Sox the cat came in for an appointment on 12th July. Our Vet, Rebecca noticed a small amount of calculus across his teeth and a bit of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) over his upper molars. This can be a sign of infection.

Rebecca advised that Sox should have a dental procedure, so he was booked in a few days later on 22nd July to have a general anesthetic and full mouth radiographs. Without radiographs you are unable to see what the teeth look like under the gum line.

Our Vet, Emily performed the procedure. The x-rays showed that Sox had resorptive lesions on some of the teeth. A resorptive lesion (RL), also known as a neck lesion, is a tooth defect caused by the action of cells called odontoclasts. Tooth structure is destroyed and they can affect both the roots and the crown. 

The cause of the lesions is unknown, although the mechanism of the process is now better understood. Resorptive lesions are most commonly seen in cats, but can be seen in dogs too. We know from human cases that these lesions are painful when they become evident on the crown surface, and therefore require prompt treatment.

Resorptive lesions are not always visible to the naked eye due to them starting below the gum line. The appearance on the tooth may be hidden by an overgrowth of gum tissue (gingiva). The tooth may also have a pink spot, or part of the tooth may be missing. Often, missing teeth in cats were originally teeth with resorptive lesions. Many of these lesions are only identified using dental radiographs (x-rays), hence the reason that all of our patients undergoing dental treatment have x-rays taken. Currently, the only treatment option for teeth with these lesions is extraction.

Sox had two teeth extracted due to the lesions, and another tooth, as it was mobile.

He woke up from his anesthetic uneventfully and went home with pain relief. His owner called us the next day to say he's really bright, eaten and eager to go back outside.

If you want to arrange a free of charge dental check up for your pet, or this article has raised any concerns, call us today on 01665 252 250.