Feline dentistry Flashcards
What is the aetiology of tooth resorption?
Unknown
What is tooth resorption?
- Progressive destruction of hard dental tissue by odontoclast cells, replaced with granulation tissue
- Odontoclast cells responsible for repair, remodelling or destruction
What are some of the clinical signs of tooth resorption?
- Cold sensitivity
- Possible weight loss
- Hypersalivation
- Pawing at face
- Halitosis
Which teeth are most commonly initially affected with a resorptive lesion?
307 and 407 (1st mandibular premolars)
Describe a type 1 tooth resorption lesion
- Inflammatory cause
- associated with periodontal disease
- neck/cervical area lesion
Describe a type 2 tooth resorption lesion
- Replacement resorption
- Root material replaced by bone
- Cats usually more than 4yo when affected
Describe a type 3 tooth resorption lesion
Features of both type 1 and 2 lesions present on the same tooth
How does type 1 tooth resorption affect the tooth
Causes teeth to be weakened and pre-disposed to fracturing
How are type 1 tooth resorption lesions managed?
Surgical extraction of the tooth
- leaving roots is not recommended
How are type 2 tooth resorption lesions managed?
- If there is partial replacement resorption then must remove the remaining root and associated pulp via surgical extraction.
- If the root is fully resorbed then a subgingival crown coronectomy is performed
Describe the perfect candidate for a subgingival crown coronectomy for Type 2 TR
- Advanced type 2 TR confirmed via x-ray
- Lack of periodontal ligament structure
- No recognisable root canal structure
- No periapical pathology
Describe the crown amputation technique
- Create envelope flap to access cementoenamel junction
- Using a fine round burr cut along the long axis of the crown
- Aim is to remove all of the tooth structure just below the level of the alveolus
- Then smooth the edges via alveolectomy
- Then close the gingival opening with no tension
What is never a treatment option for resorptive lesions and why?
Root atomisation
- High speed burr can cause excessive damage to the underlying alveolar bone
- Extremely painful and unnecessary
What is feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
Gingivitis and inflammation of the mucosa (stomatitis)
Which 4 factors influence feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
- Immune status of the animal (FeLV/ FIV)
- Biofilm formation
- Associated dental disease
- Calicivirus state
What are some clinical signs of feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
- Severe inflammation at the back of the mouth (bright red)
- Ulceration
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Screaming when eating
- Dysphagia
- Halitosis
- Poor coat quality
- Weight loss
How is feline chronic gingivostomatitis assessed and investigated?
- Thorough clinical exam and client history
- Full blood work and immune status
- Dental radiography
- Through PCR swab for calicivirus and FHV
- Biopsy if not bilateral
What are the aims of treatment for feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
- Reduce the burden of oral antigen in the cat’s mouth long term
- Improve the welfare of the patient by considerably reducing their pain
- Reduce inflammation of the oral soft tissues
What must owners be informed of when treating feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
That an absolute resolution ‘back to normal’ may be difficult to achieve
How is feline chronic gingivostomatitis treated?
Surgical treatment is a priority over medical
- Full mouth dental radiographs
- Full scale and polish
- Removal of any diseased teeth/roots -> Full mouth extractions (all PM’s and M’s) -> Full moth extractions (canines and incisors)
How can feline chronic gingivostomatitis be medically managed?
- Pain relief
- Antibiotic therapy
- Plaque reduction
- Feline recombinant interferon omega
- Dietary supplementation
- Steroids
- Food bowls
Which drugs are used for pain relief in cats with feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
- NSAIDs (meloxicam)
- Buprenorphine (sub-lingual)
- Gabapentin (tablet)
Which drugs can be used for antibiotic therapy to treat feline chronic gingivostomatitis?
- Amoxicillin-calvulanate (Synulox drops)
- Clindamycin tablets
How can plaque be reduced in the mouth using medical management?
- Hexarinse mouth rinsing or Dentisept
- Teeth brushing daily
When is feline recombinant interferon omega used?
- Excellent in cats that are non-responders to surgical extraction and are calicivirus positive
- Helps decrease the need for anti-inflammatory treatments
Why are food bowls involved in medical management?
- Ceramic food bowls harbour less bacteria
- Less likely to cause a hypersensitivity reaction
- Plastic or metal should be removed
