Disorder - Anodontia

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Ectodermal dysplasia

Alternative Names
Edentous

Presenting Signs

Anodontia is the absence of all teeth, including the crown and the roots. This disorder results from a failure of the beginning of tooth development. Cats with anodontia will have smooth, regular bones and gum margins at the sites. This problem is observed most commonly in permanent teeth than in deciduous (‘baby’) teeth. If deciduous teeth are affected, it is unlikely that permanent teeth will erupt from that site. Premolars are more commonly affected than other teeth, followed by incisors, the front cutting teeth. Anodontia can be diagnosed using dental radiographs, which will show a lack of ‘tooth buds’ in the gums. Affected cats tend to have a reduced appetite, not want to eat dry food and may lose weight, especially when they are in the transition period between deciduous and permanent teeth.

Cats at Risk

Known familial link

Treatment

None. Medical management – antimicrobials and pain relief when necessary

PubMed References
Anodontia

Contributor
Prabhpreet Kaur