Such a different, but always dangerous jaw fracture in a cat. How long does it take to heal a broken jaw in a cat?

It is well known that older people often suffer from diseases associated with degenerative joint disease. Veterinarians know even better that similar pathologies very often affect older dogs, but not cats. For them, such illnesses are rare. But this does not mean that joint diseases in cats do not exist at all.

However, until relatively recently, this topic was considered highly specialized: It was believed that the same arthritis occurs very rarely in cats and its course, in general outline, no different from a dog. This is partially true, but there are still certain differences.

So how common are joint pathologies in cats? Recent research by European veterinarians has led to phenomenal results. It turned out that according to the statistical information collected (since 2002), More than 90% of cats aged 10 to 12 years had all the signs of degenerative joint destruction. This also includes cases.

But even when the latter were excluded from the statistics, it turned out that symptoms of joint damage were still clearly observed in at least 2/3 of the study population. Upon closer examination, it turned out that these pathologies are common in 60-90% of cats, depending on their breed, weight, gender and age.

The most common disease is. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulder, femur, and knee joints. Cases of degenerative destruction have also been reported metatarsal bones.

The main reasons for the appearance

As a rule, with many joint diseases, the main “effect” of them is the complete or partial destruction of the hyaline cartilage that covers the proximal and distal ends of the bones. Sometimes it happens without apparent reason, but more often it’s all about .

It also happens that inflammatory/degenerative joint lesions develop against the background of secondary infectious diseases, and various injuries. But many biologists and veterinarians believe that in cats specifically, many types of these pathologies are of an autoimmune nature. It is precisely because of the “violence” of one’s own defense mechanisms that, for example, rheumatoid arthritis develops.

Dislocation kneecap This is rare for cats. But everything is not so rosy if we talk about cats of this breed and

Cats are especially susceptible to severe arthritis, which affects almost every joint in the body. It's all about a rare genome mutation, due to which the cartilage in the bodies of cats of this breed is initially weakened and tolerates mechanical injuries very poorly.

Wound or injury. Severe or (especially those for which no one was in a hurry to take seriously) often lead to arthritis and bursitis. It's even worse when they stimulate the development of severe degenerative osteoarthritis.

. Oddly enough, there is not a single study that would unambiguously confirm the decisive role excess weight in the development of joint pathologies, but still practical experience Veterinarians from all countries speak precisely about this.

Acromegaly. This is a pathology characteristic exclusively of old cats. In this case small tumor in the pituitary gland leads to the fact that the gland begins to rapidly secrete growth hormone. Cats usually get sick, but in our case, what is much more important is that the bone tissue in the joints begins to grow again, which leads to extremely unpleasant consequences.

Read also: Dyspepsia in cats: causes, diagnosis and treatment

Symptoms

Oddly enough, but cats are animals that are much more resistant to pain when compared to dogs. Cats are able to endure for a long time without showing any signs of discomfort or pain reaction. The owner should be wary if his pet, who previously did not disdain to play and run around, began to spend much more time lying in one place.

In addition, even the most resilient animals with severe damage to the joints begin to limp, and it is difficult not to notice this. Let us list the main signs of arthritis and arthrosis:

• The cat's reluctance to jump up on chairs, climbing stairs, etc.
• You can notice that even after a short rest the cat It’s hard to get up, it hurts to walk.
• During daily toileting, the animal spends a lot of time frequent and prolonged licking of joints.

Note! The main sign of something wrong in this case is a sharp reduction in physical activity.

The cat tries to sleep more and walk less. Even if before the disease the animal was a good mouse catcher, then if pathology of the joints occurs, the mice can sleep peacefully: the cat obviously will not hunt. Also the cat may become irritated, hiss and even scratch when trying to pet it.

If no help is provided to the animal, signs of exhaustion soon begin to appear, the pet does not take good care of its fur (it simply hurts to even lift its paw). Most often, the cat lies and constantly licks its sore limbs. And further. Since the animal practically does not walk or run, its claws become greatly enlarged (due to the lack of natural grinding).

Drug treatment

In most cases, treatment of joint diseases in cats involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which not only stop the inflammatory reaction, but also significantly reduce the intensity of pain. The main disadvantage of drugs of this type is the impossibility of their long-term use (in this case, the liver and kidneys suffer greatly). To minimize risk side effects medicine must be chosen carefully and used with caution.

Etiology of fractures lower jaw How fractures of skeletal bones can be different, most often it is a traffic accident, wounds from various small arms, falls from a height, human inhumanity.

