Referral & Clinical

Feline Oral Cavity Problems

Feline Tooth Resorption lesions (Feline TR)

Tooth Resorption (TR) lesions cause many problems in feline practice. Global surveys over the last twenty years indicate that 25% of the general feline population and 75% of those with other dental disease have at least one TR. Extracting TR teeth is difficult as the loss of normal landmarks makes root luxation often impossible. Good instruments help here. Our preference for feline dentistry is to use the "301" series luxators. These are available from Dunlops, Kruuse and Dr Shipp - see our Location & Links page. Also, do not be tempted by the "atomisation" option! Severe damage can, and does, occur to collateral structures without due care.

For our most up to date information (vet surgeons only) please visit the download link

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (FCGS)

Feline CGS makes up a large proportion of cats referred to us. Most cases improve dramatically with some form of medical or surgical treatment but a small proportion appear to resist all efforts. Much misinformation is available. Since plaque intolerance is the source of the problem, our efforts are directed at controlling it - along with other treatment regimens. A combination of elective extractions, strict hygiene, oral chlorhexidine, antibiotics and steroids is our best regime. Anti-viral drugs such as Interferon, also hold some promise in some cases. Check our notes on FCGS as a download.

Feline Oral Facial Pain Syndrome

A relatively newly reported condition that mostly, but not exclusively, affects Burmese cats. Affected individuals demonstrate a complex of signs including frantic clawing of the face causing much self-inflicted damage. Many drugs have been used, including anti-anxiety drugs, to moderate or reduce the effects. The cause has not been established but it is likely to be multi-factorial.

If you have a case please let me know by Email — a database will help in research. Our fact sheet is available to download - FOPS