Oral Lesions in cats
Oral lesions in cats may be associated with chemical burns (such as potpourri or incense), feline stomatitis, trauma, foreign bodies, neoplasia (cancer) or viral disease. Calicivirus has been associated with oral bleeding and ulceration.
An oronasal fistula is an oral lesion with a communication between the oral cavity and the respiratory track. The consequence of this lesion can be life threatening.
Diagnosis of the cause of oral lesions can be challenging!
Dental radiology, computed tomography and tissue biopsy can be helpful in ruling out major causes of oral lesions. Fungal, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing of deep lesions can also be very useful for diagnosis and treatment. Specific webpages have been devoted to tongue lesions and traumatic occlusal lesions for additional reading.
Clinical cases of oral lesions.

Central oral ulcer (above) was biopsied
and an inflammatory diagnosis was made.
The cause was not determined.

Full thickness biopsy site was
sutured closed using 4-0 Monocryl.

Oral lacerations were identified
and dental radiographs revealed
severe periapical pathology of the
adjacent upper molar and upper
fourth premolar teeth.

Biopsy of this defect resulted in the
diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma.

Biopsy site mucosal tissue edges were
apposed with 5-0 chromic catgut sutures.

Oronasal fistulas are communications
between the oral cavity and the
respiratory track. This one was
biopsied for neoplasia prior to surgical
closure.

Intraoperative view of the above
oronasal fistula.

The oronasal fistula was closed in
two layers.
Cat Dental Care
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