Symptom
Changes while eating in a dog or cat
Changes while eating can include refusing hard food, hard treats or toys, taking longer to eat, dropping food or eating on one side only. Eating soft food does not mean the teeth are pain-free.
Most common possible causes
- —Broken tooth
- —Periodontitis
- —Tooth resorption (TR)
- —Gingivitis
- —Root remnant or local inflammation
When not to postpone an exam
- ✓Persistent refusal of hard food, treats or toys
- ✓The pet eats on one side only
- ✓Food falls from the mouth
- ✓Eating takes noticeably longer than before
Urgent help needed
- ✓Complete refusal of food and water
- ✓Active bleeding
- ✓Rapid swelling
- ✓Difficulty breathing
- ✓A sudden deterioration in condition
What not to do at home
- —Do not mask the symptom with soft food for a long time
- —Do not give human painkillers
What diagnostics may be needed
- ✓Clinical examination
- ✓Dental radiography under anaesthesia
- ✓COHAT when indicated
Pain often comes from hidden root pathology.
Unfamiliar term in the diagnosis?If the report mentions TR, FCGS, pulpitis or a periodontal stage, the glossary explains each term briefly.GlossaryHow treatment may proceed
- ✓COHAT
- ✓Endodontic treatment or extraction when indicated
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