudal mucogingival lesions secondary to traumatic dental occlusion in 27 cats: macroscopic and microscopic description, treatment and follow-up

Abstract

The main aim of this retrospective study was to describe clinical and histopathological findings in cats with mucogingival lesions developed at the contact point of the premolar and molar teeth of the opposite quadrant. Cases were retrieved following manual review of the medical records, dental records and photographic documentation of all feline dental patients visited in the period between February 2001 and August 2011. Cats showing different lesions at different times were calculated as multiple cases. A total of 27 cats (31 cases) with 44 lesions (26 proliferations [59%], 11 clefts [25%] and seven foveae [16%]) were included. Mean age at the time of the first visit was 6.6 years. The lesion object of the study was the main reason for presentation in only five cases (16%). Proliferations showed two different histopathological patterns and had characteristics in common with human oral pyogenic granuloma. Successful treatment was achieved in all cases by removing the occlusal contact by dental extraction or coronal reduction, possibly associated with lesion excision. This study underlines the need for a thorough oral examination and evaluation of dental occlusion in all patients. Causes for the development of traumatic occlusion may include an acquired overbite (possibly secondary to selective dental extraction), congenital or post-traumatic malocclusion, abnormal latero-lateral mobility of the mandible, occlusal drift of the premolar and molar teeth, and/or alveolar bone expansion.