Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions

Our beloved cats (and some dogs, too!) commonly fall victim to Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (aka FORLs or, simply, Resorptive Lesions).  These cannot be prevented, meaning that (1) if your cat gets them, you are not guilty in any way, and (2) cats must receive dentals performed by a veterinarian regardless of how well their teeth are cared for.

Resorptive Lesions originate in the cementum which covers the root of the tooth.  They work their way to the pulp, then move either down or up the inside of the tooth; sometimes going both directions at once.  By the time any external signs are visible, your pet’s tooth already has a painful end-stage lesion.  Signs that your cat has a lesion which has progressed to the crown include: not eating, eating only soft items, general malaise, and drooling.

Diagnosing a Resorptive Lesion requires both oral radiographs and dental probing- both of which can only be performed while the cat is under anesthesia.  In every one of our comprehensive dental exams, a veterinarian probes the gums and gets full-mouth x-rays to ensure all issues, even those under the gums, are discovered.

If a Resorptive Lesion exists in a tooth, that tooth must be extracted.  Treatment following an extraction includes pain management and antibiotics.  Your cat will need to come back in for the DVM to monitor healing.  Unfortunately, any cat that has had one Resorptive Lesion is likely to have subsequent lesions.

Of course, we all would prefer to completely prevent any chance of pain in our furry friends but the good news is that, with careful treatment by a licensed DVM, Resorptive Lesions are completely treatable!