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Boca y dientes

Feline tooth resorption

A very common and painful disease in cats in which the body itself "dissolves" the structure of the tooth. Many cats suffer from it and hide it.

Severe🐈 Cats

Symptoms to watch for

  • Pain when eating: the cat drops its food, chews on one side or stops eating dry kibble
  • Drooling
  • Sometimes, trembling of the jaw when the affected tooth is touched
  • A reddish lesion on the tooth at the gum line
  • Bad breath

Causes

The cause is not fully understood. It is very common: a large proportion of adult cats develop it. It is not linked to tartar alone.

Diagnosis

Examination of the mouth + dental X-rays, essential to see the lesions below the gum line and decide on treatment.

Treatment

The treatment is extraction of the affected tooth: once resorption has begun it cannot be reversed and the tooth is painful. After extraction, the cat improves greatly.

Prevention

Not preventable, but regular dental check-ups allow it to be detected and treated before the cat suffers for a long time.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your cat has difficulty eating, drools or has changed its eating habits. It is very painful and cats hide it: the dental check-up is key.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.