Diagnosing and Treating Oral Cysts in Dogs and Cats

We explain how veterinarians diagnose and treat oral cysts in cats and dogs, and how to recognize the symptoms in your pet.

Diagnosing and Treating Oral Cysts in Dogs and Cats

When was your pet’s last dental checkup? Oral health is a critical aspect of overall wellness for our furry companions. Among the various dental issues that pets may face, oral cysts are a relatively common—yet often overlooked—dental problem. 

As a veterinary dentist, I feel that it is essential to educate pet owners about recognizing, diagnosing, and treating these cysts to ensure the wellbeing of their beloved dogs and cats. Let’s take a look at how veterinarians typically diagnose and treat this problem, and how to recognize the symptoms of oral cysts in pets.

What Are Oral Cysts?

Oral cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form in the mouth—typically in the gums, jawbone, or surrounding soft tissues (like the inner cheek). They can vary in size, and are most often benign, but in rare cases they may be malignant. And although they are more common in dogs, cats can also develop oral cysts.

Common Types of Oral Cysts

  1. Dentigerous Cysts: These are the most common type of oral cysts, often associated with unerupted or impacted teeth. They form around the crown of an unerupted tooth and can cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and teeth if left untreated.
  2. Radicular Cysts: These cysts develop at the root tip of a dead tooth, usually resulting from chronic inflammation or infection.
  3. Mucoceles: Mucoceles are cysts that form when a salivary gland duct is blocked or damaged, leading to a collection of saliva in the surrounding tissues.
  4. Odontogenic Cysts: These cysts arise from the tissues involved in tooth development. They can be further categorized into various subtypes, such as lateral periodontal cysts and gingival cysts.

Diagnosing Oral Cysts in Pets

Regular dental checkups are essential for identifying any abnormal growths or changes in your pet’s mouth. Early detection of oral cysts will make treatment more effective and help to prevent complications. 

Here are some common methods for diagnosing oral cysts in pets:

  1. Visual Examination: During a routine dental exam, a veterinarian will visually inspect your pet’s mouth for any signs of swelling, discoloration, or abnormal growths.
  2. Dental Radiographs (X-rays): Dental radiographs are invaluable in detecting cysts that may not be visible during a visual examination. They also help us assess the size, location, and impact of a cyst on the surrounding structures.
  3. Biopsy: If a cyst is suspected to be malignant or its nature is uncertain, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.

Symptoms of Oral Cysts

Pet owners should be vigilant for any symptoms that may indicate the presence of an oral cyst. Symptoms include:

  • Facial swelling or lumps in the mouth or jaw
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Drooling
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bleeding or discharge from the mouth
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss
  • Pain or discomfort when the mouth is touched

Treating Oral Cysts in Cats and Dogs

The treatment approach for oral cysts depends on the type, size, and location of the cyst, as well as the overall health of the pet. 

Common treatment options include:

  1. Surgical Removal: Most oral cysts require surgical removal to prevent further damage and alleviate symptoms. The procedure involves excising the cyst and, if necessary, extracting any impacted or infected teeth.
  2. Marsupialization: For certain types of cysts, such as mucoceles, a procedure called marsupialization may be performed. This involves creating an opening in the cyst and suturing the edges to allow continuous drainage and healing.
  3. Antibiotics and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: If an infection is present, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to control the infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Regular Monitoring: In some cases, especially for smaller cysts, regular monitoring and followup visits may be recommended to ensure that the cyst does not grow larger or cause complications.

Preventing Oral Cysts

While not all oral cysts can be prevented, maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce your pet’s risk. Making sure they get regular dental checkups will also help, because early detection will prevent complications. 

To maintain good oral hygiene, pet owners should:

  • Brush their pet’s teeth regularly
  • Provide dental chews and toys designed to promote oral health
  • Schedule annual dental exams with a veterinarian
  • Monitor their pet’s mouth for any changes or abnormalities

Conclusion

Oral cysts, though often benign, can lead to significant discomfort as well as further health issues if left untreated. Early detection and prompt treatment are vital in ensuring the wellbeing of dogs and cats. If you ever notice an odd bump in your pet’s mouth or face, you should get it checked out right away.

Regular dental checkups are also key in preventing and managing oral cysts in cats and dogs. For more information, or to schedule a dental checkup for your pet, please contact Animal Dental Specialists in Birmingham. Together, we can help your furry friends enjoy a healthy and happy life.

 

Photo by Zoey Li on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons License for Commercial Use 7/18/24.