Clinical Characterisation of Caudal Traumatic Malocclusions and Treatment Outcomes in Cats (2018-2022).

Caudal malocclusions in cats may result in a variety of traumatic lesions affecting the soft tissues of the ipsilateral mandible such as fovea, gingival cleft, and proliferative lesions. Fifty-one cats diagnosed with a traumatic caudal malocclusion were compared with a control hospital population and evaluated for prevalence with respect to breed and sex. Twenty-two cats that were treated had radiographic, clinical findings, and the outcome of treatment (extraction or odontoplasty) recorded. Maine Coon, Persian, and male neutered cats were overrepresented while Domestic Shorthairs were underrepresented within the study population. Radiographically, 50% of the fovea lesions had an area of decreased bone density in the region of the lesion and none of these had evidence of periodontal disease. All gingival cleft lesions had radiographic changes consistent with periodontal disease. 15.4% of proliferative lesions presented with radiographic changes, with only half of those presenting with both radiographic and clinical evidence of periodontal disease. Eleven cats were treated by odontoplasty and eleven by extraction. One cat treated by odontoplasty developed new lesions caudally, and another had persistence of the initial lesions. Two cats in the extraction group developed new lesions rostral to the extracted teeth. In most instances, odontoplasty or extraction resulted in successful soft tissue lesion resolution. In rare cases, additional treatment was necessary due to either persistence or development of new lesions.

Gingival histoplasmosis: An atypical presentation of African histoplasmosis in three baboons (Papio spp).

Gingival lesions as the sole manifestation of African histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii) have never been reported in baboons. Grossly, lesions can be indistinguishable from bacterial ulcerative gingivitis or gingival hyperplasia. Clinical outcomes of primary gingival histoplasmosis in baboons are unknown and may complicate colony management decisions.

Prevalence of p53 dysregulations in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma and non-neoplastic oral mucosa.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant oral tumor in cats. The late presentation is one of the factors contributing to the detrimental prognosis of this disease. The immunohistochemical expression of the p53 tumor suppressor protein has been reported in 24% to 65% of feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, but no study has systematically evaluated in this tumor the presence of p53 encoding gene (TP53) mutations. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether p53 immunohistochemistry accurately reflects the mutational status of the TP53 gene in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, the prevalence of p53 dysregulation in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma was compared with that of feline non-neoplastic oral mucosa, in order to investigate the relevance of these dysregulations in cancer development. The association between p53 dysregulations and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and tumor characteristics was further assessed. Twenty-six incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinomas and 10 cases each of lingual eosinophilic granuloma, chronic gingivostomatitis and normal oral mucosa were included in the study. Eighteen squamous cell carcinomas (69%) expressed p53 and 18 had mutations in exons 5-8 of TP53. The agreement between immunohistochemistry and mutation analysis was 77%. None of non-neoplastic oral mucosa samples had a positive immunohistochemical staining, while one case each of eosinophilic granuloma and chronic gingivostomatitis harbored TP53 mutations. Unlike previously hypothesized, p53 dysregulations were not associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. These results suggest an important role of p53 in feline oral tumorigenesis. Additionally, the immunohistochemical detection of p53 expression appears to reflect the presence of TP53 mutations in the majority of cases. It remains to be determined if the screening for p53 dysregulations, alone or in association with other markers, can eventually contribute to the early detection of this devastating disease.

Unilateral rostral mandibulectomy for gingival vascular hamartoma in two calves.

A 2-month-old female Holstein calf and a 5-month-old female Japanese black calf presented with gingival vascular hamartoma located in the interdental space between the second and third mandibular incisors in the right and left mandibles, respectively. On radiographic or computed tomographic images, osteolytic changes appeared within the mandibular bones adjacent to the masses. The masses were removed along with affected mandibular bone by using unilateral rostral mandibulectomy. After surgery, both cases exhibited a normal appetite and grew normally, with no cosmetic changes or recurrences. Unilateral rostral mandibulectomy can be applied for invasive gingival vascular hamartomas associated with osteolytic changes.

Nasal tissue-derived hamartoma in the maxillary gingiva of a calf.

BACKGROUND: All of oral hamartomas has been previously found in mandibular gingiva in younger calves, and were histologically diagnosed as a vascular hamartoma. This is the first case report describing a calf with a mass in the maxillary gingiva that was histologically diagnosed as a nasal tissue-derived hamartoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-day-old male Holstein calf presented with a horn-like mass in the left rostral maxillary gingiva. Surgical removal revealed that the mass had a dual structure composed of cartilaginous and soft tissues and extended deeply toward the nasal cavity. Excised tissues mainly consisted of two types of mature cells without mitotic figures and atypia: 1) the cartilage-like structures consisted of an island and a meandering massive focus of mature cartilaginous tissues, and 2) tubular structures consisting of stratified ciliated mucosal columnar cells with gland-like structures and aggregated goblet cells. The mass was diagnosed as a nasal tissue-derived hamartoma because these two types of structures were histologically identical to nasal structures. The present case had no recurrence at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first description of the calf with nasal tissue-derived hamartoma in the maxillary gingiva.

