Short-term clinical outcomes of feline maxillofacial trauma management

Introduction Maxillary and mandibular fractures frequently occur in cats presenting with maxillofacial trauma, and prompt evaluation and management are essential for soft and hard tissue healing. Objective The aim of this retrospective descriptive study was to evaluate the immediate outcomes and complications associated with emergent maxillofacial trauma management in cats. Methods The study included 42 cats that presented to a tertiary animal hospital for maxillofacial trauma. All medical records and imaging were reviewed for etiology, concurrent trauma, fracture location, treatment, treatment revisions, complications, and management of complications. Results The most common location for trauma was the mandibular ramus (23%) and the mandibular symphysis (22%), followed by the temporomandibular joint (Fracture: 11%, Luxation: 7%). Trauma associated with the maxilla (26%) and mandible (67%) were disproportionate. The most utilized management techniques were symphyseal fixation (29%), tape muzzle (15%), rigid maxillomandibular fixation (RMMF) (15%), and modified maxillomandibular fixation (BMMF) (15%). Thirty-nine of 42 (93%) cases had satisfactory outcomes with a complication rate of 54% (21/39), the most common complication being malocclusion (20/21; 95%). Three of 42 patients had unsatisfactory recoveries with 2 dying of unrelated causes prior to bony healing and 1 lost to follow-up following temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Conclusion Acute diagnosis and management of feline maxillofacial trauma can have satisfactory healing and good outcomes if complications can be managed effectively. Trauma management and technique selection depends heavily on fracture location, available dentition, patient factors, and owner ability to manage postoperative care.