Cats are masters at hiding their illnesses and other potentially serious health conditions, including dental problems. Even if you think your cat’s mouth is healthy, it’s important to bring them to the vet at least once a year for an oral exam. One of the reasons we recommend this is that there are several dental problems that commonly affect cats, such as resorptive lesions, that are often overlooked. Without treatment, many dental problems can leave your cat in a great deal of pain or discomfort.
As a Cat Friendly Practice, Riverstone Animal Hospital wants to prevent oral problems from developing or worsening for your feline friend. We also want to educate our clients on the importance of regular dental care for cats. Consider the two common dental conditions below to learn more about why it’s so important to bring your cat in for an oral exam at least once a year.
Tooth resorption is a progressive condition that involves the loss of tooth structure, but its exact cause is unknown. Resorptive lesions typically begin as a loss of tooth enamel but can eventually affect the pulp canal. Some lesions are visible to the naked eye (dark red on the teeth and/or along the gum line), but others can be hidden under plaque or swollen gums. In both cases, they can be quite painful, which can lead to:
- Aggressive or irritable behavior
- Change in appetite
- Difficult chewing
- Increased salivation
- Mouth bleeding
Refer to our resorptive lesions handout to learn more about this condition. If you think your cat has resorptive lesions, give us a call at 770-479-7141 to schedule a comprehensive exam and dental X-rays. Treatment can include a full or partial tooth extraction.
Another dental condition that can affect cats is oral tumors. Although about half of all oral masses in cats are benign, some of those that are malignant (squamous cell carcinoma) can be very aggressive. This is why it’s so important to have any growth in your cat’s mouth examined and biopsied so you can be sure the growth is benign. You can learn more about oral tumors by referring to the following oral tumors handout.
Be proactive about your cat’s oral health, and schedule a dental exam here at Riverstone Animal Hospital today.