Types of fractures. There are open and closed frakturs. The open form is characterized by damage skin and mucous membrane oral cavity a fragment of bone. If the fracture occurred through the dentition, then it is classified as open form. A closed fracture does not lead to disruption of the integrity of the skin. IN veterinary practice It is customary to distinguish between simple and complex textures of the jaw bones. In simple cases, there is a bone fracture in only one place. Complex ones are characterized by the presence of many fragments and are called splintered (multiple). Comminuted fractures occur with displacement and without fragments of damaged bone. Based on the shape of the bone damage, transverse, oblique and helical fractures are distinguished. Trauma to the jaw bone can also be unilateral or bilateral.

What do we observe with a jaw fracture:

— profuse drooling;

- the upper and lower jaws do not take an anatomical position;

- bleeding from the nasal and oral cavity with an open fracture;

— protruding bone fragments with open injuries;

- the cat cannot close its mouth on its own;

- refusal to feed, difficulty ingesting food and water;

- with a unilateral fracture, the appetite is not impaired, but the animal is not able to chew food;

- if the hard palate is damaged, the cat sneezes and the food it eats flies out of its nostrils;

- deformation, asymmetry of the jaw with visual inspection;

- palpation reveals severe pain and swelling;

— bad smell from the mouth is observed in advanced cases.

When found characteristic symptoms the owner should urgently show the pet experiencing severe pain, a qualified specialist.

One of these patients cat Marquis, 5.5 years old, not neutered, mixed diet, free range. Complaints from the owners: the inability to normally eat the food offered, drooling and “jaw dropping.”

After an external examination and physical examinations, collection of clinical and biochemical analyzes blood, x-rays were performed.

In the picture we see the Fraktur right branch lower jaw, simple, closed fracture.

Treatment of such injuries is only surgical, which will give excellent results behind short time rehabilitation.

Preparing the patient for surgery is standard: after making sure that there are no additional injuries or damage, as well as that there are no changes in blood tests, the surgical field is shaved and thoroughly washed. Next, the patient is transferred to the surgery department where preoperative treatments are performed.

When the animal is ready, the operation begins.

Reposition of fragments with a plate.

After surgery x-ray we see that the fragments are juxtaposed correctly, which will ensure fast healing Fraktury. The implant may be left in place for the animal's entire life.

After 11 days, the stitches were removed, the patient (according to the owner) feels good and eats wet food.

It is not so easy to care for a cat that has suffered such an injury as a broken jaw. Even such simple procedures, like feeding and grooming fur, can turn into complex, multi-hour operations. But even in such an uncomfortable position, the pet must eat.

What you will need:

• Canned food for cats
• A bowl
• Spoon
• Calorie pasta
• Toothbrush
• Clean towel

Talk to your veterinarian about your cat's diet. Doctors usually recommend feeding your cat canned food, which is diluted with water and softened to a pulp. While the jaw is recovering, it is difficult for the animal to satisfy its hunger and get required amount nutrients for recovery. The doctor will tell you the types of feed that are suitable in this situation. Most experts recommend splitting feeding 5-6 times a day in small portions - this way the food will be absorbed better.

First you need to let the cat know that “food is served.” If your pet is used to canned food, the sound of a package or jar opening will be a great signal. In any case, put the portion in a bowl so that the cat can look and understand what you want from it. Add a small amount of high-calorie paste and mix it with food. Calorie paste contains vitamins and nutrients, which will help your cat maintain shape and energy while the fracture heals.

Scoop up some food with a spoon and offer your cat to eat. The cat may refuse; bring the spoon closer to its mouth. Then the cat can open its mouth slightly and you gently put it down small portion feed on the tip of the tongue. After this, the cat will understand how it is more convenient to eat and will begin to lick the food.

Wait until the animal is full and finishes its meal. During feeding, the cat should always have access to fresh water - this will make swallowing easier. Do not force your pet to eat - the cat will definitely eat less than usual, since every chewing movement causes pain, especially the first few weeks. Wrap the remaining food and put it in the refrigerator.

After feeding, wipe your cat's face with a soft, clean towel lightly dampened with water. It is difficult for an animal with such an injury to lick itself, so the owner will have to clean the pet himself. Make sure there are no pieces of semi-liquid food or high-calorie pasta left.

Fracture of the lower jaw – quite characteristic appearance injuries for cats. It accounts for 14.5 percent of all cases of fractures in these animals. More than 73 of them occur in the symphysis of the mandible.

