TOOTH RESORPTION AND RISK FOR ANESTHETIC COMPLICATION DURING ANESTHETIZED DENTAL PROCEDURES IN DOMESTIC FELINES

Abstract

Tooth resorption (TR) in felines may present an increased risk for complications during dental procedures, and it is currently unknown whether oral examination is a valid diagnostic method for type 1 TR. Using existing data from 1,530 felines from a large veterinary hospital in Washington, D.C., I examined the association between type 1 TR and complication under anesthesia during a dental procedure, and the validity of oral examination as a diagnostic tool. Controlling for breed, weight, age, sex, hematocrit, total protein, technician, veterinarian, and presence of oral and systemic disease, type 1 TR was associated with a complication under anesthesia during a dental procedure (p<0.0001). Sensitivity (93.1%) and specificity (97.6%) support the reliability of oral examination for diagnosing type 1 TR. Veterinarians can proactively anticipate lower blood pressures when anesthetizing felines with type 1 TR. There are similarities between TR in humans and felines, and further research is needed on the pathophysiology and health implications of TR in both species.