Loki’s Story

Loki, a young Domestic Medium Hair cat, was transferred to Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency (CASE) after his owner found him hiding at home and unable to close his mouth. His tongue was protruding, and it was clear something was wrong. With no obvious cause for his injuries, Loki was taken to an urgent care hospital, where initial imaging suggested significant trauma to his jaw and face.

Because of the complexity of his injuries, Loki was referred to the Dentistry and Oral Surgery team at CASE for advanced care.

Understanding Loki’s Injuries

When Loki arrived at CASE, he showed signs of facial trauma, including jaw misalignment and nosebleeds, but he remained alert and responsive. Advanced imaging and a thorough oral examination were performed to better understand the extent of his injuries.

The care team identified several fractures affecting Loki’s jaw and surrounding facial bones. While these injuries were serious, there were no open wounds inside his mouth that required surgical repair, which allowed the team to focus on stabilizing his jaw while protecting his long-term comfort and function.

A Thoughtful Treatment Plan

Because Loki was still very young, his care team carefully considered how best to support healing while allowing his jaw to continue developing normally. A minimally invasive stabilization technique was chosen to help his bones heal without overly restricting movement.

This approach provided the support Loki needed while still allowing him to eat, drink, and recover as comfortably as possible.

Recovery and Progress

At Loki’s two-week follow-up visit, the stabilization devices were removed. His jaw alignment was appropriate, and there were no signs of pain or instability. While his ability to open his mouth was somewhat limited at that time, his owner was guided on ways to encourage gentle jaw movement during recovery.

Over the following months, Loki continued to improve. Eight months after his injury, his owner reported that Loki had regained nearly all of his normal jaw movement. He returned to his playful, curious personality, with no lasting impact on his quality of life.

Why Loki’s Case Matters

Facial injuries in cats can be complex and frightening for owners. Loki’s recovery highlights how careful planning, specialized care, and close follow-up can make a meaningful difference, even after severe trauma.

At CASE, our Dentistry and Oral Surgery team is committed to helping pets recover comfortably while preserving their ability to eat, play, and enjoy life.