Companion Animals

Companion Cat Dental Radiography Welfare

The welfare benefits of dental radiography in cats and what it reveals about hidden dental disease.

Key Facts

Up to 60% of significant dental disease is not visible without radiography
Tooth resorption affecting over half of cats over 5 is primarily diagnosed by radiograph
Full mouth radiography is recommended during every anaesthetic dental procedure
Many teeth that look normal externally are significantly diseased below the gumline
Dental radiography transforms dental assessment from visual to comprehensive

Welfare Considerations

Dental radiography reveals hidden suffering from tooth resorption and root disease, transforming dental welfare by ensuring complete treatment of conditions invisible to the naked eye.

What You Can Do

Request full mouth radiography for your cat at every dental procedure
Do not accept dental assessment without radiography as adequate
Support veterinary practices investing in dental radiography equipment