Meet Jaws…

A stray cat was rescued by a good samaritan and brought to the AVHS animal shelter.

The cat, now named Jaws, displayed facial and jaw trauma. Our awesome vet staff gave the cat fluids and medications to stabilize it. Performing an x-ray showed a fractured jaw in two places. The staff researched and discussed the case with a dental specialist from Norway! The AVHS staff veterinarian then performed an external stabilization procedure called the “button technique” (see the photo above). The buttons are placed at three points on the face and secured with a strong suture. This keeps the upper and lower jaw still and immobile (much like a cast on a broken limb). A small gap was left between the upper and lower jaw so that Jaws could still eat by licking up soft food. A special feeding tube was inserted in case Jaws decided not to eat on its own.

The buttons stayed in place for six weeks. Jaws was able to eat by himself while in a foster home. The cat was seen weekly by the vet to ensure proper healing. By performing another x-ray, the fractures had healed and the buttons were able to be removed. He had a final check-up and was able to be adopted in mid-November. 

We are lucky that Jaws arrived at Auburn Valley Humane Society. He was able to get the care that he so desperately needed, but there are so many others like him. This extraordinary care was made possible by donors like you. Your support is critical to helping animals like Jaws take the steps to a second chance.

AVHS offers programs and resources to support animals and people in our community, including low-cost preventative care, spay and neuter surgeries, and training your pet. If you need resources, check out our website.

We need your help to continue providing this extraordinary care. AVHS sees animals daily that are beyond the scope of imagination. Many animals come to us with injuries, illness, or just old. Desperate for someone to love them. But none of our lifesaving work would be possible without our donors. We are reliant on the generosity of our community to continue this vital work. Your gift today will go towards helping save more lives. Please consider donating to strengthen our community and support animals in need.

Donate to AVHS and give them a second chance! Make your gift today so that animals will have a tomorrow!