Dental question - FORL?

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hollyall

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It's been a while since I've posted. My cat Max had his 1 year anniversary for being OTJ last February. I credit this forum for saving us both but especially him! Thank you all so much!!! Now back to why I'm posting. Had a general feline health question and am hoping the knowledgeable members here might be able to point me to some resources for my sister's cat Ali.

Ali was adopted as a stray about 4 years ago. She has always had bad breath, but recently it has become worse. Aside from the bad breath, she's been healthy and happy. The vet diagnosed Ali with Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesion (FORL) or more commonly called feline tooth resorption, which is supposedly common in about ~50% of cats. Our vet has recommended a stage 3 dental procedure, which includes cleaning, x-rays and extractions - estimated at $689. Ali is only 5 years old, pretty young to be getting dental extractions. The vet also mentioned that this is something that Ali will probably face on a yearly basis! Apparently, as the cat ages more and more teeth begin to re-absorb, requiring extractions. =(

Does anyone have any experience with FORL or any other feline dental issues and treatments? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
 
That is a little young but some cats do develop dental problems at a young age like Max. Yes, some ats do require about yearly dentals, at least until they have lost all their teeth.
 
My civie Charlie had a tooth resorption when he was about 5 and it was extracted. He's had two dentals in two years too. But my vet said that it will help if I brush his teeth. So I've been brushing all 3 cats' teeth as well as our 2 dogs on a daily basis. And I can see that Charlie's teeth just don't look as healthy or white as the other cats. BTW all of the animals have gotten used to the teeth brushing and now because they get treats after, they all come to me when they hear me get the brushes out of the cabinet. I don't know where your sister lives, but I think the cost of dentals varies widely. I only paid about $325 for Charlie's last dental which included x-rays and the extractions. Good luck on the dental for Ali.
 
Yes, my cats have this issue and have had teeth removed. Cost is relative to the area you are in. Where I am I paid on average 1400-1600 for my girls dentals.

there isn't anything you can do to prevent forls, but you can slow it down somewhat, by brushing their teeth. Of course that's not a cure, but it will help.
 
GoGo had this and needed to have all her molars & premolars removed last year when she was only 4 years old. There was 1 tooth that could have been saved but we thought it would be better to remove it too and save her a second surgery in the future. I'm now giving my cats some of the Hills TD dental diet so they get a few kibbles a day each and that has really improved their teeth and gums but I don't think it would be suitable for diabetic cats as it is typical high carb dry food.
 
Thanks so much everyone for the responses! It's good to know that the diagnosis isn't as extreme as it sounds and others have been through it too. Funny how knowing you're not the only one helps a ton.
 
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