Prosthodontic appliance for repair of an oronasal fistula in a cat.

A 4.5-month-old Himalayan cat was evaluated because of a cleft secondary palate. Multiple surgical procedures failed to provide soft-tissue coverage of the defect. A 3-cm silastic nasal septal button was trimmed and placed in the oronasal fistula. This prosthodontic appliance provided obturation of the defect without the need for removal or cleaning. Food accumulation between the appliance and oral mucosa was minimal, avoiding the need for appliance manipulation. The owner reported clinical signs related to oronasal fistula or appliance complications were not evident 12 months after placement.