My cat Hiro was badly injured in a RTA a few weeks ago and has had numerous operations since then. The worst injury was a broken upper jaw and severely fractured lower jaw. He had his jaw pinned back into place, however it is not healing and the tissue in his mouth is dying, creating a bigger wound and infection. The vet has advised that this will get worse and Hiro will be in more pain if we continue to leave it in the hope it starts to heal and has recommended we go for a rostral mandibulectomy; partial removal of lower jaw. I understand this may be the quickest way to get him out of 'hospital' and enable him to eat again, but I'm concerned about the quality of his life afterwards especially as he's always been a tough cat who enjoys being outdoors. I'm also worried about the risks involved. The vet has been very reassuring, but he can't guarantee success, so I was hoping to hear from others who have been through similar with their cats.

Hi there and welcome to PF!

Sorry to hear about your cat. I've no direct experience I'm afraid but have heard of this procedure in dogs with cancer. Do you know how much bone the vet wishes to remove? The extent of this would obviously influence his qualtity of post-op life though if it's only unilateral it should be much easier for him to cope. Cat's as a species are very good at adapting to things.

There are two issues here I would consider. Firstly how experienced is your vet with this procedure? I'd be inclined to get an expert on board if only for a second opinion and if deemed necessary the operation.

Think you might have more luck on a site for pets with cancer since this is the most usual reason for this type of surgery.

Good luck with your decision and hope it all goes well.

Didn't want to read and run, I don't have experience in this though Welcome to the forum, albeit under such circumstances. I hope you and your baby find a way forward that works for the both of you Big hugs! xxx

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Mummy to;

Sooty 9.6.1996 - 28.04.2011 Rest in peace my love!
Storm (Sueragdandy Phantom) 28.02.2010
Benji (Kassaro Benjamin Franklyn) 08.03.2011

Thanks for the replies. The vet is an expert in this field - we were referred to him and his practice as vets locally couldn't deal with his injuries. I think we will just have to make changes to his lifestyle and although he won't be happy, we'll be keeping him in the house most of the time - he loves being outside, but as he won't be able to defend himself too well, we'll be closely guarding him. We've had him for a couple of years and he is totally part of the family - I just cant bear the thought of him not being with us. I also don't want to put him through more pain, so this is the last operation. In a 'happy-sad' way, though, it has made him closer to us as we have been drip-feeding him every few hours, medicating him, changing bandages etc - he has been an angel throughout.