Abstract

NEGRO, V. B; HERNANDEZ, S. Z  and  SACCOMANNO, D. M. Detection of feline odontoclastic resorptives lesions (FORL) by means of clinical and radiological examination. InVet [online]. 2005, vol.7, n.1, pp.87-97. ISSN 1668-3498.

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL), are a severe dental disease, which represent a challenge for diagnosis. Clinically, they manifest with severe oral pain that may produce anorexia. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic efficiency through clinical examination and with the addition of complementary radiographs, as well as to establish the prevalence and characteristics of the disease. Permanent and mature teeth (n=967) were studied, obtained from skulls of cats (n=63) that were euthanized for medical reasons or from necropsy material. Clinical examination was performed with magnification and dental explorator, and the radiographic study by means of a dental radiological unit and periapical radiographs. Clinically exhibited FORL, 42,86% of the cats and 14,17% of teeth; radiographically, 55,55% of cats and 21,4% of teeth. Applying x2 test, a statiscally significant difference was found (p=0,000), in both cases, between the efficiency in the clinical and radiographical exam. The clinical evaluation underestimated the presence and extension of the lesions in the teeth, in average, 9,51%. The results achieved revealed the importance of complementing the clinical examination with dental radiographical studies that will allow the detection of a larger proportion of FORL, even in those lesions which are found at a very early stage or localized in areas difficult to explore (subgingivally).

Keywords : Tooth; Feline; Radiology; FORL.

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