Malocclusion in cats associated with mandibular soft tissue trauma: a retrospective case-control study

The aim of this study was to determine whether an association existed between cephalometric measurements, maxillomandibular dental arch distances and the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions in the mandibular soft tissues of cats.

Cats that had presented for dental consultations and that underwent cone-beam CT during diagnostic assessment were included in the study and categorised as cases and controls in a 1:2 ratio. Cases were designated as cats with a clinical diagnosis of malocclusion causing trauma to the buccal mandibular soft tissues or pyogenic granuloma secondary to the trauma, and controls were designated as cats with the absence of such diagnoses and without a history of other musculoskeletal anomalies in the head. Cephalometric measurements, including skull and facial indexes, as well as distances and angulations between dental crowns and crown tips, were calculated and analysed statistically.

In total, 72 cats (24 cases and 48 controls) were included in the study. Cephalometric measurements revealed a significant association between the skull and facial indexes and the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions in the caudal teeth. Brachycephaly was a strong predictor of the occurrence of traumatic malocclusions. In addition, the space between crown tips and teeth angulations was a contributing factor to the trauma.

Cats with traumatic malocclusions in the cheek teeth tend to present a narrower interdental space between the maxillary and mandibular carnassial teeth, mostly attributed to skeletal and dental malocclusion. These findings can be used to help raise awareness about this disease in cats and its association with brachycephaly. Cut-off values have been proposed and could be used in the selection of cats by breeders to reduce the occurrence of this disease.