Goo Oral Tumour

Patient Information

Name: Goo
Age: 1 year old
Breed: British Shorthair
Gender: Male, Neutered

“Goo experienced a smooth recovery with a good return to normal function post-surgery.”

Presenting Problem

Goo presented with swelling of the right mandible and an unerupted tooth, indicating a potential underlying issue that required further investigation.

Diagnostics and Treatment

Initial diagnostics included dental X-rays and a biopsy, revealing a Feline inductive odontogenic tumour of the right mandible. A CT scan provided a detailed view of the tumour’s extent. The treatment plan involved a right rostral mandibulectomy to remove the tumour and a height reduction of the left mandibular canine tooth to prevent trauma due to mandibular drift.

Outcome

Goo experienced a smooth recovery with a good return to normal function post-surgery. At the six-month follow-up, there was no evidence of tumour recurrence, and the height-reduced mandibular canine was in good condition. Remarkably, Goo exhibited unexpected bone regeneration in the area where part of the mandible was removed.

Client Comments

“Goo returned to his usual self right after leaving the Advanced Animal Dentistry team.”

“Initially, we were anxious about him living without a segment of his jaw, but he quickly resumed his daily activities.”

“A year post-surgery, Goo is now a healthy 5.3 kg.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the team, especially Dr. Bec, who supported us throughout the process and gave us hope.”

“Initially, we were anxious about him living without a segment of his jaw, but he quickly resumed his daily activities.”

Veterinary Comments

“Goo had a rare tumour type, typically benign but potentially expansive.”

“It is usually found in the maxilla, making Goo’s case unusual.”

“His resilience was impressive, as he quickly returned to normal function and even cheekily removed his feeding tube two days post-surgery.”

“Surprisingly, Goo has regenerated jaw bone in the resected area. He has truly made a remarkable recovery.”

FAQs

What is a feline inductive odontogenic tumour and how is it different from other oral lumps?

A feline inductive odontogenic tumour is a rare, usually benign growth originating from tooth-forming tissues that can expand the jaw and cause swelling in young cats.

Why did Goo’s tumour cause his jaw to swell and did it come from an unerupted tooth?

Goo presented with swelling of the right mandible and an unerupted tooth, which indicated there was a deeper issue requiring further imaging and biopsy to diagnose the tumour.

How do veterinarians find out what type of oral tumour a cat might have?

Initial diagnostics for Goo included dental X-rays and a biopsy to identify the tumour type, and a CT scan was used to see how far it extended.

Does a tumour like this always need surgery, and what did Goo’s surgery involve?

Yes — Goo underwent a right rostral mandibulectomy (removal of part of his lower jaw) to remove the tumour, and the opposing canine was reduced to prevent dental damage.

What are the chances my cat will recover well after treatment for this type of tumour?

Goo had a smooth recovery with no tumour recurrence at six months, and even showed unexpected bone regeneration in the area where the jaw was removed.

Key Takeaways

Rare Oral Tumours Can Present as Jaw Swelling

Goo presented with swelling of the mandible and an unerupted tooth, which led to the discovery of an uncommon but typically benign oral tumour requiring further investigation.

Advanced Imaging and Diagnosis Guide Effective Treatment

Detailed dental X-rays, CT scans and biopsy were pivotal in planning Goo’s surgical approach, ensuring the tumour’s extent was fully understood.

Surgical Jaw Resection Can Restore Quality of Life

A targeted mandibulectomy removed the tumour and allowed Goo to quickly return to normal function, demonstrating how sophisticated oral surgery can be life-improving.

Strong Recovery and Follow-Up Matter

Follow-up showed no tumour recurrence and even unexpected bone regrowth, highlighting the benefits of diligent post-surgical care and monitoring.

Next steps

For Pet Owners

Are you concerned about your pet’s dental health? Call 1300 866 848 or fill out the contact form. We’ll coordinate with your primary vet to ensure the best outcome.

For Vets & Nurses

We’re here to help. If you’d like to refer a patient, please call us at 1300 866 848 , complete the referral form or email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

For advice and treatment guidance, email us with a brief case summary, relevant radiographs and lab results.

 


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A vital pulpotomy is a time-sensitive procedure used to preserve the life of a tooth when the pulp becomes exposed due to trauma or dental treatment.

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Reducing the height of misaligned canine teeth and protecting the exposed pulp with a filling helps prevent chronic pain, preserve jaw structure and avoid extraction.

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These surgeries involve partial or complete removal of the jaw to treat malignant oral tumours. Treatment options vary and may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.

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This procedure, often used for tooth resorption, involves removing the tooth crown while leaving the resorbing root remnant intact. It’s less invasive and used in cases where traditional extraction is no longer possible. Regular follow-up is recommended.