Videoendoscopic endotracheal intubation in a cat with unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis

Abstract A 12‐month‐old, female, neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented to the dentistry service at a veterinary referral hospital for management of unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis, resulting in the inability to open the mouth. The patient underwent unilateral temporomandibular joint gap arthroplasty under general anaesthesia. Due to the limited oral access, videoendoscopic endotracheal intubation was used for airway management. Anaesthesia and surgery proceeded uneventfully. Due to a suspected auriculopalpebral nerve injury, a left‐sided temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed prophylactically at the end of the procedure. No complications related to the intubation technique were observed. At follow‐up, the patient had regained the palpebral reflex and increased the vertical mandibular range of motion. This case highlights the utility of videoendoscopic intubation in feline patients with restricted oral access, where airway management may otherwise be challenging.