Trigeminal nerve neuritis or jaw paralysis in cats is characterized by a sudden onset of the incapacity to close the jaw because of jaw branch dysfunction of the trigeminal nerves. This might be because of a nerve injury that might range from neuritis, demyelination, as well as occasionally to fiber degeneration of the branches of trigeminal nerve and nerve cell body. The condition is fairly rare in cats, in comparison to dogs. In this article, we will discuss some more interesting facts about jaw paralysis in cats including its causes, symptoms, prognosis, and treatment. Read on to learn about these and more!
What is Jaw Paralysis in Cats?
The jaw paralysis in cats is actually a serious feline condition, which may be due to a number of causal conditions. Cats that are suffering from this condition might have difficulty or complete incapacity, in order to use the mandible or jaw. Though the condition itself is dangerous and alarming because of the effects it might have on the ability of the cat to swallow, drink, or eat, it might be an indication of even more severe conditions. Whatever signs of paralysis may warrant immediate vet attention.
Trigeminal nerve neuritis or jaw paralysis in cats is pigeon-holed by a hasty onset of the incapacity to close the jaw because of the trigeminal nerves’ jaw branch dysfunction. This might be because of a nerve injury that might range from neuritis, demyelination, as well as occasionally to fiber degeneration of the branches of trigeminal nerve and nerve cell body. The condition is fairly rare in cats, in comparison to dogs.
Causes
The trigeminal nerve is actually the nerve that is responsible for the movement and sensation in the face. This nerve is split in three branches that control the three different areas of the fact, these are the maxillary, mandibular, and ophthalmic. The conditions, which affect the mandibular branch may cause jaw paralysis in cats. The causes of this paralysis include:
- Possible immune response
- Trauma from an accident or rough handling
- Tumors or lesions suggestive of cancer
- Unknown or idiopathic causes
Symptoms
Jay paralysis in cats might be hard to observe in initial or minor stages. Nonetheless, as the condition keeps on progressing, the symptoms might become more and more obvious. The signs and symptoms that you should watch out for might include the following:
- Distorted vocal sounds
- Messy eating with a lot of food particles spread around or left behind
- Difficulty in eating or drinking
- Drooling
- Incapacity to close the mouth
- Dropped or hanging jaw wherein the mouth may hang open
Prognosis
Just as with any serious conditions. The prognosis of jaw paralysis in cats may start with a complete physical examination by the vet. You need to arrive on your appointment with a complete documentation about the onset of the condition as much as possible. Additionally, a complete timeline of different symptoms, including other progression or worsening, might help the vet in determining a proper treatment plan.
In addition, the vet might also order a urinalysis and a complete blood panel in order to screen for any infection. The vet may also examine the mouth, ears, and eyes. Occasionally, simple maladies have a much greater level of treatability. Examining the cat’s mouth may also allow the vet in determining whether there’s any capacity to close and open the jaw and whether there’s an accumulation of food particles in the cat’s teeth. Both of which are signs of jaw paralysis.
Moreover, the vet might also order MRI imagind or x-rays to identify any possible trauma to the area that surrounds the trigeminal nerve and the jaw. This might allow the vet to rule out any broken jaw or classify the existence of any abscesses or obstructions.
Treatment for Jaw Paralysis in Cats
The treatment of jaw paralysis in cats may vary depending on whether any causal condition is discovered. In the instance of infection, antibiotics might be recommendable. The vet might also prescribed some anti-inflammation medications or even steroids in order to assist in the reduction of any swelling, as well as in encouraging the healing to whatever dented area. During, before, as well as after prescribing these kinds of medications, the vet may wish to monitor the general health of the cat and even blood panels as they might be taxing on some other important organs when given long term.
In all instances, treatment of the paralysis of the jaw may focus on giving the cat sufficient supportive care, in order to allow tube or spoon feeding a liquid diet. Also, the owners need to exercise caution when doing a tube feeding. This is because there is a great risk on aspiration pneumonia when treatment isn’t properly administered.
If you’re not able to give incessant care for a cat while it recovers, the cat might need to be hospitalized as it go and regain its strength. This may have a lot of benefits. The cat may also be confined through a smaller area where they’re forced to rest. The cat might also have an access to intravenous fluids that are scarcely administered at home.
