Mandibular fracture?

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Kara Gibson — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 03:47:41 GMT

Actually the cat has eaten all her food overnight, and the swelling is reduced this morning, she seems more comfortable on opening her mouth and has hissed at me in the cage so I'm inclined to continue pain relief and rest and send her home. I'll recheck her in a couple of days.

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Robin Grimmer — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:47:29 GMT

If it's insured it might be worth referring for a CT. I had one of these a few years ago, wasn't occluding quite right, couldn't see anything on rads but they picked up a problem with the tmj and had surgery. I can't remember exactly what now.

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Kara Gibson — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:36:32 GMT

You guys are absolutely right, I forgot to mention that the occlusion seems normal albeit uncomfortable when the mouth is opened. I have admitted get on pain relief and fluids and will reassess tomorrow. She hasn't eaten yet but I've seen her licking her lips when stressed so hopefully her mouth is more comfortable.

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:23:21 GMT

If there were luxation, or a displaced fracture, you would be able to tell instantly by the occlusion of the teeth.

I think you are probably right about a fracture being visible in the closed-mouth lateral view but I'm not absolutely sure. I think you should try to get some more views, especially a nice DV of each TMJ.

TMJ views can be very difficult to interpret but very careful positioning and exposure will help.

Fortunately if this is a non-displaced fracture the treatment is analgesia and patience. With an oesophagostomy tube if necessary.

Is the cat able to eat? If in doubt, place the oesophagostomy

The danger is that ankylosis may develop, but you can't do much about that in advance. The risk of ankylosis seems greater when any sort of fixation has been necessary.

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Richard Carter — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:17:23 GMT

and then I could see the xrays - looks like lower border of mandible been mashed with teeth holding everything together?

RE: Mandibular fracture?

Richard Carter — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 12:14:41 GMT

if you close the jaw do the lower and upper canines align? luxation will often put the lower canines onto or behind the upper and # to caudal mandible usually will have oblique alignment to canines (unless bilateral of course)

hard palate intact?