Dental disease is among the most common problems seen in cats, and cats hide mouth pain well. Three conditions matter for the NAVLE: tooth resorption, periodontal disease and chronic gingivostomatitis. Each is treated in a different way, and radiographs usually decide the plan.
Key facts
Dental diseases (including tooth resorption) at a glance- Species and system: cat; digestive system (oral cavity and teeth).
- Tooth resorption: progressive loss of enamel, dentin and cementum by odontoclasts; no cause identified; the lower third premolars (307 and 407) are most often affected.
- Periodontal disease: plaque-driven gingivitis that can progress to loss of attachment and bone.
- Gingivostomatitis: severe inflammation of the caudal oral mucosa; painful and often needs extraction.
- Classic presentation: dropping food, drooling, bad breath, or reluctance to open the mouth; many cats show no signs.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
11 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Feline dental anatomy and numbering
- Tooth resorption
- Periodontal disease
- Feline chronic gingivostomatitis
- Don't confuse these conditions
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 2 figures, 3 self-test questions and 10 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.