Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORL)

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Feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL), also known as feline stomatitis or more commonly feline tooth resorption, is a relatively common oral disease often seen in veterinary practice. The general nature of the disease is to eat away at the tooth structures similarly to cavaties or carries in humans, though the disease is not initiated in the same manner as humans as felines do not consume an overabundance of simple carbohydrates. In fact, it is not truly known what the cause of this disease is, though there are several potential factors that may initiate, worsen, or are general signs of FORL. There are two types of FORL. Type 1 FORL patients have a normal root when radiographed and no periodontal damage though it is very progressive. It starts …show more content…

As for prevention, look at any underlying diseases the cat may have, including hyperthyroidism. If the cat has, or is at risk for, hyperthyroidism the disease must be managed with a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Iodine supplementation may also be beneficial, as some foods can be low in iodine. Also look at the vitamin D content in cat food. Cats require 250 IU/kg of vitamin D on a dry matter basis, and some foods may include up to 30 times that amount as AAFCO regulation is maximum of 10,000 IU/kg of vitamin D. It is interesting to note that though acidosis has been linked to FORL, there is no difference between cats given acidic diets versus control diets. Before diagnosis, it may be apparent, especially with progressed cases, that chewing of dry food is painful. The cat may only chew on one side, hold its head sideways, or refuse dry food altogether. The first thing the owner should do in that scenario, especially if the cat had been fine with dry food previously, is take it to the vet and have a dental examination. It may be beneficial to switch the cat to softened food if the treatment procedure cannot be done immediately, and it is also recommended to provide softened or canned food for at least 14 days post extraction along with administration of analgesics and

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