Congenital Oral Deformities in Cats
Key takeaways
Congenital oral deformations in cats are a series of defects of the mouth.
- Conditions that fall under this classification include cleft palate, cleft lip, malocclusions (abnormal alignment of teeth), over/under bites, delayed loss of baby teeth, and abnormal tooth enamel development
- Deformities can be caused by various factors including genetics, trauma, certain medications, or illness during pregnancy, although causes cannot be determined in some cases
- Diagnosis is usually via oral examination
- If not affecting quality of life, many oral deformities do not require treatment
- In more severe cases, surgical intervention is required
- Severe cases of cleft lip or cleft palate often have a poor prognosis, even with surgical repair
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A closer look: Congenital Oral Deformities in Cats
While congenital oral deformities are commonly seen in cats, it is important to be aware of their presence and any complications that can arise as a result.
Mild defects include malocclusions, abnormal tooth enamel development, retained deciduous (baby) teeth, and over/under bites. These types of deformities often appear to be cosmetic in nature, but they can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty eating and sores from teeth impacting gums. These malformations may need surgical intervention to improve quality of life, depending on severity.
A cleft lip or palate is much more concerning, as they often affect a kitten’s ability to properly feed. This can lead to failure to thrive, weight loss, and death if left untreated. A kitten born with a severe cleft lip or palate should be immediately assessed by a veterinarian. These deformities are less common, but they often require intensive care such as tube feeding and surgical repair. Left untreated, they can be fatal.
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Risk factors
Severe cases may result in failure to thrive, which can be fatal. In the case of cleft palate or lip, pneumonia is common due to the risk of aspiration from the deformity.
Depending on the type of deformation, some breeds are more predisposed. Genetic factors and environmental factors during pregnancy also contribute to the likelihood of oral malformation occurring. Cats that live outdoor lifestyles are also at higher risk of injury which can cause face, mouth, and jaw deformities, especially if injuries are sustained during early life while the bones are still developing.
Possible causes
Congenital oral deformations are caused by various factors. Cats can suffer from malocclusion, a condition where the top and bottom teeth do not match up correctly, affecting the efficacy of the bite. This often occurs when the teeth begin erupting, but can also be caused over time due to bite issues or other jaw abnormalities.
Overbites and underbites are caused by uneven jaw growth - either a shorter upper jaw (underbite), or shorter lower jaw (overbite). These conditions are usually hereditary, and in the case of underbites, it is considered typical in some brachycephalic breeds such as Persians.
In the case of cleft lip and cleft palate deformities, these are often passed down from the parents (inherited/genetic), but can also be caused by injury, nutritional imbalances, medications, and viral infections during pregnancy.
Main symptoms
In addition, some cases may show teeth visible from outside of the mouth and abnormalities in the mouth/face structure.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of congenital oral deformations in cats is completed with a physical and oral examination. Sedation or anesthesia may be required for full examination. X-Rays and bloodwork are warranted if pneumonia is suspected.
Steps to Recovery
Minor deformities that do not affect the cat’s ability to breathe or eat do not require treatment. More severe deformities almost always require surgical intervention to remove the affected teeth, or to close the cleft.
Prognosis of oral deformities is dependent on the type and severity of the deformation.
Abnormalities of the teeth such as retained deciduous teeth and over/under bites causing teeth to impact gum are corrected via removal of the affected teeth. Cats with crooked teeth and abnormal enamel development should be monitored throughout their life as this may predispose them to other dental disorders.
In the case of cleft palate or lip, veterinarians are usually unable to perform surgery until cats are older and able to undergo anesthesia. These cats require intensive care and tube feeding while waiting for surgery.
Prognosis is guarded in severe deformities, as success rates with surgery on larger defects are poor.
Prevention
Prevention of congenital oral deformations in cats starts with ensuring cats born with such deformities are spayed or neutered to avoid offspring with similar deformations.
Veterinary consultation is warranted for pregnant cats to discuss medications and other factors to avoid. Prompt veterinary care of an unwell pregnant cat is paramount.
Congenital oral deformities are not contagious.
Are Congenital Oral Deformities in Cats common?
Severe deformities are considered uncommon, however deformities such as malocclusions and retained deciduous teeth are seen much more frequently.
Typical Treatment
- Removal of affected teeth
- Surgical repair of cleft palate or lip
- Monitoring
