The condition we describe as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions or FORLs may also be known as cat cavities, neck lesions or cervical line lesions. Simply put, it is a process by which the affected teeth are slowly destroyed by the animal’s own body. Currently the exact cause is unknown.

As much as 75% of the cat population suffers from this condition. This is why it is critically important to have your cats examined at least once a year. Your veterinarian should perform a good oral exam on this visit. Don’t be fooled by your cat!!! Most of the time even when affected with this painful condition, they continue to eat their “crunchies” and act “normal”. Some cats will have subtle behavioral changes such as hiding more or becoming less social. Others may become more aggressive towards your other pets. The majority of the time, owners do not notice any change in behavior or problems with chewing/eating. It is in cats’ nature to hide their disease symptoms. In the wild world, showing signs of illness is often the “kiss of death”.

Because the process of resorption begins underneath the gum-line, your veterinarian will look for external clues or signs that your cat may have this problem. Such clues may include gingivitis (red gums), significant calculus (dirty teeth), or excessively inflamed tissue over the affected teeth. Often, just with light palpation of a suspicious area, your veterinarian can determine if your cat is painful. However, dental radiography is necessary for diagnosis.

Some teeth in your pet’s mouth may be further along the degenerative/resorptive process than others. Thus, teeth that may appear normal may be starting to have root resorption without any external indication. In general, if some teeth are affected, the likelihood of having problems with the remaining teeth is higher. Again, full mouth x-rays will help us determine the severity of the disease.

If you have received this handout, your veterinarian has likely recommended that your cat have a thorough oral exam done under anesthesia. Without anesthesia, we cannot take the appropriate x-rays or probe for holes or pockets in your pet’s teeth. This is the ONLY way to fully examine the teeth above AND below the gum-line to ensure that we take care of every problem in your pet’s mouth. This will help prevent your pet from having to endure multiple anesthetic and surgical procedures.

If your veterinarian does find resorptive lesions, the tooth/teeth will have to be extracted. There is no way to save the affected teeth or prevent further degeneration. Removal of these teeth is the only way to rid your cat of the severe pain. Once the chronic toothache is relieved, your pet will feel much better. The entire crown and roots will be removed.

If your cat has multiple extractions or a full mouth extraction, he/she WILL STILL BE ABLE TO EAT JUST FINE. That is the most frequently asked question. They actually tend to eat better once the horrible chronic pain is gone.

If you have any other questions prior to scheduling the procedure that has been recommended by your veterinarian, please feel free to call and ask any of our team members.