title: Tooth resorption in cats: pathophysiology and treatment options.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tooth resorption is common in the domestic cat and the incidence has been reported to increase with increasing age. Cats with clinically missing teeth have also been found to be more likely to have tooth resorption. All types of teeth in the feline dentition may be affected, but lesions seem to be more common in certain teeth.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Tooth resorption can be difficult to detect, with cats often masking signs of oral discomfort or pain. Routine radiography is required for timely diagnosis, as clinical (visual and tactile) methods only detect late-stage lesions - that is, when they become evident in the crown. The aetiology of many tooth resorptions is not clear. A large number of lesions appear to be idiopathic and, to date, there is no known treatment that prevents the development and/or progression of this category of tooth resorption. Tooth extraction is the gold standard treatment but teeth with resorptive lesions are notoriously difficult to extract and coronal amputation is often indicated. Determining the best treatment option in an individual case again relies on radiography.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This review is aimed at feline and general practitioners, as well as veterinarians with expertise in dentistry.
  
  
  METHODS
  The author draws on the published literature and her clinical experience and own research to review current thinking about the epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis of tooth resorptions, and to offer advice on diagnosis and treatment options.
authors.affiliation: European and RCVS recognised specialist in veterinary dentistry 17 Burnt House Lane, Pilley, Hampshire SO41 5QN, UK cecilia@doctoothfairy.com.
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gorrel
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000662:veterinary; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000662:veterinary; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D014091:Tooth Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*