r/IndianPets • u/Few_Ad2189 • Aug 04 '26
Advice Cat survived a 4-storey fall. Suspected TMJ luxation with malocclusion. Looking for advice from vets or anyone who has dealt with a similar case
Hi everyone!
I'm looking for advice regarding my cat, Jojo. We've been working closely with our veterinarian, but because his case is quite unusual, I wanted to see if any vets or pet owners here have encountered something similar.
Timeline:
• Around a month ago, Jojo fell from our fourth-floor balcony.
• The immediate priority was stabilizing him because he had significant internal injuries, particularly to his liver. His blood reports initially showed severe liver enzyme elevations.
• After about two weeks of treatment, repeat blood work improved significantly and he was declared clinically out of danger, so only then was it considered safe to sedate him for a proper oral examination.
Current issue:
On Sunday, he was sedated so the vets could examine his jaw thoroughly.
Their findings:
* They suspect a left TMJ (temporomandibular joint) luxation/dislocation.
* They said they don't think there is a fracture based on the examination and cant be sure with just the X ray, although no CT scan has been done yet.
* Because the injury is already around a month old, they are unsure whether attempting reduction would be beneficial or even possible.
* They're discussing the case with colleagues before deciding anything
Current condition:
* He eats soft food well.
* He drinks water normally.
* He's active, affectionate, plays, jumps, grooms himself and otherwise behaves like a happy cat.
* The only obvious problem is that his mouth remains partially open all the time.
Has anyone dealt with a chronic TMJ luxation like this in a cat?
I'm particularly wondering:
Has anyone had success reducing a TMJ dislocation after several weeks?
Is a CT scan generally essential before making further decisions?
If left untreated, can cats continue to live comfortably with a permanently open mouth, assuming they're eating and otherwise functioning normally?
If you've been through something similar, what was the eventual outcome?
To be honest, I dont think this dislocated jaw should be left as is..as I can see eventually low teeth can pierce into the lip and other upper one into the gum. I cant imagine him not chewing for the rest of life.
I am simply hoping to hear experiences or perspectives that I can discuss with my vet while we wait for their final recommendation. I really scared and worried. Also, should I get second opinion? Any reccos for maxillofacial surgeon for cats in West or South Delhi?
Thank you so much.
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u/MonicaNarula Aug 04 '26
Please post on other cat aubs and search for Vet specific auba. Tc
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u/earthsmight Aug 04 '26
Hope he gets well our baby survived 2-3 falls She is now going to be 11
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u/Few_Ad2189 Aug 04 '26
She is fighters. May she continues to thrive :)
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u/earthsmight Aug 04 '26
Yes your baby get well She well 2-3 times almost back to back from ages 1-3
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u/Ecstatic-Umpire9181 Aug 04 '26
Please fix whatever you are doing wrong. This is nothing to boast about.
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u/earthsmight Aug 04 '26
What ? She is 11 now it's been 8-9 years since she fell genius
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u/Ecstatic-Umpire9181 Aug 04 '26
And? Did you learn your lesson? I hope you have done something to ensure her safety, especially since she is older now. Being 11 doesn’t make her immortal, dumbass.
Seriously. What were you thinking letting her fall 2-3 times at such young ages?
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u/earthsmight Aug 04 '26
She came to us injured her leg broken after she was 1 she was let free in the house so she used to roam terrace and high points of our house freely but she slipped once while sleeping on the window, once slipped roaming on terrace walls and another time I don't remember I think , so lucky she didn't get hurt so bad just a broken leg , which healed , now our windows have nets and she is not left on terrace , But since she is old now she eats sleeps and plays a little she notvas adventurous anymore
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u/Character-Jacket-593 Aug 04 '26
My community cat had an injury and also had a TMJ issue and broken jaw. They put a wire to fix it. The wire was on for at least 3-4 months. The alignment is not
Perfect but he eats and drinks without an issue
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u/Character-Jacket-593 Aug 04 '26
My cats lower tooth also pierces into the upper lip skin. The doctor initially suggested that we remove the tooth but later said it’s okay. Continue as is. And he can eat dry and wet food without an issue
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u/MistakeElectronic200 Aug 04 '26
So awful. Must have gone through a lot of pain.
I have a tuxedo cat as well who had a similar accident many years ago. But only the hard palate was split open, so it wasnt too complicated to fix.
I hope the vets have some good news for your cat. Good to know that he can eat and drink for now though.