A dental condition that is important for cat owners to understand is resorptive disease. This progressive disease erodes your cat’s tooth enamel, leaving painful defects. To learn how to spot and treat early stage dental issues, read our Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team’s guide to resorptive lesions and help prevent your feline friend from experiencing unnecessary oral pain.

What are feline resorptive lesions?

A feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL) is a painful dental condition in which the enamel, dentin, and cementum of a cat’s tooth are broken down and replaced by inflamed tissue. These lesions typically occur at or below the gumline, near the tooth’s root, earning them the name of cervical line lesions. The condition can affect cats of any age, breed, or gender, and you must be vigilant about your cat’s dental health.

What are feline resorptive lesion causes?

The exact cause of feline resorptive lesions is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to their development. Some potential causes include:

  • Genetics — Certain breeds, such as Siamese, Abyssinian, and Persian cats, may be predisposed to developing resorptive lesions, as these felines typically have poor oral health compared with other breeds.
  • Age — As a cat ages, they are increasingly likely to experience dental issues and resorptive lesions, although the erosions can occur at any age. Researchers estimate that between 30% and 60% of all cats have resorptive disease and that 75% of cats age 5 or older are affected.
  • Poor oral hygiene — Infrequent dental care, especially regular toothbrushing, can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to lesion development.
  • Nutritional factors — Diet can play a role in dental health, and an inappropriate diet may contribute to plaque and tartar accumulation, periodontal disease, and resorptive lesions. One theory claims that excess vitamin D is a potential resorptive disease cause, while another states that the pressure caused by eating hard food can cause the teeth to flex and sustain damage.
  • Abnormal immune response — An overactive immune system may attack tooth enamel, particularly when oral bacterial (i.e., plaque) overgrowth is present.

What are feline resorptive lesion signs?

Early detection and intervention are essential for alleviating affected cats’ pain. Monitor your cat for the following signs that may indicate they are suffering from painful resorptive disease:

  • Halitosis — Bad breath is often pets’ first noticeable dental issue sign, so if your feline friend develops foul breath, they may have resorptive disease.
  • Gingivitis — As oral bacteria attack the gingival tissue, the gums become red and swollen, and may also bleed. This gum inflammation is another early dental issue sign in pets.
  • Plaque and tartar accumulation — Plaque and tartar buildup appear on the teeth as yellow, brown, or grey deposits, which are the precursor to serious dental problems.
  • Excessive salivation — Painful oral conditions can cause your cat to drool excessively.
  • Enamel erosion — Early lesions may not be evident because only the tooth root is involved and the lesions are hidden below the gumline. However, as the lesions progress, you may notice small pink spots at or near the gumline on the teeth. These spots are holes that have been filled in with inflamed gingival tissue as the lesion eats away the enamel. When probed, these spots elicit pain that is often in the form of a chatter response, shown by the cat chattering their jaws together. 
  • Changes in eating habits — Your cat may swallow food whole, drop pieces while eating, or chew on one side of their mouth to avoid pain. They may also show a preference for canned food and stop eating dry food or hard treats.

How are feline resorptive lesions treated?

In most cases, extraction of affected teeth is the only viable treatment option. In certain situations, a crown amputation is preferred, in which the affected tooth’s crown is cut off at the gumline, and the gingival tissue is sutured closed. While teeth affected by resorptive disease cannot be saved, cats feel much better and experience an improved quality of life once the diseased teeth are removed.

Are feline resorptive lesions preventable?

Because resorptive disease’s cause is unknown, no specific prevention strategy can prevent your cat from developing the condition. However, several management strategies can help alleviate discomfort and improve your cat’s oral health:

  • Regular at-home dental care — Since plaque accumulation contributes greatly to many periodontal problems, prevent buildup through daily at-home dental care. Brush your cat’s teeth, give them appropriate dental treats, and incorporate food and water additives into their routine.
  • Balanced nutrition — Proper nutrition provides the building blocks for strong, healthy teeth and gums, so feed a high-quality diet that suits your cat’s needs. A prescription dental diet may be beneficial for your whiskered pal.
  • Professional dental cleanings — Dental cleanings performed by our Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team ensure every trace of disease-causing plaque and tartar is removed from above and below the gumline. We also assess the health of your cat’s entire mouth and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Since resorptive lesions continue to progress, prompt veterinary attention is vital if your cat exhibits oral discomfort signs. Schedule your cat’s dental checkup and professional dental cleaning with our Walnut Creek Vet Hospital team.