12/10/2026
This is the story of the beautiful Mak, who Dr. Crystal and lead nurse Natalie recently had the great honour of helping through involved TMJ salvage surgery, which was performed with fellow board certified veterinary dentist Dr. Angus Fechney at Massey University, after months of meticulous planning.
Mak is a super special boy from the South Island who has a history of TMJ pseudoankylosis and dysplasia which has meant he could not open his mouth since 6 weeks of age.
His devoted mum has traveled an incredible journey to get treatment for his condition and there have been so many wonderful people in the industry who have come together to help this special boy!! 🙏🙏🥰🥹
Thank you to:
🐾 Dr. Angus Fechney, fellow registered specialist in dentistry, of Companion Animal Dental Service for the steadfast companionship traveling to train for the surgery in the USA with Dr. Crystal, and for the organisation and collaboration that made the surgery possible at Massey Vets - Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
🐾 Dr. Boaz Arzi, Professor and Chief of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the University of California Davis, for his generosity of time consulting on the case, expert guidance and training, invaluable advice and efforts in shaping the surgical planning and post operative rehabilitation recommendations, and compassionate ongoing support
🐾 Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt, Assistant Professor of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, who together with Dr. Arzi and their team welcomed Drs. Crystal and Angus at UC Davis, allowing them to gain invaluable insight into treating complex oromaxillofacial surgery cases
🐾 Dr. Vicki Walsh, specialist anaesthetist at Massey University who together with her team performed blind intubation on Mak and secured his airway for surgery - no easy feat with only 8mm of incisal opening pre-operatively!
🐾 The incredible ICU team at Massey University who cared for Mak for several days post operatively, including the loving veterinary students who looked after him
🐾 The wonderful reception staff at Massey University who welcomed the NZ Vet Dentistry team into their space and ensured extended time and stress free visits post operatively
🐾 Dr. Andrew Worth, specialist surgeon at Massey, for his support leading up to Mak’s surgery
🐾 Dr. Joanna Wilson, Mak’s primary veterinarian at Vetlife Diamond Harbour, for her astute initial assessments, warmth, kindness and commitment to Mak’s pre-surgical and ongoing care
🐾 Drs. Marcella Lowe of Rangiora Vets and Janine van Dam of Pet Dentistry in Christchurch, both ANZCVS membership vets who performed the initial work up and collaboration
🐾 Heidi Richardson of SpectraVET Therapeutic Lasers for the generous loaning of a Class 3B laser unit to assist with Mak’s post surgical rehabilitation
🐾 Dr. Barbara Cater of Anexa Ngaruawahia who drove our specialised equipment to Palmerston North and acted as support crew for Dr. Crystal and Natalie
And last and most importantly - thank you to Mak’s mum Kaye, her daughter Lauren, and to the community supporting Mak’s journey, for the love, devotion, and trust in the team working together to ensure the best possible outcome for Mak.
Seeing Mak being able to give mum Kaye licks for the first time ever will forever be one of the most joyous and heartwarming memories of our careers! 🥹🥹
Mak - we are wishing you all the best with your continued healing and are here for you always ♥️🐶
https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/beloved-christchurch-therapy-dog-smiles-again-after-groundbreaking-jaw-surgery/?fbclid=IwdGRzaAU4-6VjbGNrBTj7n2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe2tGUAdctM-3X0xolroBjPj_8b5a8e9O21GUa-w5DutOCwFT0KpzFlIEPqj0_aem_XNK1WSSQGCmbdh6peWQ-lQ&sfnsn=wa
A much loved Christchurch therapy dog who spent five years unable to open his mouth properly has undergone complex surgery,...