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

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.

Clinicopathologic characterization of oral pyogenic granuloma in 8 cats.

This case series characterizes the clinicopathologic features and treatment of oral pyogenic granuloma in 8 cats. The cats reported here were patients originating from collaborative efforts at an academic clinical teaching hospital and a specialty dentistry/oral surgery referral practice. Although the initial biopsy results were variable, in all cases the diagnosis reflected an inflammatory process. A second clinicopathologic evaluation of these cases determined that all lesions were consistent with oral pyogenic granuloma. The location of the lesion was consistent among all cats within the present study Lesions developed at the vestibular mucogingival tissues of the mandibular first molar teeth. We propose that malocclusion and secondary traumatic contact of the ipsilateral maxillary fourth premolar tooth with the mandibular soft tissues is a possible contributing factor in the etiopathogenic mechanism.

Focal palatine erosion in captive and free-living cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and other felid species.

We examined 1,092 skulls of captive and free-living individuals, representing 33 felid species, to determine the prevalence of focal palatine erosion (FPE). FPE was detected in 3.2% of cats evaluated, including cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and 14 other felid species. The prevalence of FPE between cheetah (9.4%; n = 64) and non-cheetah species (2.8%; n = 1,028) (χ(2) test; P = 0.004) and between captive (5.7%; n = 246) and free-living (2.4%; n = 824) individuals (χ(2) test; P = 0.010) were significantly different, with prevalence between captive (19%; n = 21) and free-living (2.9%; n = 34) cheetahs approaching significance (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.064). FPE was diagnosed with equal prevalence in skulls from individuals in which the lower molars did not meet the palatine bone (60.6%) and individuals in which it did (39.4%; n = 33) (χ(2) test; P = 0.139). In cheetahs with FPE, one was a captive animal in Germany, one a free-living cheetah from Mali, one captive cheetah from Kenya, and three captive cheetahs of unknown origin. Additionally, we evaluated the medical records of 49 captive cheetahs in Namibia. Of these cheetahs, 48 (98.0%) had clinical signs consistent with FPE, although only 16 of these 48 (39.6%) had perforation of the palatine bone. Based on physical examinations, FPE was diagnosed in two caracals (Caracal caracal) and one fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) from a North American Zoo. Results from this study confirm FPE in cheetahs outside of Namibia, in a minimum of 15 felid species, and a higher FPE prevalence in captive individuals than free-living ones. Clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for future studies are provided.

Pilot evaluation of a novel test strip for the assessment of dissolved thiol levels, as an indicator of canine gingival health and periodontal status.

This study evaluated a novel test strip designed to assess thiol levels as they relate to gingival/periodontal health in dogs. The simple to use strip (similar in form to a pH test strip) provides a colorimetric signal which estimates the level of thiols dissolved in oral fluid. Among several oral sites tested (left and right lingual vestibules, lower buccal vestibule, and upper buccal gingival margin), fluid from the maxillary gingival margin gave results with the best dynamic range, and its thiol levels correlated well with several oral health parameters (Pearson coefficients between 0.55 and 0.84; P < 0.001), especially those relating directly to the gingiva. The strip, which can be used on animals which are awake, may be useful as a quick, objective assessment of periodontal health, potentially enhancing compliance for thorough examinations, and promoting earlier and better-sustained treatment programs.

Évaluation pilote d'un nouveau bâtonnet diagnostique pour l'évaluation des taux de thiol dissous comme indicateur de la santé gingivale canine et de la situation parodontale. Cette étude a évalué un nouveau bâtonnet diagnostique conçu pour évaluer les taux de thiol tels qu'ils se rapportent à la santé gingivale et parodontale des chiens. Le bâtonnet facile à utiliser (de forme semblable à un bâtonnet diagnostique de pH) fournit un signal colorimétrique qui estime le taux de thiols dissous dans le liquide buccal. Parmi plusieurs sites buccaux testés (vestibules linguaux gauche et droit, vestibule buccal inférieur et bord marginal de la gencive buccale supérieure), le liquide du bord marginal de la gencive maxillaire a donné les résultats avec le meilleur écart dynamique et ses taux de thiol correspondaient bien à plusieurs paramètres de la santé buccale (coefficients de Pearson entre 0,55 et 0,84; P < 0,001), particulièrement ceux se rapportant directement à la gencive. Le bâtonnet, qui peut être utilisé sur les animaux lorsqu'ils sont éveillés, pourra être utile comme évaluation objective rapide de la santé parodontale, ce qui rehaussera potentiellement l'observance pour des examens complets et fera la promotion de programmes de traitement mieux soutenus qui sont administrés plus tôt.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

A survey of equine oral pathology.

