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==Description==  

==Description==  

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) are the most commonly seen dental lesions in cats. On examination, there is a loss of dental tissue on the crown or at the neck of the teeth. The crown may be completely resorbed with the remaining root covered with [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]].

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) are the most commonly seen dental lesions in cats. On examination, there is a loss of dental tissue on the [[Crown - Anatomy & Physiology|crown]] or at the neck of the teeth. The crown may be completely resorbed with the remaining root covered with [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]].

The aetiology and pathogenesis of FORLs has not yet been demonstrated but is almost certainly multifactorial. Possible hypotheses that have been suggested include, the texture of the diet, abnormal calcium regulation, hypervitaminosis A, mechanical stress, anatomical abnormalities of the teeth, viral infections and plaque bacteria and periodontal disease.

The aetiology and pathogenesis of FORLs has not yet been demonstrated but is almost certainly multifactorial. Possible hypotheses that have been suggested include, the texture of the diet, abnormal calcium regulation, hypervitaminosis A, mechanical stress, anatomical abnormalities of the teeth, viral infections and plaque bacteria and periodontal disease.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

===Clinical Signs===

===Clinical Signs===

Anorexia, drooling, lethargy and pain on contact with the lesions.

Anorexia, drooling, lethargy and pain on contact with the lesions.

===Oral Examination===

===Oral Examination===

Visual Examination will identify the lesions or inflammed [[Oral Cavity - Teeth & Gingiva - Anatomy & Physiology|gingiva]] that overlies the remaining root.

Visual Examination will identify the lesions or inflammed gingiva that overlies the remaining root.

Lesions that are subgingival may be identified using a dental probe.

Lesions that are subgingival may be identified using a dental probe.

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

Radiographic signs of FORLs include:

Radiographic signs of FORLs include erosion of alveolar bone at the cementoenamel junction, root resorption, root ankylosis and subsequent periodontal space loss and resorption of the dental crown.

 

*Erosion of alveolar bone at the cementoenamel junction

*Root resorption

*Root ankylosis and subsequent periodontal space loss

*Resorption of the dental dental crown

===Classifying the Lesions===

===Classifying the Lesions===

Classifying the lesions allows a logical treatment regime to be implemented. It can bt based on the severity of the resorptive lesions.

Classifying the lesions allows a logical treatment regime to be implemented. It can be based on the severity of the resorptive lesions.

*'''Stage 1''' - [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|Enamel]] only

*'''Stage 1''' - [[Enamel - Anatomy & Physiology|Enamel]] only