Periodontal disease in the domestic cat

Abstract

One hundred and fifty teeth from 15 cats of an average age of 6.8 years were examined macroscopically, radiographically, and histologically. Clinical inspection revealed plaque and calculus deposits on the facial surfaces of maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. Radiography showed horizontal and vertical loss of alveolar bone with irregular defects of the dental hard structures. Histologically, typical features of gingival and periodontal destruction were found and resorptive lacunae were seen at the cemento‐enamel junctions. In comparison with experimentally induced periodontitis in other animals, periodontal disease involving external root resorption seemed to occur spontaneously in the cat.