ABC-Animal - Dental Chronicle
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion
February - Dental Health Month
February is Dental Health Month. Let's talk about Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions. "FORL" is a progressive disease, characterized by the erosion of the tooth enamel at the gingival border. This erosion first appears as a small hole, which eventually reaches the pulp cavity and provokes pain. Although more and more cats are affected, the causes of this pathology are not well known.
Behavioral Changes
Since felines are discreet animals, and since FORL greatly affects their quality of life, watch them closely. Any behavioral changes should be cause for concern, such as
* refusing to eat dry food or preferring soft food,
* having difficulty chewing (drops food, makes head bangs when eating, rubs lips with paws or against objects),
* eats less,
* looses weight,
* has bad breath,
* generally less active.
Treatment
Extraction of the affected tooth, under anesthesia, is still the treatment of choice. Using dental x-rays, the veterinarian plans the best extraction strategy, which can be a complex undertaking (fragile root, tooth fused to the bone), and then checks for other lesions on the root.
Prevention
During the annual check-up, the veterinarian will do a complete dental exam to detect early FORL. Since its causes aren't well known, prevention is important, and includes tooth brushing, dental formula diet, and regular tartar removal.
Dental Health
Your cat dental health is very important, and contributes greatly to his quality of life. Think about it!
Dominique Giroux, D.V.M.
Veterinarian
Sainte-Foy Feline Vet Clinic
Québec, Canada
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