A large case-control study indicates a breed-specific predisposition to feline tooth resorption.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Feline Dentistry
• Genetics

Background:

• Tooth resorption (TR) is a prevalent and painful feline dental condition with unclear causes.
• Suspected risk factors include age, breed, other oral diseases, and environmental influences.
• Previous studies lacked detailed etiological data for feline TR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors and breed variations associated with feline tooth resorption.
• To analyze data from a large feline health survey to understand TR prevalence.
• To investigate the relationship between oral health status and TR in cats.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted using data from 944 cats with diagnosed oral/dental disease.
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine risk factors.
• Cats diagnosed with TR (n=202) were compared to controls (n=742).

Main Results:

• The prevalence of veterinarian-diagnosed TR was 21% in the study subpopulation.
• Increased risk of TR was associated with older age, gingivitis/periodontitis with calculus, and specific breeds (Cornish Rex, European, Ragdoll).
• Exotic-Persians showed a lower risk, while Turkish Van and Devon Rex had no observed TR. Female cats with constant food access had less TR.

Conclusions:

• Age, concurrent dental diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, calculus), and genetic predisposition (breed) are significant risk factors for feline TR.
• Specific feline breeds exhibit varying susceptibility to TR, indicating a genetic component.
• Dietary management, such as constant food availability for females, may influence TR risk, warranting further investigation.