# Complete Functional Recovery of a Feline with Extensive Facial Injuries Following a Traffic Accident

## TL;DR

A cat with severe facial injuries from a car accident made a full recovery after complex surgeries and intensive care.

## Contribution

This case presents the first documented full recovery in veterinary literature for a feline with such extensive craniofacial trauma.

## Key findings

- The cat regained full function after surgeries including TMJ reduction, mandibular stabilization, and palate repair.
- No thoracic or abdominal injuries allowed focused treatment on facial trauma, leading to successful recovery.
- The case provides insights into advanced surgical techniques and postoperative care for complex maxillofacial injuries.

## Abstract

This case report details the remarkable recovery of a cat that suffered severe craniofacial injuries from a traffic accident. The feline presented with multiple fractures, including a dislocated jaw, a fractured palate, and an orbital fracture, leading to respiratory distress. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the extent of the injuries, prompting immediate surgical intervention, which involved temporomandibular joint reduction, mandibular stabilization, bony palate repair, and partial maxillectomy. After 20 days in intensive care, the cat achieved full functional recovery, regaining the ability to eat and move normally. This case is significant as it highlights successful treatment strategies for complex maxillofacial trauma in veterinary medicine, offering valuable insights into advanced surgical techniques and postoperative care.

This report examines the successful recovery of a feline that presented with multiple complex fractures and dislocations involving the facial and cranial structures resulting from a traffic accident. Diagnostic CT imaging identified significant injuries, including luxation of the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a mandibular symphyseal fracture, a hard palate fracture, and a left orbital fracture accompanied by severe exudate within the nasal cavity, compressing the left orbit and nasal passages. Importantly, no additional injuries were detected in the thoracic or abdominal regions, facilitating a more targeted treatment plan. The management of this case required extensive surgical intervention, including open reduction of the TMJ, stabilization of the mandibular symphysis, repair of the bony palate, and partial maxillectomy. After 20 days of ICU hospitalization, the feline fully recovered. This outcome is particularly noteworthy as the combination of severe injuries observed in this case is unprecedented in the veterinary literature. Consequently, it offers critical insights into both surgical techniques and postoperative management strategies applicable to similarly complex trauma cases. The feline’s full recovery, characterized by the restoration of normal daily functions, highlights the clinical significance of pursuing multiple, complex surgical procedures in cases of severe trauma. It serves as a valuable reference for advancing the understanding and management of severe facial trauma in veterinary practice.