Lutz, Elizabeth Anne2009-07-312009-07-312007-03-07https://hdl.handle.net/1813/13315Dental resorptive lesions are the most commonly diagnosed dental disease in domestic felines, and prevalence increases with age. Lesions result from aberrant stimulation and activation of odontoclast and osteoclast cells at the roots of permanent teeth, and cause progressive, destructive resorption of calcified tooth substances. Although the true etiology of this disease process remains unknown, correlations have been made between resorptive lesion development and feline tooth anatomy, occlusal trauma, periodontal disease, diet composition and type, systemic immunosuppressive disease, and certain environmental factors. Diagnosis is based upon history, clinical signs, oral examination, and oral radiography. Radiography is also used to stage lesions, and identify endodontic disease. Surgical extraction or crown root amputation of affected teeth is the only curative therapy; lesions become painful, and should be managed aggressively. No true preventative measures are known, although regular home and veterinary oral care is indicated to promote good oral hygiene.en-USCats -- Diseases -- Case studiesterm paper