What are Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures?
Both upper and lower jaw fractures are very painful for the cat and they require immediate treatment. The lower jaw is more susceptible to fractures as it is made up of of two bones that have fused together, a process called symphysis. Often, because jaw fractures are linked with major trauma, the cat will be suffering from other, more serious injuries such as bruising of the lungs, punctured lungs, a diaphragmatic hernia, additional bone fractures and/or internal bleeding. A jaw fracture in itself may be life threatening, as most cats will refuse to eat due to significant mouth pain.
Upper and lower jaw fractures generally happen when a cat’s jaw is subjected to blunt force trauma. This can cause the fragile mandible (lower jaw) or the more sturdy maxilla (upper jaw) to fracture. Any type of break is classified as a fracture. It can be as small as a hairline crack or as devastating as a severe comminution (a bone shatter). Your cat may only have subtle swelling, or its entire mouth may hang open.
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Symptoms of Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures in Cats
The following list shows many of the possible symptoms for both upper and lower jaw fractures. Please note that while some fractures are visibly obvious, others can be harder to recognize, especially in maxilla (upper jaw) fractures. All fractures need immediate veterinary care.
- Reluctance or refusal to eat
- Swelling around the mouth
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Wounds in or around the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Jaw misalignment
- A mouth that hangs open or can not close at all
- Other trauma on body (from original blunt force that has caused the jaw fracture)
Types
Jaw fractures in cats are generally classified as either favorable or unfavorable, depending on the severity of the fracture and the general healing success associated with it.
Favorable
If the fracture has not caused the jaw to move out of place, it is referred to as a favorable fracture. Fractures of the maxilla (upper jaw) are often favorable.
Unfavorable
If the fracture has caused jaw displacement, it is referred to as an unfavorable fracture. This includes situations where the fracture is exacerbated by the mouth muscles, and when the fracture runs perpendicular to the mandible (lower jaw). Mandible fractures are generally unfavorable.
Causes of Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures in Cats
Upper and lower jaw fractures are very common occurrences in cats. Jaw fractures are most commonly the outcome of impact injuries. These include but are not limited to:
- Being hit by an automobile
- Attacks from other animals (especially large dogs)
- Falls from great heights
When injury is not the cause, the cause is generally one of the following:
- Tooth decay
- Metabolic disease
- Cancer (or cancerous tumors)
- Tooth extraction complications
It is important to note that these issues are seen much more often in older cats than in younger cats.
Diagnosis of Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures in Cats
All fractures need professional care to ensure that quality of life is restored as best as possible for the cat. Once at the veterinary clinic, your vet will most likely take the following steps:
Immediate Pain Relief
Most jaw fractures are extremely painful, and are often paired with other, very serious, injuries. Generally, before any tests are run your vet will sedate or anesthetize your cat to give it some relief while also providing the best conditions for assessment.
Visual Assessment
The vet will then look for any and all external wounds or swelling to locate the main fractures. Often, because the jaw has such little flesh, the bone may be protruding from the skin.
Injury Severity Assessment
Before any tests can be done, the vet has to ensure that your cat's condition is stable. This is especially true when the cat is suffering from multiple injuries, or there is significant blood loss.
Diagnostic Imaging
The vet will take either X-ray (radiography) images or complete a CT (computer tomography) scan. They serve the same purpose, however a CT scan combines X-ray images with computer technology to provide the most detailed view of the affected area. It does take more time and it is generally more expensive. CT scans are preferred when the injury or complication is severe.
Once your vet has collected all of this information, they will be able to diagnose which type of fracture has occurred and plan the next steps of action.
Treatment of Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures in Cats
The treatment needed for jaw fractures in cats is very dependent on what type of fracture is present. The most common procedures are listed below:
External Immobilization
The affected bones are aligned properly and then secured by a muzzle. The muzzle is administered using either a commercially produced mouth muzzle or medical tape. In less complicated fractures, this is sometimes all that is needed.
External Skeletal Fixation
Pins are threaded through the skin into the bone while all being connected to an external rod or bumper bar which holds the jaw in place. It is a less invasive surgery in which all implants can be removed after healing has occurred. There is some postoperative care involved to remove the pins. This method is very effective in treating open mandibular body fractures.
Internal Reduction
Bone plates and screws are placed surgically to secure bone pieces. They stay in the animal upon recovery. There is minimal postoperative care involved. This procedure is often used in repairing temporomandibular joint luxations (complete joint dislocation).
Interosseous or Interfragmentary Wiring
A long, slender wire is inserted through the lower jaw but remains under the tongue and then protrudes back through to the underside of the jaw. It is then bent properly to prevent snagging.Postoperative care is required to remove the wire. This works to join two pieces of broken bone back together, especially in mandible symphysis breaks.
Interarcade Wiring
The jaw is essentially wired shut to prevent movement and encourage proper alignment. The cat can only consume liquids and pureed foods throughout the healing process. A postoperative visit is required to remove the wire so the mouth can function again. This treatment is often used to correct a simple mandibular body fracture.
Interdental Wiring
The wire is secured around the cat’s teeth to stabilize the realignment of the jaw. Wires will be removed at a later vet visit once the jaw has healed. This treatment is noninvasive.
Partial or Full Mandibulectomy
If the jaw is shattered beyond repair, or there is a tumour, mandibulectomy (amputation of the jaw) may be offered as a last resort attempt to save your cat's life. It is important to note that some cats will permanently refuse to eat after having this surgery, and the morbidity rates are high.
