Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions on a molar.

Feline odontoclastic resorption lesion (FORL) is a syndrome in cats characterized by resorption of the tooth by odontoclasts, cells similar to osteoclasts. FORL has also been called Feline tooth resorption (TR), neck lesion, cervical neck lesion, cervical line erosion, feline subgingival resorptive lesion, feline caries, or feline cavity. It is one of the most common diseases of domestic cats, affecting up to two-thirds.[1] FORLs have been seen more recently in the history of feline medicine due to the advancing ages of cats,[2] but 800-year-old cat skeletons have shown evidence of this disease.[3] Purebred cats, especially Siamese and Persians, may be more susceptible.[4]

Dental anatomy

FORLs clinically appear as erosions of the surface of the tooth at the gingival border. They are often covered with calculus or gingival tissue. It is a progressive disease, usually starting with loss of cementum and dentin and leading to penetration of the pulp cavity. Resorption continues up the dentinal tubules into the tooth crown. The enamel is also resorbed or undermined to the point of tooth fracture. Resorbed cementum and dentin is replaced with bone-like tissue.

  1. ^ van Wessum, R; Harvey, CE; Hennet, P (November 1992). "Feline dental resorptive lesions. Prevalence patterns". Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 22 (6): 1405–1416. doi:10.1016/s0195-5616(92)50134-6. PMID 1455579.
  2. ^ Gorrel, Cecilia (2003). "Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions". Proceedings of the 28th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved 22 October 2006.
  3. ^ Lyon, Kenneth F. (2005). "Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions". In August, John R. (ed.). Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. Vol. 5. Elsevier Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-0423-4.
  4. ^ Dodd, Johnathon R. "Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions". Small Animal Dental Service. Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Archived from the original on 3 September 2006. Retrieved 22 October 2006.