Traumatic Dentoalveolar and Maxillofacial Injuries in Cats

Abstract

Practical relevance: Maxillofacial and traumatic dentoalveolar injuries can cause pain and inflammation, and reduce function of the mouth, impacting a cat’s quality of life. Many traumatically induced feline fractures have been reported to involve the mandible or skull and, in cats with maxillofacial trauma, traumatic dentoalveolar injuries are particularly prevalent. Traumatic dentoalveolar injuries can also often be found in otherwise healthy cats. Clinical challenges: Some traumatic dentoalveolar injuries require emergency treatment; timely recognition and managment is therefore important for achieving the optimal outcome. Multiple approaches exist for the management and repair of maxillofacial traumatic injuries. However, those for traumatic dentoalveolar injuries may be more limited. Audience: This review is aimed at feline and general practitioners, as well as veterinarians with expertise in dentistry. Evidence base: The authors draw on their clinical experience and evidence from the literature, where appropriate, to produce an overview of foundation guidelines. It is hoped that this will serve as a stimulus for deeper consideration as to what constitutes ‘best practice’ principles for cats with traumatic dentoalveolar and maxillofacial injuries.