Persian Cat Tooth Resorption: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention and Staging

I. Case Introduction

Case 1: A 3-year-old purebred Persian cat, recently had decreased appetite, obvious drooling when eating, and significant oral odor. The owner observed that the cat's teeth were yellowish and some had defects, suspecting oral problems. Veterinary examination revealed that the cat had tooth resorption of varying degrees in multiple teeth, mainly concentrated on molars and canines.

II. Definition, Causes and Pathological Characteristics of Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption (TR) refers to the active, progressive loss of dental hard tissues due to the activity of odontoclasts, and is the most common dental problem in cats, with an incidence that increases with age. The cause of tooth resorption is unclear and may be related to genetic, nutritional, bacterial infection, endocrine disorders, and other factors.

1. Causes of Tooth Resorption

Genetic factors: Certain cat breeds, such as Persian cats, are more prone to tooth resorption.
Nutritional factors: Lack of essential nutrients in the diet, such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, can lead to poor tooth development and increase the risk of tooth resorption.
Bacterial infection: Oral bacterial infection can lead to periodontal disease, which can further develop into tooth resorption.
Endocrine disorders: Hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, and other endocrine diseases can also increase the risk of tooth resorption.
Other causes: Mechanical injury, trauma, and periodontal disease can also lead to tooth resorption.

2. Pathological Characteristics of Tooth Resorption

Tooth resorption mainly occurs in enamel and dentin, manifested as depressions, defects, discoloration, and thinning on the tooth surface. The process of tooth resorption is a slow, progressive one, and early symptoms are not obvious. As the condition progresses, the teeth gradually become fragile and prone to falling out.

III. Staging and Classification of Tooth Resorption

Based on the severity of tooth resorption, it can be divided into four stages:

Stage 1: Shallow depressions or spots appear on the enamel surface, the tooth color is slightly changed, but the function is normal.
Stage 2: Obvious depressions or defects appear in the enamel and dentin, the tooth color turns yellow or dark, and the chewing function is affected.
Stage 3: The crown is severely damaged, the root is exposed, the tooth is loose, and the chewing function is severely impaired.
Stage 4: The tooth falls out completely.

Tooth resorption can also be classified into two types based on the location of the lesion:

Coronal tooth resorption: Occurs on the crown, manifested as depressions and defects on the crown surface.
Radicular tooth resorption: Occurs on the root, manifested as shortening and thinning of the root, leading to loose teeth.

IV. Diagnosis and Treatment of Tooth Resorption

1. Diagnosis

Clinical examination: Veterinarians can make a preliminary diagnosis by observing the tooth appearance, palpating the tooth hardness, and examining the oral mucosa.
Radiographic examination: Radiographic examination can help veterinarians determine the extent, scope, and location of tooth resorption.

2. Treatment

The treatment plan for tooth resorption depends on the severity of tooth resorption, the location of the lesion, and the overall health of the cat.

Early treatment: For early tooth resorption, conservative treatment can be used, such as:
Oral hygiene: Regular oral cleaning to remove plaque and tartar to prevent bacterial infection.
Dietary adjustment: Adjust diet, increase foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to improve tooth hardness.
Antibiotic treatment: Antibiotic treatment can be used for bacterial infection.
Late treatment: For late tooth resorption, extraction surgery may be needed to prevent tooth loss and bacterial infection.
Extraction surgery: Extraction surgery needs to be performed under anesthesia, and post-operative inflammation and pain relief are needed.
Periodontal surgery: For radicular tooth resorption, periodontal surgery can be performed to remove infected tissue around the root to prevent periodontal disease development.

V. Prognosis

The prognosis of tooth resorption depends on the severity of tooth resorption, the location of the lesion, and the overall health of the cat. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis.

VI. Experience

Tooth resorption is a relatively common disease in Persian cats, but many owners are unaware of its harm, leading to worsening of the condition. Therefore, it is recommended that cat owners regularly take their cats for oral examinations to detect tooth resorption early and treat it promptly. This can effectively prevent tooth loss and oral infection, improve the health of the cat.

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