This week we were presented in our veterinary clinic in Markham with a cat that had acute discharge from the nose. The cause was a common dental condition: Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions. The tooth root was so damaged that the maxillar (jaw) bone actually perforated into the nasal cavity.
At our veterinary hospital in Markham, this problem is as common as in other locations including Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Scarborough. Owners, however often don’t notice anything at all. The cause is when the body dissolves the dental enamel/dentin and creates a hole similar to a cavity in humans. This hole progresses into the root canal and causes EXTREME PAIN.
This tooth shows painful destruction of the root (arrows) into the dental nerve, while the crown looks perfectly normal. This cat was suffering for months if not years in silence.
To show how painful these conditions are imagine this…
Even under full anesthesia, cats still twitch in pain when we probe the dental lesion. It is that painful. We find often in the exam room when we touch the sore area (looking like a red spot on the gums) that the cat twitches the lower jaw rapidly trying to avoid the pain.
Treatment, which can be done in any veterinary clinic that is specially equipped with dental xrays and dental tools, is removing the tooth. Cats are much happier without toothache and eat even dry food very well.
Call us if you can see any red spots on your cat’s gums. It could be a problem.
For further information link to wikipedia.org and please read more here.
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Sincerely,
Your Careteam
Compassionate Advanced Health Care for a Long and Happy Life of ALL Your Pets.
Disclaimer: No part of this website constitutes medical advice. Readers are advised to consult with their veterinarian.
