Update on the etiology of tooth resorption in domestic cats

Based on recent findings of increased vitamin D activity in cats with feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL), the present article provides further clues on the possible etiology of FORL. Microscopic features of FORL and other peculiarities of feline permanent teeth are compared with pathologic findings obtained from experimental studies in other species. Administration of excess vitamin D or vitamin D metabolites in laboratory animals caused changes to dental and periodontal tissues that resemble histopathologic features of teeth from cats with FORL. Chronic excess dietary vitamin D may be the long-sought cause of multiple tooth resorption in domestic cats. It may also provide a basis for future research on idiopathic hypercalcemia and renal disease in the same species.