Introduction
Complicated crown fractures are a major cause of chronic pain associated with pulpal infection and periapical disease in cats. Root canal therapy is considered the gold standard for tooth preservation, but the success of the final restoration cannot be guaranteed in the medium to long term. In contrast to humans and dogs, the use of prosthetic crowns is not common in feline patients. The main aim of this study was to describe the use of gold dental crowns in endodontically treated fractured canines in cats. 

Materials and Methods
The case series studied included two cats attended at the Veterinary Hospital AniCura Ars Veterinaria, namely, a 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat (Cat 1) and a 6-year-old male neutered Sphynx cat (Cat 2). Both cases underwent a comprehensive oral examination, dental charting and intraoral radiography by a board-certified veterinary dentist. Cat 1 was found to have a complicated crown fracture in the right maxillary canine tooth (104) without secondary periapical lesions, mild periodontal disease and tooth resorption in other teeth. Cat 2 was found to have a complicated crown fracture in both maxillary canines (104 and 204) without secondary periapical lesions and mild periodontal disease. Both cats had no other medical conditions of concern and were seronegative for FIV and FeLV retroviruses. After the comprehensive oral health assessment and periodontal treatment (COHAT) , a standard root canal therapy of the fractured teeth were performed. The endodontically treated canines were prepared to receive a prosthetic crown. Full-mouth impressions, bite registrations and crown-prepared canine teeth impressions were sent to the laboratory for the gold crown fabrication. The crowns were received weeks later and cemented uneventfully.

Results
Follow-up examinations were performed at three and six months; and later on, after three and four years respectively. In both cats, the root canal treatments were considered successful based on the lack of radiographic signs of failure. The animals showed no signs of oral discomfort at home at any time over the years. The cemented crowns remained intact. In addition, no traumatic lesions were observed in the adjacent soft tissues and prehension and masticatory functions were preserved.

Discussion and Conclusion
Gold crowns are highly resistant to corrosion and wear, require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure and are gentle on neighbouring teeth. This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of gold dental crowns in feline patients. To the authors’ knowledge, publications on this topic are scarce, so this report may help veterinary dentists to consider this approach in the treatment of canine fractures in cats.