Most often, they are caused by falls, traffic accidents, blows, bites, gunshot wounds, and even dental interventions.

Diagnostics:

Clinical signs of such fractures are usually bleeding from the mouth, hypersalivation, disruption of the anatomy of the jaw and bite.

Meanwhile, diagnose this type fracture is not particularly difficult. For this, a physical examination and palpation are sufficient.

In addition, one must always remember that, along with fractures of the symphysis of the lower jaw, the animal may have other injuries that must be excluded using x-ray diagnostics and specific placements. .

Operation technique:

The surgical field is prepared according to the accepted method, the hair is shaved, the animal is placed on its back, and then treated with a skin antiseptic. On the ventral side of the lower jaw, in the area of ​​the symphysis, a skin incision is made, access to the bones of the symphysis. The assistant performs the reposition by fixing the canines (Figure A).

We insert an injection needle into the wound (Figure B), along the bone behind the fang, and pass a wire cerclage through the needle (Figure B),

then repeat the procedure on the other side (Figure C). Then, fixing the fracture, we tighten the cerclage wire, and bite off the free ends and bend them (Figure D, E).

Postoperative treatment:

IN postoperative treatment includes antibiotic therapy, NSAID drugs, seam processing. The sutures are removed after 10-14 days, and the wire cerclage is removed after three months.

Conclusion:

Most jaw fractures are open fractures; infection rarely becomes a serious problem due to antibacterial effect saliva. However, antibiotics are still used to prevent infection.

With these injuries, other bones of the skull must be evaluated. And in in rare cases the animal may require an esophagostomy.

Literature:

1. Atlas of Orthopedic Surgical Procedures of the Dog and Cat, Ann Johnson and Dianne Dunning. 2. AO Principles of Fracture Management in the Dog and Cat, Ann L Johnson, John EF Houlton, Rico Vannini. 3. A Guide to Canine and Feline Orthopedic Surgery. Fourth Edition. Hamish R. Denny MA, Butterworth MA. 4. Feline Orthopedics Copyright 2007. Harry W Scott, Ronald McLaughlin. 5. Karen M. Tobias, Spencer A. Johnston. Veterinary Surgery Small Animal.

A closed fracture without displacement - the bone is broken, but is in its natural position. There may be swelling, bluishness or redness of the tissue at the fracture site. A closed pelvic fracture in a cat is a common injury resulting from a fall from a window.

Closed fracture with displacement - the bone is broken, the ends move apart, but soft fabrics only partially damaged. Maybe internal bleeding!

Sometimes one of the broken edges protrudes under the muscle, forming an unnatural bulge visible to the naked eye. The tissue in the area of ​​injury is swollen. A closed jaw fracture in a cat is often complicated by displacement and crushing of thin jaw bones.

A fracture is an injury in which the edges of the bone do not separate, held by the intact area. By external signs difficult to determine, a crack is often confused with a bruise - it is possible slight swelling, pain, but more often the cat still leans on the injured part of the body, although it is careful.

There are four types of fractures in cats: closed, open, epiphyseal (growth plate fracture), and fissure (greenstick fracture). The first three can be further divided into simple, when the bone breaks in 2-3 places, and fragmentation, in which the bone crumbles into several pieces.

Closed fracture - complete rupture bone tissue, in which the skin is not damaged.

A fissure (greenstick fracture) is a small crack in the bone that does not break the main body of the bone. In other words, the bone is not completely broken.

Open fracture - the bone cuts through the skin and is visible. This fracture is accompanied by secondary injury to the muscles and skin. An open fracture carries an additional risk of infection due to dirt getting into the wound.

Epiphyseal fracture: Typically occurs in still growing young cats and kittens, under one year of age, at the ends of large bones. These areas where bone growth occurs are called epiphyseal plates.

They consist of immature, slightly calcified cells that form the soft, spongy area of ​​the bone. These areas of the bone are the weakest, so the risk of fracture is increased.

The distal end of the body is most susceptible to such fractures. femur And brachial bone.

Hip fractures in a cat. Fractures of the femur often require complex operation using pins and orthopedic wire.

Vertebral fractures in a cat. Fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae of the back are especially dangerous, since they can be accompanied by damage and even ruptures spinal cord. Tail vertebral fractures in cats are often accompanied by neurological disorders such as loss of urinary and defecatory control.

Jaw fractures in cats. The most common case of skull fracture is in the jaw bones. It is usually caused by falls from high altitude or traffic accidents.

