AUTHOR=Boothe Hannah F. , Volker Mary Krakowski , Tjepkema Jennifer , Hespel Adrien-Maxence 

TITLE=Prevalence of ear disease in cats undergoing cone beam computed tomography for dental procedures

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1553585

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2025.1553585

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=IntroductionIn this prospective, cross-sectional study, 303 feline patients were evaluated via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for evidence of incidental ear disease during a dental procedure.MethodsAll feline patients over one year of age presenting to a private practice veterinary dentistry and oral surgery specialty clinic underwent CBCT imaging which included the oral cavity and ear canals. The following were recorded if present: periodontal disease, tooth resorption and/or ear disease.ResultsEar disease was diagnosed as an incidental finding in 41.4% of cats that were imaged; this is higher than previously reported prevalence studies of the general feline population ranging from 2-19%. Periodontal disease and tooth resorption were not significantly associated with ear disease. However, cats less than or equal to 10 pounds were found to be at higher risk of ear disease.DiscussionThis study highlights the importance of advanced imaging in the diagnosis of not only dental disease but also ear disease in cats.