Vet unlocks cat’s rare jaw problem
Aspecialist vet has helped a cat suffering with intermittent lockjaw.
Twelve-year-old Dexy was suffering with an intermittent locking jaw that was usually triggered by her yawning or grooming herself. She was diagnosed with bilateral
TMJ dysplasia, which is relatively rare in cats, and was referred to the dental and maxillofacial surgery clinic at Davies Veterinary Specialists, based near Hitchin in Hertfordshire, for treatment.
“Dexy was in distress every time her jaw locked, and she couldn’t eat or drink,” says Dr José Ruiz, who performed the procedure.
“The only available treatment for this problem is surgery.To prevent the mandibles from locking, we needed to remove some bone from her cheek and jaw bones — known as the zygomatic arch and mandible.”
Dexy recovered very well and was discharged 24 hours after the procedure.