Dental abnormalities in horses can lead to weight-loss, poor performance, pain, behavioral abnormalities, and illness. Despite this impact, the occurrence and type of dental disease in horse populations is infrequently reported in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey of horses presented for slaughter at a processing plant in Western Canada was to measure the prevalence of equine oral abnormalities, examine associations between the most common abnormalities, and consider the relationship between the age of horse and types of abnormalities observed. The horses used in this research consisted of a variety of ages, breeds, body conditions, and origins. Horses ranged in age from 18-months to 30-years (median = 11-years). The most common oral pathologies included sharp edges, buccal abrasions, calculus, lingual ulcers, gingival recession, periodontal pockets, ramps, and waves. Several types of pathology were strongly associated with other dental disorders. The prevalence of periodontal pockets, gingival recession, and waves was highest in older horses.

[A case of gingival myiasis in a lamb caused by the Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)]. / Bir Kuzuda Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)'dan Kaynaklanan Gingival Miyaz Olgusu.

Gingival myiasis was found in a 4-5-months lamb which was brought to the surgical clinic of the Veterinary Faculty of Kirikkale University due to a wound in its mouth. Eleven larvae were collected from lamb's gums. The larvae were identified as the third stage larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica.

A clinicopathological study of 52 feline epulides.

A retrospective study was performed to characterize 52 new cases of feline epulides between 1995 and 2001, with clinical and pathological results classified according to Head's histopathologic criteria for canine epulides. The incidence of the fibromatous, acanthomatous, ossifying, and giant cell epulis were respectively 57.7% (30/52), 7.7% (4/52), 5.8% (3/52), and 28.8% (15/52). Giant cell epulides presented significant differences in clinical behavior compared with the fibromatous type, including rapid growth (P < .0001), presence of ulcerative changes (P < .01), and rapid recurrence after surgery (P < .01) from which euthanasia was judged necessary in 4 cases. Fifteen giant cell epulides were additionally examined in order to characterize the lesion both histochemically and immunohistochemically and to investigate the origin of the multinucleated giant cells (MGCs). Van Gieson staining showed osteoid and woven bone formation in 11 cases. Both the MGCs and a fraction of the mononuclear cells were positive for vimentin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), a commonly accepted marker for osteoclasts, and the polyclonal antibody receptor activator of nuclear factor kappabeta (RANK), a cytokine leading to the differentiation of osteoclast progenitors into mature osteoclasts in presence of its ligand. MGCs were negative for smooth muscle actin, MIB-1, and factor VIII. The giant cell epulis may be a variant of the fibromatous and ossifying epulis in which extensive ulceration and inflammation results in increased osteoclastic activity. The osteoclast-like giant cells are most likely formed from a monocyte/macrophage-like osteoclast precursor that differentiates into osteoclasts under the influence of mononuclear osteoblast-like stromal cells.

Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measured in seventy dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts specifically on endothelial cells mediating tumour neovascularisation and initiating tumour growth and metastasis. In humans, high VEGF levels are correlated with poorer prognosis but in dogs minimal information on plasma VEGF is available. Therefore, we analysed plasma VEGF in a variety of spontaneous canine tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma from seventy dogs with various spontaneous tumours was taken prior to radiation therapy. A human VEGF ELISA was used for analysis. RESULTS: Mean plasma VEGF was 7.2+/-7.8 pg/ml. Mean plasma VEGF level varied among different tumour types with the highest level in oral melanomas (12.4 pg/ml). In patients with sarcomas of soft tissue or bone origin, plasma VEGF levels increased significantly with decreasing haemoglobin concentration (p =0.013). CONCLUSION: Canine plasma VEGF levels depend on tumour histology, with higher levels found in more aggressive tumours. The negative correlation between plasma VEGF and haemoglobin (hb) is most probably due to tissue hypoxia seen in anaemic animals.

Cessation of feline calicivirus shedding coincident with resolution of chronic gingivostomatitis in a cat.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) shedding and oral bacterial flora were monitored over a period of 22 months in a case of feline gingivostomatitis (FGS). The cat was treated daily with 50 mg thalidomide capsules by mouth, and 200 mg lactoferrin powder was applied directly to the lesions. Clinical signs began to resolve after 11 months when, in addition to treatment, the diet had been changed to an additive-free cat food supplemented with antioxidant vitamins A, D3 and E. Resolution of clinical signs of FGS coincided with the cessation of FCV shedding, and this is the first report documenting such an association. Which part of the treatment, if any, contributed to the cure requires further investigation.