CHALLENGES IN TREATMENT OF EXTERNAL ODONTOCLASTIC RESORPTIVE LESIONS IN CATS

Since the report that destructive lesions of feline teeth with periodo ntitis were the result of external resorption by osteoclasts, resorpti ve lesions have been included in the general category of periodontal d isease. Resorptive lesions of feline teeth are characterized by erosio n of enamel, dentin, and/or cementum. The specific pathologic features of lesions in feline dental resorptive disease are rarely seen in oth er animals and humans. Although the condition has been studied and hyp otheses for causative factors have been suggested, the primary cause o f feline external resorptive lesions has not been determined. Also, tr eatment that results in a good prognosis for retention of affected tee th has not been reported, and treatment by restoration remains controv ersial. The prevalence pattern as well as the microscopic development of feline resorptive lesions are discussed.