Feeding tubes may be used for a time with all of the above treatments.
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Recovery of Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures in Cats
Your cat should resume eating soft foods in one or two days after being released from vet care. Pain medication is often prescribed to help your pet get through the recovery period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are also given to help reduce swelling and general inflammation in the fracture area. Your vet may want to prescribe antibiotics, especially if there are any signs of infection after injury or surgery. You will need to limit your cat’s activity and discourage play throughout the time of recovery. If the cat has any external wiring, you will have to clean it and ensure no food remains attached to it to prevent dermatitis. If there are bandages, they may need to be changed. It is common to feel sadness or guilt over your cat’s injuries, especially if they are due to severe trauma that could have been prevented.
Certain complications can occur after your pet is discharged. They are:
- Malocclusion (imperfect positioning) of teeth, which can discourage your cat from eating
- Jaw dysfunction
- Incomplete/delay/failure of bone healing
- Tooth root injury
- Osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone)
- Periodontal disease
- Infection
Overall the prognosis is generally good, with most cats healing completely within 4-6 weeks. The cause of the fracture paired with the impact at which it happened usually determines the overall healing success.
Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures Average Cost
From 383 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Top
Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Tabby
Two Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bruise
Bruising around his cheekbone area. It's swollen but he has been eating and drinking. His bowl is runny as well. And also sneezes or coughs alot. Not sure which one it is.
Jan. 22, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
11 Recommendations
Hi,
She may have hit herself on the check. The swelling is the body's way of responding to injury. I would recommend you visit the vet for X-rays to check for any fractures. If negative it could probably be a soft tissue injury. Anti-inflammatory would help to relieve the swelling and pain.
As for the runny bowels, this could be due to infection, food intolerances among other things. Please visit your vet for some blood work to be done.
Good luck
Jan. 22, 2021
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Cat
One Year
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Locked Jaw Drooling
My cat was outside for the day came back and his jaw seems to be over to the side a bit and he drooling he doesnt seem to be in any stress or pain
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Some sort of significant trauma had to have caused that problem, and It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment that they might need.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Mix
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Jaw Misaligned
My cat got into fight with dog. She is drooling with blood tinge ,can’t eat,and lower jaw seems pushed to right. She is purring when petted but very scared
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Since I cannot see your pet, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for your pet.
Oct. 13, 2020
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Cat
Nine Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Open Mouth Blood
Cat had got a small bite from dog. Slight puncture inside mouth and light bleeding. Cat tries to eat but hurts so he stops. Has mouth slightly open but no heavy breathing. Cat is sleeping and not in urgent pain. Unsure what to do.
July 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Dog bites can get quite an infected, quite quickly, and can cause problems. If your cat is painful to the point where it cannot eat, it would be best to have it seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to look at your cat, see what might be going on, and get medications so that your cat can heal and be healthy. I hope that all goes well for your cat.
July 29, 2020
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domestic short-haired
Gendai
4 Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Scab On Open Wou
Black Scab On Open WouNd
My cat came home with clean cut on his muzzle, it was like someone cut it with a scissor because no other scratch mark, no bleeding or swelling but it ripped open wide,you can see one of his fang. I boiled some water while he gobbled his wet food, good appetite as usual he even asked more. After the water cooled down, i cleaned the wound although no bleeding or swelling, since i don't have any medicine i put 2 drop of pure honey into his wound. The next day the wound dried, no swelling or redding, inside mouth no puss or swelling or redding, good appetite as usual, no fever. However the wound has horrible ugly black scab, I'm worried,can his upper lip can be closed again without stitches?
Sept. 10, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Argo
3 Days
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen
Click Noise
My cat got hit by a car a few days ago. He had a very very swollen face, a corneal ulcer, and a dislocated Jaw. He was very luck. He had no broken bones, and no lung damage. The poor thing had his jaw reset while it was still swollen. We took him home and noticed his jaw was clicking. He pawed at his face a lot and shook his head. It was obvious the Jaw was really bothering him. We took him back to the vet and the reset his jaw again. This time it is taped shut, with only a small opening for food and water. He also has to wear a cone. The poor kitty is miserable. His corneal ulcer is doing much better. When we brought him back to fix his Jaw, the vet examined his eye. She said she had never seen anything like it. She was blown away by how fast it had seemed to be healing. He gets to keep his eye! We go back today to check his jaw, and eye again. HHoprfully we will be able to stop some of the eye drops. I am worried about his Jaw though. He still tried to law at the jaw, he still shakes his head, and he now makes like a grinding clicking noise. Hopefully today the vet will be able to see what's going on with the jaw.
Shelter cat
Thomas
19 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dislocated Jaw, Drooling Blood
My cat is 18+ years old. He started drooling from the side of his mouth about 2 months ago and was really slowing down. I took him to the vet where he got a shot of B12 and some antibiotics. Now starting about 2 weeks ago his whole bottom jaw has dislocated to the side he isdrooling on. His appetite is good and after the B12 he is moving around better. I debate taking him in to vet who won't be able to stabilize him due to age, weight and health. I'm open to your thoughts as he does not seem to be in any pain whatsoever?
Upper and Lower Jaw Fractures Average Cost
From 383 quotes ranging from $500 - $3,000
Average Cost
$1,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
