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My cat fought a dog, now her mouth won't close. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 8 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs

My cat and dog got in a fight last night around 6:30pm. She was bleeding slightly from the mouth, but it stopped. She couldn’t close her mouth and her tongue stuck out. Today, as of about 3 pm she was eating soft food (not biting it, but licking and ate quite a bit) she has drank from a syringe, and a little from a bowl. She is cleaning herself, using the litter box, and her mouth has even opened and shut all the way a couple times. I am not sure if it is broken or dislocated, or lost Tooth.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 10th, 2017

Poor Daisy! If she couldn't close her mouth, isn't biting food, and her tongue is sticking out, I would be very concerned there is a serious injury with her mouth. She could have a broken or dislocated jaw, or she could have a broken tooth. The only way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet as soon as possible. She needs a physical exam, and possibly x-rays to check her mouth and jaw. With these tests, the vet can determine the best treatment for her. She also likely need pain medications, as I'm sure she is in pain from the fight. The only safe pain medications are from the vet. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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