Dr. Banyard treats many cats with painful mouths. Often owners do not realize their pet has a painful mouth until he or she stops eating or the breath is really bad. Look inside your pet’s mouth but be careful – it may be painful or surprise your pet so please avoid being bitten.
Cats are affected by periodontal disease by 3 years of age. This can lead to loose teeth and even tooth resorption.
Feline osteclastic resorptive lesions (FORL)or tooth resorption is common in cats today. It is not fully understood what causes these lesions and there is much interest and study of these conditions. There are two types of FORLs. X-rays are needed to tell the difference and the treatmentsare determined by findings on the x-rays. These are very painful lesions.
Cats also occasionally have another painful disease called feline chronic gingivostomatitis ( FCGS). In this condition the lining of the mouth, especially at the back of the mouth is very inflamed and painful. These animals need to see the veterinarian. This is a difficult condition to treat and may require your pet to see a specialist.
For more information please refer to Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pet: Why Dental Care Matters. Available at Amazon, AAHA and VIN book stores.