09/09/2026
Meet Tuppance — AKA Buttons!
Tuppance is a Domestic Medium Hair who went missing for several months before finally being found on the side of the road. When he was finally found, he had unfortunately sustained significant injuries to his face and jaw.
Following an unknown traumatic event, Tuppance presented to VSS with a left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) luxation, a small condylar fracture, mandibular symphyseal separation, a fractured maxillary canine, and a mandibular degloving injury.
Tuppance was then referred to Advanced Animal Dentistry for specialist care.
Tuppance underwent a CT scan, followed by reduction of the left TMJ luxation and fracture stabilisation. His degloving injury was also carefully repaired, with damaged tissue gently debrided to help support healing.
One of the challenges during Tuppance’s recovery was preventing him from opening his mouth too widely while his TMJ healed. To help with this, we placed buttons on his maxilla and mandible using a modified labial button technique. These buttons helped maintain alignment and limit the amount he could open his mouth during the healing period.
And that’s the moment “Buttons” was born!
During surgery, an oesophagostomy feeding tube was also placed so Tuppance could be fed while his jaw healed. This helped minimise movement of the mouth during this critical stage of recovery.
We are incredibly honoured to have been part of Tuppance’s journey and to have helped him on his way to recovery.
A special shout-out to PICU and Walter Street Vet for their assistance with Tuppance’s post-operative care.
This case is a wonderful example of true collaborative care, with multiple teams working together to give Tuppance the best possible chance at recovery.
