Oral diseases in cats in northern Algeria signs and risks

Abstract

Oral diseases are frequent issues in cats. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, clinical signs, and risk factors associated with these conditions. Out of the 470 cats presented to a private veterinary clinic in the Blida region of northern Algeria, 76 (16.17%) were diagnosed with oral pathologies and included in the study. For each animal, potential risk data were obtained from medical record and cat owner interviews. The most frequent oral condition was gingivitis (60.52%), followed by feline chronic gingivostomatitis (44.73%), periodontitis (31.57%), eosinophilic granuloma complex (6.57%), jaw fracture (3.94%), mouth obstruction by chicken bone with, hypodentia (2.63%), prognatism and tooth caries with 1.31% for each clinical finding. The most common clinical signs of oral conditions were halitosis (85.52%), followed by pain (73.68%), anorexia (72.36%), tartar buildup (68.42%), dehydration (53.49%), ulceration (47.36%), palatoglossitis (40.78%), fever (34.21%), bleeding and dental mobility with 32.89% observed in each group. The breed, vaccination status, diet, home dental care, living environment and owner’s awareness of oral diseases were found to be significantly associated with periodontal disease and feline chronic gingivostomatitis. Indeed, European breeds, unvaccinated cats, those fed a mixed diet, cats that did not receive home dental care, cats with outdoor access, and those whose owners lacked knowledge about oral diseases were the most susceptible to these two conditions. The present study revealed a non-negligible prevalence of oral conditions, particularly periodontal disease and stomatitis. Appropriate recommendations need to be introduced to control these diseases.