At Providence Vet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we understand that dental care is an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and comfortable. One prevalent, yet often misunderstood, dental condition affecting cats is resorptive lesions. These painful dental issues can dramatically impact your cat’s well-being, making early awareness and timely treatment essential.

What Are Resorptive Lesions?

Resorptive lesions, also known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs), are similar to cavities in humans but develop differently. These lesions occur when the tooth’s hard tissue (enamel and dentin) begins to break down and is reabsorbed by the body. Unlike human cavities, which are caused by bacteria, resorptive lesions are caused by the cat’s own cells breaking down the tooth.

This breakdown typically begins inside the tooth, where it is not visible, making early detection difficult without professional dental X-rays. As resorptive lesions progress, they may eat away at the tooth structure, exposing sensitive areas and leading to extreme pain, infections, and inflammation in the mouth. Over time, this can affect your cat’s quality of life, making it painful to eat, groom, or even vocalize.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of resorptive lesions remains unknown, certain risk factors have been identified:

  • Age: Middle-aged and older cats are more commonly affected by resorptive lesions. This age-related factor suggests that the condition may be linked to the natural changes that occur in the body over time.
  • Breed Predispositions: Some breeds appear to be at a higher risk. For instance, Siamese, Persian, and Abyssinian cats are more likely to develop resorptive lesions, hinting at a genetic predisposition that may contribute to the condition.
  • Dietary Factors: The type of food a cat consumes might influence oral health. Diets that include crunchy kibble can help reduce plaque buildup, while some soft or high-carbohydrate diets may contribute to increased plaque and tartar accumulation, which can exacerbate dental conditions. Consulting with your vet on a balanced diet can support your cat’s dental health and may lower the risk of lesions.

Why Do Resorptive Lesions Occur?

Researchers believe that resorptive lesions might be related to an autoimmune response where the body mistakenly targets its own dental structures. Another theory points to inflammation in the gums as a trigger for the tooth resorption process. Though no definitive cause is known, understanding the risk factors helps us better manage and monitor for this painful condition.

Recognizing Symptoms of Resorptive Lesions

Recognizing the signs of resorptive lesions early on can prevent prolonged pain and help maintain your cat’s oral health. Look out for the following symptoms:

  • Drooling: Excessive drooling, especially if it has an unusual odor, can be a sign of oral discomfort.
  • Difficulty Eating or Preference for Soft Foods: If your cat suddenly refuses crunchy kibble or has trouble chewing, it may be a response to tooth pain.
  • Visible Tooth Damage or Loss: As the condition progresses, you may notice damaged or even missing teeth. However, this is typically a later-stage sign.
  • Pawing at the Mouth or Whimpering: Cats experiencing oral pain often paw at their mouths or shy away from being touched around their face.

Since cats are experts at hiding pain, these symptoms may only appear once the condition has progressed significantly. Regular veterinary dental check-ups, like those available on our Dental Health page, play a crucial role in early detection.

Diagnostic and Veterinary Care

At Providence Vet, our approach to diagnosing resorptive lesions involves a thorough oral examination under anesthesia and dental X-rays. While an exam alone can reveal visible lesions, X-rays allow us to assess the root and interior of the tooth where lesions often develop unseen.

  • Dental X-rays: X-rays provide a complete picture of each tooth, including the crown, root, and surrounding bone, allowing us to spot resorptive lesions early—even below the gumline.
  • Anesthetic Oral Exam: Anesthesia is essential for a thorough and painless oral exam. It allows us to carefully inspect each tooth, removing any plaque or debris to get a clear view of your cat’s mouth.

For more information on our advanced diagnostic options, you can visit our Advanced Care page.

Treatment and Recovery Plans

Once diagnosed, treatment for resorptive lesions generally involves the removal of the affected tooth. This extraction is necessary because once a lesion begins, it is progressive and painful. Removing the tooth helps alleviate the discomfort and prevents further complications.

  • Surgical Treatment: The affected tooth is removed, or the crown is amputated, to eliminate the source of pain and prevent the lesion from spreading.
  • Pain Management: Post-operative pain management is crucial to ensure a comfortable recovery. We provide medications tailored to your cat’s needs to minimize discomfort and help them heal.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: After treatment, we recommend regular dental check-ups to monitor for any new lesions, especially since cats that develop one resorptive lesion are more likely to develop others.

With the right care and follow-up, most cats recover well from resorptive lesion treatment. However, ongoing dental care is essential to prevent additional lesions from developing.

Prevention Strategies

While there is no definitive way to prevent resorptive lesions, certain preventive steps can support your cat’s dental health:

  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Scheduling annual dental exams is one of the most effective ways to catch resorptive lesions early. Routine check-ups can also help detect other dental issues that may develop over time.
  • Daily Oral Hygiene: Brushing your cat’s teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which supports overall oral health. If brushing isn’t feasible, dental treats or water additives can also help keep their mouth cleaner.
  • Balanced Diet: A diet that supports dental health can make a difference. Discussing diet options with your veterinarian can help you find foods that minimize plaque buildup and support oral health.

Keeping up with preventative dental care, including check-ups and a healthy diet, helps minimize the risk of painful dental conditions. 

Resorptive lesions in cats are a serious dental condition that, if left untreated, can lead to significant pain and reduced quality of life. Awareness of the symptoms, along with regular check-ups and proactive dental care, are key to managing this condition. If you notice any signs of dental discomfort in your cat, such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating, don’t hesitate to contact us at Providence Vet for a comprehensive dental check-up. Our team is here to ensure your cat receives the best possible care, so they can continue to thrive and enjoy life pain-free.