Cat Cavities
By Roxanne Willems Snopek
We’re not alone in our experience of pain. Our feline friends feel the discomfort of dental disease too; however, cats are experts at masking pain. This survival tactic protects their jungle relatives against enemies who might try to take advantage of vulnerability; in the comfort of our homes, it works against them. There are many good reasons for regular preventive dental care, but Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions are one of the best.
The pain caused by these nasty cavities shouldn’t be experienced by anyone, and we owe it to our felines to be on the alert.
What Are Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions?
For body tissues such as skin, blood and bone, cell death and replacement is a normal part of the continuous process of physiological renewal. Old cells deteriorate and new cells take their place. Special cells called odontoclasts dissolve the roots of deciduous or “baby” teeth. Mature teeth, however, are not continuously renewed. Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) are known by many names: cat cavities, neck lesions, cervical line lesions, and external and internal root resorptions. They start small, a tiny defect at the neck of the tooth, right under the gumline where the crown and root meet usually on the cheek surface. Typically, these lesions occur on the upper third and fourth premolars and the lower third premolar and first molar; however, any tooth can be affected. If left untreated, the lesions eventually eat away at the enamel until the crown breaks off. The root is more resistant to resorption, so the cat is left with exposed root tissue still embedded in the jaw.
Many theories exist as to factors that contribute to the development of FORLs, from autoimmune disorders to viruses and metabolic imbalances, but the exact cause is unknown. The dental examination is composed of a visual examination on a conscious cat, but the next step is anesthesia and dental x-rays known as “intra-oral radiographs,” just like the ones done on human dental patients. Smaller than full-body x-rays, intra-oral radiographs allow a detailed study of the bony structures and surrounding tissues not visible on a physical examination.
Can FORLs be Prevented?
Home care is a vital part of feline dental health maintenance. It also provides owners with regular opportunities to examine the teeth. Early recognition of teeth affected with FORLs can prevent the suffering caused by severe deterioration of the tooth. Some veterinarians feel that regular brushing with fluoride gels specially made for cats might help preserve a tooth with a Stage 1 lesion, but once the lesion has reached the pulp chamber (Stage 3), the tooth will be too painful to brush, and it’s too late to help.
Treatment varies: filling, extraction, crown amputation, laser therapy are all available, but veterinarians don't all agree on the best treatment. One thing everyone agrees on is the importance of pre-operative lab-work. Because many of these cats are older, evaluating their overall health status with blood tests can help prevent anesthetic-related problems. Because some anesthetic agents are easier on the kidneys and liver, assessing the health of these and other organs helps your veterinarian make the best choice.
Once x-rays have confirmed the presence of FORLs and laboratory work have ensured the health of internal organs, your cat is ready to be treated. Owners report that the relief from pain is incredible. Cats begin to eat again, gain weight, and play. If your cat is in chronic dental pain, make sure to book a veterinary dental appointment immediately. Your cat will thank you.
