Rare Feline Jaw Tumor Uncovered: First-Ever Case Series Reveals Key Diagnostic Clues

Odontomas in Cats: A Case Series

Katy Burton, DVM, DAVDC
Cynthia Bell, DVM, DACVP

Background

Odontomas are rare, benign odontogenic tumors arising from developmental dental tissues and have been reported in multiple species. Despite references to odontomas in cats, no prior publications have described them in this species. Odontomas are categorized as compound or complex based on tissue organization, with compound odontomas showing distinct tooth-like structures (denticles). Their etiology remains uncertain, but developmental anomalies in odontogenesis are implicated. The authors aimed to characterize clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging features, histopathology, treatment, and outcomes of odontomas in cats.

Methods

This retrospective case series examined nine odontomas in eight cats presented between 2013 and 2023. Inclusion criteria required an intraosseous maxillary or mandibular lesion, diagnostic imaging (intraoral radiography and/or CT/CBCT), and histopathologic confirmation. Medical records and pathology submission forms provided history and clinical signs. Imaging was interpreted by a board-certified veterinary dentist. Histologic evaluation followed standard fixation, decalcification, paraffin embedding, and H&E staining. Treatment approach, follow-up, and outcomes were collected from records or client updates.

Results

Eight cats (nine lesions) met the criteria. Ages ranged from 8 months to 12 years (median 14.5 months), with no sex or breed predilection. Most cats (7/8) were clinically asymptomatic aside from a firm, nonpainful alveolar swelling; one cat showed inappetence and oral pain. Common findings included missing teeth (4/7), tooth displacement (2/7), and occasional partial eruption or impaction. Imaging typically revealed expansile intraosseous lesions with mixed radiodensity, containing discrete radiopaque denticles and radiolucent rims. Three lesions contained unerupted teeth; two showed unilocular radiolucencies consistent with cyst formation. All lesions were compound odontomas histologically, with well-differentiated dental tissues and denticles. Treatment consisted of either enucleation/curettage (4/8) or en bloc resection (4/8). Of the six cats with follow-up (1–20 months), none showed recurrence.

Limitations

As a retrospective study spanning a decade, available data varied across cases, with incomplete medical records and inconsistent follow-up. Only lesions with histopathologic confirmation were included, potentially underestimating incidence since some veterinarians may forgo biopsy when imaging is strongly suggestive. No anesthetized recheck imaging was performed, limiting detection of subclinical recurrence. Sample size was small due to the rarity of the condition, reducing statistical power and generalizability.

Conclusions

This first published case series of feline odontomas demonstrates that these rare odontogenic tumors can present across a wide age range and most commonly appear as firm, nonpainful alveolar swellings. Diagnostic imaging—particularly intraoral radiographs and CBCT—strongly supports identification of compound odontomas through visualization of denticles, but histopathology remains essential for confirmation. Both enucleation and en bloc resection were curative across available follow-up, and no recurrences were detected. Odontoma should be included as a differential diagnosis for focal intraosseous oral swellings in cats.

/

Disclaimer: The summary generated in this email was created by an AI large language model. Therefore errors may occur. Reading the article is the best way to understand the scholarly work. The figure presented here remains the property of the publisher or author and subject to the applicable copyright agreement. It is reproduced here as an educational work. If you have any questions or concerns about the work presented here, reply to this email.