STUDIES ON THE POSTNATAL MORPHOGENY OF THE LAWER JAW OF DOMESTIC CATS (FELIS-SILVESTRIS F DOM)

Mandibles of domestic cats of different age were examined by a new high resolving X-ray technique. It was possible to demonstrate different stages of osteogenesis and bone maturation in relation to the animal's stage of development. Cats growing up under natural feeding conditions show a rebuilding of osteostructure as influenced by changing masticatory forces. Cats exclusively fed with commercial moist food exhibit a more spongy osteoarchitecture, possibly resulting from only small chewing resistance of the diet.