Sialolith in a minor salivary gland of an 8-year-old European domestic shorthair cat: a case report

Abstract

Sialolithiasis is a rare condition in cats. An 8-year-old neutered female European domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for halitosis, reduced appetite and weight loss. General physical examination was unremarkable, except for a low body condition score. A complete oral examination revealed generalized periodontal disease and tooth resorption. Full-mouth radiographs confirmed the presence of multiple teeth affected by tooth resorption. Additionally, dental radiographs also identified a radiopaque calcified structure adjacent to the caudal part of the body of the left mandibular bone. Differential diagnoses included a floating radicular rest, a sialolith, ectopic dental tissue or a mineralised foreign body. On detailed examination of this region, the hard structure was palpated in the lower lip, vestibular to the mandibular molar area. The structure was surgically excised and submitted for histopathological analysis, which confirmed a sialolith involving the minor salivary glands. Follow-up oral examination showed complete healing, resolution of clinical signs, and no evidence of recurrence. This case highlights the importance of dental radiography and histopathological confirmation in the diagnosis of oral calcified deposits in cats. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the peer reviewed literature describing sialolithiasis originating from a minor salivary gland in a cat