4 Common Signs of Feline Tooth Resorption
Posted on: 4 December 2018
Feline tooth resorption is a relatively common complaint among domestic cats that occurs when certain cells destroy root surfaces and absorb tooth enamel. It can be an extremely painful condition that almost always requires an extraction, so you'll want to catch it as soon as possible.
Here are just four common warning signs to watch out for.
1. Signs of Pain While Eating
One of the reasons it's hard to diagnose feline dental problems is that cats don't like to broadcast their pain. However, your cat may still show signs of pain without meaning to. If they only chew with one side of the mouth, chew slower than they used to or drop food from their mouth, a dental problem such as feline tooth resorption is likely. In some cases, they may try to swallow larger pieces of food without chewing.
2. Only Eating While Alone
Cats are pretty crafty creatures, so they may try to hide any signs of pain while eating by only eating when you are out of the room. If you have any other pets, your cat will also probably wait until they make themselves scarce before tackling their food. There are other reasons why this might be happening, but you should consider it a cause for concern if your cat suddenly starts needing to be alone to enjoy their food.
3. Refusal to Eat Dry Food
In some cases, cats will decide that certain foods just aren't worth the pain that comes with chewing them. Many owners provide dry food for their cats to graze on throughout the day and one or two wet food meals at breakfast and dinner. If you're one of those owners, it's a good idea to keep an eye on how your cat is dealing with their food. If they suddenly stop eating the dry stuff and only seem happy with the wet stuff, they could be suffering from a problem like feline tooth resorption.
4. Blood Around the Gum Line
If you notice any of the signs listed above, you should try taking a look inside your cat's mouth. This might be a little tricky if your cat isn't used to being handled in that matter, but you can always wait until they yawn to check out how things look. It's rare for the cavities associated with tooth resorption to be visible until the condition is extremely developed, but you may notice blood around the gum line. Even if resorption isn't the cause, bleeding gums should always warrant a visit to a vet that provides pet dentistry services.
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