Clinical and morphological indicators of halitosis in cats

The relevance of this study is due to the increasing number of complaints from cat owners presenting to veterinary clinics regarding the occurrence of unpleasant odours from the oral cavity (halitosis) in their pets. Accordingly, the article focuses on identifying diseases and their clinical manifestations most commonly associated with the development of halitosis in cats. To assess the presence and progression of halitosis, case histories were collected, and clinical examinations of the oral cavity were performed. The most frequent oral pathologies accompanied by unpleasant odours were identified. It was found that in 27% of the examined animals, halitosis developed against the background of chronic gingivostomatitis. In 14% of cases, it was associated with stomatitis and dental calculus, while in 13% it resulted from tooth resorption. Viral diseases of the oral cavity were diagnosed in 11% of the animals. Gingivitis (8%), periodontitis (7%), and oral neoplasms (7%) were among the least frequently diagnosed conditions in cats with halitosis. Morphological and biochemical blood studies in animals with chronic gingivostomatitis accompanied by halitosis revealed specific changes in haematological parameters, corresponding to underlying pathological processes. According to the results of clinical analysis of native blood from cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and clinical signs of halitosis, the white blood cell count increased by 88.6% (P < 0.001), eosinophils by 1.7 times (P < 0.05), while the number of platelets and red blood cells decreased by 1.5 times (P < 0.001) and 1.2 times (P < 0.05), respectively, in comparison with clinically healthy animals. These patterns indicate pronounced destructive changes in the cells of the oral mucosa and associated tissues and organs. This material is of practical relevance for veterinary practitioners and is important for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases presenting with halitosis, as well as in selecting an optimal treatment strategy and monitoring its effectiveness