Occlusion and malocclusion in the cat What’s normal, what’s not and when’s the best time to intervene?

Practical relevance:Malocclusion affecting cats, and treatment thereof, has not been widely described in the veterinary literature, yet is a condition seen in a growing number of breeds, often causing pain and discomfort to the patient. Recognising the problem, and certainly whether it is a hereditary problem (eg, a skeletal malocclusion), is important for the longer term health of pedigree breeds.Clinical challenges:If there is a malocclusion, the mouth may be painful and a thorough occlusal assessment of the conscious patient may be difficult. Occlusal assessment should always be accompanied by a thorough oral examination and, where necessary, further investigation under general anaesthesia, including dental radiography. Recognising what is normal, and what is not, can be challenging; so, too, can be determining the correct time to intervene.Audience:This article is intended to help fill the gap in dental education regarding the range of developmental and acquired malocclusions seen in cats. Treatment o...