Pelvic fractures in cats. This is a common type of fracture.

Sometimes the fracture can heal on its own if the cat is able to support the body while the bones heal. However, a pelvic fracture may require bracing to ensure correct location bones during treatment.

If in necessary cases this requirement is not met, various permanent deformations may form in the bone.

Clinical signs of fracture in cats

With an open bone fracture, it is extremely easy to understand that the cat has a fracture. The cat will experience open wound, swelling of soft tissues and, as a rule, strong pain syndrome.

In some cases, you may notice the presence of bone fragments in the wound. With a closed fracture in a cat, everything is much more complicated.

There will be pain, swelling, or swelling of the soft tissue at or below the fracture site. Therefore, it is much more difficult to immediately determine where the fracture is, since the fracture may be above the site of swelling, and the swelling on the joint is lower.

Symptoms

Signs of a jaw fracture include:

• profuse drooling;
• jaws are not accepted anatomically correct position;
• presence of bleeding;
• protruding bone fragments;
• The cat cannot close its mouth.

The symptoms of a jaw fracture are quite varied. In most cases this pathology goes with next external manifestations, as well as with a number of subjective sensations.

However, since quite often a fracture of the jaw is combined with traumatic brain injuries, in which the victim may be unconscious, highest value have exactly those clinical manifestations, which the doctor can see during the examination.

If a cat has a broken paw (front or back) - and veterinarians have to treat such fractures most often, you will see the following signs of a fracture:

• the animal does not lean on the affected limb at all
• the cat is taking care of its sore paw, an attempt to touch it results in a flash of pain, your pet may try to bite you
• appears severe swelling soft tissues at the fracture site - the diseased paw is twice as thick as the healthy one, a large hematoma may appear
• the configuration of the diseased paw is changed, it seems asymmetrical in relation to the healthy one
• a bone fragment can be seen through the skin

Diagnostics

A jaw fracture can be suspected based on a patient interview, examination data and clinical examination. However, in most cases, additional instrumental studies, making it possible to diagnose both the fracture itself and a number of existing and potential complications this phenomenon.

It should be noted that with pathological fractures diagnostic process is not limited only to identifying the location and type of fracture, but also involves a number of additional radiographic and laboratory research aimed at identifying the initial bone pathology.

However, since the vast majority of people admitted to hospital trauma departments with a jaw fracture have suffered in various traumatic circumstances, their examination is considered routine and includes examination and a number of additional procedures.

Treatment

Treatments for bone fractures in cats depend on many factors, such as the type of fracture, which bone is broken, and whether the fracture is open or closed.

For open fractures in cats, devices are installed external fixation to avoid bone infection.

For closed fractures in cats, fractures are fixed using various plates, intramedullary placement of pins or wires.

Treatment for a bone fracture in a cat can be conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment of a fracture in a cat is used, for example, when one or two bones of the metacarpus or metatarsus are fractured. Also conservative treatment fracture in cats can be used for an incomplete fracture of the forearm “greenstick fracture”, when only the radius without displacement.

More often used in veterinary practice surgery fractures in cats, as it ensures the cat’s early ability to support the affected limb and provides fewer complications.

For a closed fracture of the femur or shoulder in cats, plate placement techniques (compression, support, limited contact, LCP, and others) can be used. For distal fractures, fixation using Kirschner wires can be used. In some cases, fracture fixation can be used in cats using pins.

For femoral neck fractures, the most commonly used technique is resection arthroplasty.

For closed fractures of the tibia or forearm, depending on the type of fracture, plates or an external fixation device (bilateral single-plane external fixation device) can be used.

For closed fractures of the metacarpal or metatarsal bones, intramedullary fixation is used using Kirschner wires.

Clinical case of treatment of femoral neck fracture

Bengal cat Bonya has been limping on his right pelvic limb for 3 weeks. Therapeutic treatment did not lead to the desired results, and the cat was admitted to an orthopedic doctor, Maslova E.

C. Using x-ray diagnostics and examination, an old fracture of the femoral neck was discovered.

Bona carried out all the necessary preoperative examinations and prepared for surgery - resection arthroplasty. This surgical method treatment that allows maintaining the functionality of the joint by resection of the femoral head.

After a successful operation, Bonya went home and is now undergoing rehabilitation.

Veterinary surgeon specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Maya Viktorovna Orlovskaya

Treatment of a displaced hip fracture in a cat

A patient with a very serious character, the cat Vasily (16.5 years old), was admitted to the Pride State Medical Center with a displaced hip fracture on the left pelvic limb. During the examination, a veterinary traumatologist decided to stabilize the fracture through surgery with the installation of an external titanium support plate with limited contact.

