Prevalence of ear disease in cats undergoing cone beam computed tomography for dental procedures

Ear disease in cats is often underdiagnosed, yet it can significantly impact their health and well-being. This prospective, cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of incidental ear disease in feline patients undergoing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for dental procedures. The findings provide new insights into the frequency of ear abnormalities detected during advanced dental imaging.

Methods

The study included 303 cats over one year of age that presented to a private veterinary dentistry and oral surgery specialty clinic. Each cat underwent CBCT imaging, which captured both the oral cavity and ear canals. Researchers recorded the presence of:

• Periodontal disease

• Tooth resorption

• Ear disease

Key Findings

• Ear disease was identified as an incidental finding in 41.4% of cats, a significantly higher prevalence than previous reports (2-19% in general feline populations).

• No significant association was found between periodontal disease or tooth resorption and ear disease.

• Cats weighing ≤10 pounds (4.5 kg) were at a higher risk of ear disease.

Discussion

This study highlights the value of CBCT imaging in detecting both dental and ear diseases in cats. The high prevalence of incidental ear disease suggests that veterinarians should consider evaluating the ear canals when performing advanced dental imaging, especially in smaller cats.

The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive diagnostic imaging in feline dentistry, as CBCT can reveal unexpected ear pathology that might otherwise go undetected. Further research could explore the clinical implications of these incidental findings and their impact on feline health management.

Read the full study here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1553585/full