Chortara I. DVM, Companion Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Lampraki S. Undergraduate Student, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Maroullaki A. Undergraduate Student, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Papadimitriou S. DVM, Dentist, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Trauma is the principal cause of condylar fractures in cats. Belated treatment may lead to malocclusion, due to abnormal healing. This study presents eleven cats, treated with canine composite bonding or condylectomy.
Clinical cases
Eleven cats were presented with a history of trauma, drooling, shift of the mandible, or restricted mouth opening. Clinical examination revealed pain or/and crepitus in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Diagnosis was made by computed tomography or intraoral radiographs. Patients with recent trauma (<72h) underwent interarcade bonding of the maxillary and mandibular canines, using composite resins (6). In cases with signs of TMJ ankylosis (5), a unilateral condylectomy was performed and an esophageal tube was placed to provide proper nutrition.
Results
The resins were removed three weeks post-surgery with successful results. Nine cats had normal occlusion 4 weeks after condylectomy, while 2 were presented with a mild shift of the jaw. All animals ate with no difficulty and no pain symptoms were detected.
Conclusions
The treatment plan for condylar fractures depends on chronicity and varies from mandibular stabilization to condylectomy. The goal of the treatment is to restore functional occlusion and to eliminate pain.
References
- El-Warrak A, Ferrer Α, Lanthier Τ, Loureiro Silva B, El-Warrak L (2011) Temporomandibular joint condylectomy and its effect over occlusion in cats: cadaveric study. J Small Anim Pract 52, 158-62.
- Çetinkaya MA (2012) Temporomandibular joint injuries and ankylosis in the cat. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 25, 366-374.
- Tauro D, Manay R (2019) The Nuances of temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery: tips and tricks. J Maxillofac Oral Surg 19, 178-183.
- Beckmann B, Smith M (2009) Interarcade bonding for non-invasive mandibular fracture repair. J Vet Dent 26, 62-66.