This design allows for good fixation of the fracture in order to achieve the best fusion. Removal of this plate is necessary only in rare cases; as a rule, animals are left with it for life.

After preoperative examination and infusion therapy Vasily underwent osteosynthesis. He tolerated the anesthesia very well and surgical intervention, despite his venerable age.

Veterinary surgeon, specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

Treatment of an old femoral neck fracture in a cat

A cat was admitted to the Pride veterinary center with complaints of lameness in the right pelvic limb for a month. On examination veterinarian Maslova E.

S. was found to have crepitus and tenderness in the right hip joint.

To make a diagnosis, it was carried out X-ray examination, the results of which revealed old fracture femoral neck. This problem can be solved by using surgical treatment, namely resection arthroplasty (resection of the femoral head).

This technique maintains joint mobility without the presence of the femoral head. Chuck the cat passed all preoperative examinations (cardiac ECHO and blood tests) and was successfully operated on.

All the time after the operation, the cat was under the strict supervision of doctors and hospital assistants, as well as his anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

Veterinary surgeon specialist in traumatology, orthopedics and neurology Maslova E.S. Veterinary anesthesiologist Litvinovskaya K.V.

First of all, the doctor numbs the cat and gives an injection. sedative. Then, based on the results of the x-ray, the veterinarian decides whether surgical intervention.

If a simple fracture is diagnosed hind paw in a cat, it is enough to fix the limb with a plaster cast. Depending on factors such as the age of the cat and its general state, the bone heals over a few weeks or months.

In many cases, a femoral neck fracture in a cat cannot be cured without replacing part of the bone with a metal prosthesis (especially if the pet is already of advanced age). In some cases, the edges of a broken bone need to be fixed with metal knitting needles, plates or screws - this expensive operation, but it will allow the cat to fully recover in minimal time possible period time.

Typically, treatment for fractures in cats includes drug therapy with the mandatory use of painkillers until the doctor discontinues the drugs. To speed up the recovery process, it is necessary to provide high-quality care for your pet and include it in the diet mineral supplements and limit the cat's mobility.

After a thorough examination, your veterinarian can determine the appropriate treatment. Just like in humans, bone fractures in cats use splints, casts, steel plates, screws and all other means to repair the bone and facilitate recovery.

The method of treatment depends on the type of fracture, which bone is broken, and the age of the cat. With an open fracture, the possibility of infection in the wound should be taken into account, which complicates treatment compared to closed fracture.

In kittens, a fracture can heal in as little as five weeks, as the bones are subject to less stress due to their light weight. Similar fractures in adult cats may require treatment for up to twelve weeks.

In case of microcracks, it is enough to ensure rest; in case of more severe forms fractures may require surgery.

Surgical treatment of jaw fractures

Surgical treatment jaw fracture, which is indicated for most patients, and which in medicine is called osteosynthesis, is the main effective method restoration of bone integrity.

How is the postoperative period going?

Osteosynthesis is performed using metal structures with which parts of the bone are fixed to each other. Metal parts can be placed inside the bone (pins, wires), pass through the bone (screws, screws, wire sutures) or attached to its surface (plates).

In addition, there are methods for fixing fractures in which the wires pass through the bone fragments, and the main structure that ensures the strength of their connection is located outside the limb (Ilizarov apparatus and other external fixators).

As a rule, after osteosynthesis, the cat remains in the hospital for 6 hours to 24 hours under the supervision of doctors. Then, suture treatment and painkillers are usually prescribed for 3-5 days. We recommend restricting mobility for 4-6 weeks (cats can be placed in big cage). The cat usually begins to lean on its paw 3-5 days after surgery.

Prevention of bone fractures in cats.

The most important and at the same time the simplest thing you can do to prevent fractures and injuries is to keep your cat, as they say, “out of harm’s way.” Do not let your cat go outside; in an apartment it is not in danger of noisy roads or other dangers.

Mesh on the windows, closed door on the balcony will protect your cat from falls and prevent any dangerous walks at height. Make sure your cat is getting high quality balanced diet that meets her needs.

Provide her with opportunities for bone-strengthening and general health exercises.

Price

In any case, such damage to the animal's jaw requires immediate attention. veterinary care. Depending on the type of fracture and its complexity, further therapy is prescribed. Treatment is always surgical.