Menrath ulcers in cats: four cases (2014-2023)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Menrath ulcers are a rare but serious condition in cats.
• Significant oral hemorrhage can result from these ulcers, posing a critical clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and outcomes for four cats diagnosed with Menrath ulcers.
• To highlight the potential post-operative complications associated with Menrath ulcer treatment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of medical records for four cats diagnosed with Menrath ulcers.
• Data collection included signalment, history, physical examination, treatment details, and patient outcomes via communication logs.

Main Results:

• All four cats survived hospitalization; follow-up ranged from 1 to 8.5 months.
• Two cats experienced recurrent oral hemorrhage from the major palatine artery post-ligation, one severe and one mild.
• One cat developed an acquired palatal defect post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• This case series represents the largest documented group of cats with Menrath ulcers.
• It is the first study to report post-operative complications, including recurrent hemorrhage and acquired palatal defects, despite arterial ligation.