Cats are masters at concealing discomfort, which can make dental issues like resorptive lesions difficult to detect. Resorptive lesions are one of the most common dental conditions in cats, affecting more than 50% of adult felines. This painful condition progressively destroys the structure of the tooth, leading to discomfort, tooth loss, and infection.

What Are Resorptive Lesions in Cats?

Resorptive lesions, also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL), are a dental condition where a cat’s body begins to break down and absorb the structure of its teeth. This process often starts below the gum line, making it hard to detect without a veterinary examination. Over time, the damage extends to the crown (visible part) of the tooth, causing significant pain and eventual tooth loss.

  • Teeth Most Commonly Affected: The premolars and molars (cheek teeth) are the most frequently affected teeth.
  • Prevalence: Resorptive lesions are found in more than half of all adult cats, particularly those over five years old.

Symptoms of Resorptive Lesions

While cats are known for hiding pain, there are some key signs that may indicate your cat is suffering from resorptive lesions. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to schedule a dental examination at Peak City Veterinary Hospital:

  • Difficulty Eating: Cats may chew on one side of their mouth, drop food, or avoid eating hard kibble.
  • Pawing at the Mouth: Cats with dental pain may paw at their face in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.
  • Excessive Drooling: Increased salivation is often a sign of dental disease.
  • Bleeding or Red Gums: Inflammation or bleeding around the gums can be an indicator of advanced resorptive lesions.
  • Weight Loss or Behavioral Changes: Cats in pain may avoid food, become less active, or exhibit irritability.

If you suspect your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, a dental check-up is highly recommended.

Diagnosing Resorptive Lesions

At Peak City Veterinary Hospital, we use a combination of visual examinations and diagnostic tools, such as dental X-rays, to identify resorptive lesions.

  • Visual Examination: During a dental exam, our veterinarians will look for visible signs of lesions, such as gum inflammation or damage to the tooth.
  • Dental X-rays: Since resorptive lesions often begin beneath the gum line, X-rays are essential for a complete diagnosis. These images allow us to see the root of the tooth, assess how much damage has occurred and make a plan for how to address the problem.

Treatment Options for Resorptive Lesions

Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse resorptive lesions, and once the process starts, the affected tooth will need to be removed to prevent pain and infection. At Peak City Veterinary Hospital, we offer the following treatment options:

  • Tooth Extraction: In most cases, extraction is necessary to relieve the cat’s discomfort. This is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring a painless and stress-free procedure for your pet.
  • Pain Management: After the affected teeth are removed, we may prescribe pain medications to ensure your cat’s recovery is as comfortable as possible.
  • Follow-Up Care: We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your cat’s recovery and address any concerns you may have.

How to Prevent Resorptive Lesions

While the exact cause of resorptive lesions remains unknown, maintaining your cat’s dental health is the best way to minimize the risk of painful conditions. We recommend the following preventive measures:

  • Regular Dental Exams: Schedule an annual exam for your cat which will include an oral exam to hopefully catch any problems early. Our veterinary team can often detect issues before they cause significant pain.
  • At-Home Dental Care: Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly with feline-specific toothpaste can help reduce plaque buildup and support healthy gums.
  • Dental Treats and Chews: Providing dental treats or chews can also support your cat’s oral health by helping to reduce tartar and plaque buildup.

Conclusion

Resorptive lesions are a common and painful dental condition in cats, and early detection is key to preventing unnecessary discomfort. By staying vigilant for signs of dental pain and scheduling regular veterinary exams, you can ensure your cat’s teeth remain healthy and pain-free.