Feline Resorptive Lesions

As many of my clients know, I have a passion for cat dentistry.  I think this interest is because dental disease is one are of medicine that is relatively straightforward to treat and the benefits are seen almost immediately.  In celebration of our upcoming spring dental month promotion, I wanted to discuss one of the most common “cavities” that I see in cats – Feline Resorptive Lesions.

What is the usual history of a cat with resorptive lesions?

The history of cats with resorptive lesions is non-specific but shares some commonality.  Patients are still eating, but they may be more interested in eating canned food over dry.  They may also be sleeping more and less interested in playing.  These lesions typically show up in cats >5 years so although our cats are not “old” they would be considered “mature”.  It becomes easy for us to think this slowing down is a normal sign of aging.

Remember! A cat with dental disease will still eat so if your cat is not eating there is likely something else making them feel sick.

What physical exam findings are seen if a cat has resorptive lesions?

In the exam room, I always do my best to check the mouth.  I get suspicious if a kitty really does not want me to have a good look (or lets me look at one side over another).  As resorptive lesions are painful (just like any other cavity) this would explain this reluctance to be examined.  Other signs of mouth pain can include differences in tartar levels (hey! If I have a tooth ache I would chew on the other side to avoid pain). 
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Resorptive lesions typically have minimal tartar associated with them.  Gums are seen to be overgrowing the area.  These lesions love to come in pairs so we always look at the same tooth on the other side to see if it is also affected.  They really look like a tooth that is being eaten away. Below the gum line (as shown in the x-ray), even the roots are being dissolved and converted back into bone.
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​The rest of the physical exam is usually unremarkable.  Weight loss is almost never associated with dental disease in cats.

What causes resorptive lesions?

​The short answer is we don’t know.  There are lots of theories out there linking everything from genetics to vitamin D as causes of resorptive lesion in cats.  What we do know is that they are long-standing in the feline species, as even Egyptian mummified cats have evidence of resorptive lesions.

How do we treat resorptive lesions?

Once a lesion starts we have no way to stop it so our only “treatment” option is to speed up mother nature and remove the tooth.  This is done under anesthetic.  Once the tooth is removed the gums are often stitched closed for faster healing.  With the tooth gone there is no more dental pain.

The most common comment I get on follow-up after dental treatment to remove affected teeth is that the cats are showing signs of just feeling better: they are more active, more social, sleeping less, and more like their old selves. 

Currently, there is no known way to prevent resorptive lesions in cats.

What should I do if I think my cat may have resorptive lesions?

If you think your cat is suffering from a resorptive lesion, or any other form of dental disease, the best first step is to have your cat’s mouth examined by a veterinarian.  Based on this exam they can work with you to decide on the best next step.