The story of 6-month-old kitten Tina

A 6-month-old kitten named Tina sustained trauma to her jaw after falling from a height (high-rise syndrome). Initially, she had difficulty moving her mouth, and eventually she became completely unable to open it.

Computed tomography was performed at the Vet CT Center on the Kakha Bendukidze Campus. Imaging revealed bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Ankylosis is a condition in which joint mobility is lost due to bony fusion of the articular surfaces.

On December 10, the kitten underwent bilateral resection arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joints at Veterinarium. From the second postoperative day, she was already able to open her mouth comfortably and eat on her own. Because she was unable to open her mouth prior to surgery, a temporary tracheostomy was required to facilitate safe airway access and intubation.

The complex surgical procedure was performed by Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, Head of the Surgical Department at Veterinarium. The surgeon was assisted by Luka Ghlonti. Anesthesia was expertly managed by the clinic’s anesthesiologist, Natia Robakidze.

The post is accompanied by an image obtained by computed tomography.