03/11/2025
⚠️Mandibulofacial trauma in cats😱
Mandibulofacial trauma is a common occurrence and can affect both soft and hard tissues such as teeth and bones which include region of the head and jaw. It can be caused by falling from tall heights or got hit by automobile. Cat usually will have concurrent injuries such as thoracic injuries like pneumothorax, diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary contusions; facial injuries such as facial swelling, soft tissue wounds and abrasions, epistaxis, maxillary and mandibular fractures, luxation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), malocclusion or tongue laceration. Lastly most will have skeletal fracture or ligamentous injury and abdominal injury like hepatic trauma.
🧐What are the clinical signs of mandibulofacial trauma in cats?
Cats may develop shock post injury, also chest auscultation may reveal decreased lung sounds, tachypnea, and increased respiratory effort. Facial swelling, abrasions, wounds, mandibular asymmetry, epistaxis and pain elicited upon palpation of the affected site are common clinical signs too.
🤔What are the treatments for mandibulofacial trauma in cats?
Before we proceed with surgical intervention, cat is triaged before treating the most serious or life-threatening injuries first. Stabilisation usually requires at least 24 hours. Delay surgical repair of less urgent traumatic injuries until stabilisation is achieved. Supplemental oxygen, fluid therapy and necessary medications like analgesics, antibiotic and heating support are provided too during stabilisation. Once cat is stable enough, veterinarian will then only proceed with necessary surgical treatment for the mandibulofacial trauma, internal fixation using screw and plate or cerclage wire are mostly preferred. Once surgically repaired, cat is cage rest for better recovery, tube feeding is necessary for nutrition support.
👩🏻⚕️👨🏼⚕️Consult with your veterinarian for more information
☎️ 013-993 1315
📩 majesticvets@gmail.com
📍 Majestic Animal Medical Centre
