Menrath ulcers in cats: four cases (2014-2023).

Objectives: To report the clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes of four cats diagnosed with Menrath ulcers causing significant oral haemorrhage.

Materials and methods: For all cats, data on signalment, history, physical examination, treatment and outcomes were collected by reviewing medical records. Information regarding outcomes was collected from communication logs between primary care veterinarians and owners, and the original case clinicians after discharge of the patient from the hospital.

Results: Four cats were included. All patients survived to discharge. Follow-up outcomes were available between 1 and 8.5 months post discharge. Post-operative complications were classified according to The Accordion Severity Classification of Post-operative Complications. Two of the four patients had recurrence of oral haemorrhage post-ligation originating from the major palatine artery. One classified as a severe complication, due to requiring revision surgery of the ipsilateral major palatine artery. The other classified as mild, since the patient was managed conservatively. Additionally, one patient was documented to have developed an acquired palatal defect post-operatively.

Clinical significance: This is the largest case series of Menrath ulcers to date and the first to describe post-operative complications including acquired palatal defect and recurrence of oral haemorrhage from the original ulcer despite ligation of the ipsilateral major palatine artery.