Archive Case #125: Feline Tooth Resorption

Clinical Clues

1. An older cat is presented for changes in eating behavior and oral discomfort.
2. The cat approaches food but drops kibble and pulls away from the bowl.
3. Jaw chattering occurs during meals.
4. Oral examination reveals a focal painful lesion at the neck of a premolar.
5. Inflamed gingiva partially covers a defect in the tooth structure.
6. Feline tooth resorption is a common painful cause of oral discomfort in cats.

Diagnosis

Feline Tooth Resorption

This case is most consistent with Feline Tooth Resorption because the cat has classic oral pain with a characteristic lesion at the tooth neck. The most important clues are the painful response during eating and the focal dental defect, which make simple gingivitis alone less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.