Ep 148 - Is every case of feline oral inflammation stomatitis?

Let’s clear up the confusion and prevent unnecessary biopsies!

Quick Summary of the Episode: In this episode, Brett Beckman, a board-certified veterinary dentist, dives deep into differentiating oral inflammation and stomatitis in cats, with a focus on histopathology and common misconceptions. Dr. Beckman also answers questions on oral masses, providing guidance on when to refer cases to a board-certified veterinary dentist.

Guest, Cast, and Crew Information:

• Host: Brett Beckman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DAAPM (Board Certified Veterinary Dentist)
• Special Mention: Dr. Cindy Bell (Pathologist for Oral Histopathology)

Main Talking Points:

1. The role of histopathology in diagnosing oral conditions in cats.
2. The difference between feline stomatitis and gingivitis.
3. When to biopsy a case of feline oral inflammation.
4. The importance of referring to a board-certified veterinary dentist for oral masses.

Interesting Quotes From the Episode:

• "Not all oral inflammation is feline gingivostomatitis. The key is caudal oral mucosal inflammation."
• "The only reason I would biopsy is if there's a unilateral mass—99% of the time, it's likely squamous cell carcinoma."
• "Always refer to a board-certified dentist; they've undergone practical exams for perfect execution."

Timestamps for Major Segments:

• 00:00-01:00 – Introduction and sponsor mention (Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program).
• 01:00-03:00 – Dr. Cindy Bell's expertise in oral histopathology.
• 03:00-08:00 – Differentiating feline stomatitis and the need for biopsies.
• 08:00-11:00 – Discussing oral masses and the importance of a veterinary dentist.
• 11:00-13:00 – Practical advice on when to refer for oral masses.

(Veterinary dentistry, Oral inflammation in cats, Feline stomatitis vs gingivitis, Veterinary oral pathology, Board-certified veterinary dentist, Oral histopathology, Squamous cell carcinoma in cats)

Key Takeaways:

• Feline gingivostomatitis involves caudal oral mucosal inflammation, whereas other oral inflammations could simply be severe gingivitis.
• Only biopsy when necessary, especially if there is a unilateral mass indicating something more serious like squamous cell carcinoma.
• Always refer oral mass cases to a board-certified veterinary dentist for the best outcomes.

Affiliate & Sponsor Links:

• Veterinary Dental Practitioner Program: IVDI.org/INV