Palmeira I, Fonseca MJ, Lafont-Lecuelle C, et al. Dental Pain in Cats: A Prospective 6-Month Study. J Vet Dent. 2022;39(4):369-375.
Summary by: Dr Romain Mâle, DVM Parme Veterinary Clinic, Biarritz. Head of the dentistry department at the ENVT from 2010 to 2021. Referred practice in dentistry, orthodontics – stomatology, odontology – implantology.
Reproduced with permission from Samaxia Ltd, manufacturers of MP Labo Buccaclean Gel
Introduction:
Dental disorders are common in pets, especially cats. However, they are often under-diagnosed because of the species’ ability to mask pain and the associated clinical symptoms. It is therefore essential for our routine medical practice to have tools to help us in our mission of care and prevention. The main oral and dental conditions affecting cats are periodontitis, dental resorptions, dental fractures and chronic gingivostomatitis. All these conditions cause subtle pain associated with sometimes subtle behavioural changes. This study proposes a tool that correlates a pain measurement index with the main clinical and behavioural signs of feline oral diseases.
Materials and methods:
The pain assessment index used was the Feline Acute Pain Scale from the Veterinary University of Colorado. The study was carried out in a CHV in Portugal. 64 cats were recruited, 53 were retained. After recovering the commemorative records and carrying out a general examination, each cat had its level of oral pain assessed during a vigorous examination. Finally, a complete examination was carried out under general anaesthetic, including periodontal exploration and assessment of dental resorptions and fractures.
Study parameters are developed to be compared with the pain score. The primary parameters are defined as the periodontal disease score, gingivitis and tartar scores, and the presence of dental resorption or fracture. The secondary parameters are defined as the clinical signs of discomfort identified by the owners: lack of grip, change in behaviour, hypersalivation, pain, halitosis.
Result:
A positive correlation was identified, in the primary parameters, for the presence of tooth resorption and tooth absence. On the other hand, all the secondary parameters were positively correlated with dental pain scores. Most of the evaluation scores for the various parameters were higher in older cats, and males and cats fed a wet diet were also more affected.
Discussion:
This study shows that cats with dental resorptions or missing teeth have high pain scores. It is therefore essential to carry out a thorough, precise and delicate oral examination. If in doubt or if further information is required, an anaesthetic should be offered. It is also important to note that all the secondary parameters, in other words the information given by the owners, are correlated with the pain scores. It is therefore essential to orient and guide the collection of information at the beginning of the consultation.
Finally, two observations stand out. Firstly, pain scores worsen with age, which can be explained by the development of these oral diseases. This means we need to be extra vigilant during senior consultations. On the other hand, a wet diet is associated with a more severe gingivitis index; it is therefore preferable to recommend a dry diet.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the absolute necessity of a high-quality oral examination at every feline medical consultation, as well as meticulous collection of records from owners so that we don’t miss out on the oral pain of our feline patients.
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About Samaxia Ltd:
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