Also instead of a true fracture, the temporo-mandibular joints may dislocate (luxate) making the jaw non-functional.
Frequently the two halves of the mandible split at the midline (mandibular symphysis fracture).
The mandible is one of the hardest bones in the body and a great deal of force is necessary to break the bone. Symptoms caused by fracture of the mandible may be relatively subtle, with reluctance to play or chew on toys or food, or more obvious, with inability to close the mouth, bloody saliva dripping from the mouth, or inability to eat at all. These fractures, also known as “pathologic fractures,” can occur if the dog has severe dental disease leading to destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, is malnourished, has a systemic illness such as kidney disease, has an endocrine disorder such as hyperparathyroidism, has a bone infection (osteomyelitis) or has cancer of the bone. Dogs of both sexes and of any age are susceptible to this type of trauma if not kept properly restrained.ĭogs can also develop non-traumatic fractures of the mandible when certain disease conditions exist. Motor vehicle trauma is a frequent cause of mandibular fractures in dogs, as well as falling from a height (such as out a window) and landing on the face. In-depth Information on Fracture of the Mandible in Dogs Dental hygiene and routine cleaning by the veterinarian may prevent severe dental disease that could lead to mandibular fractures. Many traumatic events are true accidents and thus unavoidable. With conservative management in a muzzle, or after surgical repair of the fracture, the dog should be kept restricted from activity for several weeks and fed only a soft gruel that does not require chewing.Ī recheck appointment with the veterinarian will occur in several weeks to evaluate how the bone is healing (possibly with new radiographs), to monitor the dog’s progress, and to make sure it is safe to return to a regular diet. Antibiotics are commonly given to minimize the chance for systemic infection from bacteria in the mouth. Injectable analgesics (pain medications) are given to the animal while being treated in the hospital and may be continued orally once discharged.
DOES A YORKIE PUPPY MUZZLE CHANGE AS THEY GET OLDER FULL
If dental disease is suspected as the cause for the fracture, a full dental cleaning with extractions of some teeth may be required. Some fractures of the mandible can be managed without surgery by placing a muzzle on the dog’s snout, while some require anesthesia and surgical stabilization of the bone fragments for the best results. Since most mandibular fractures are trauma related, emergency care for concurrent problems caused by the trauma is often performed before mandibular fracture repair. Treatment for a fractured mandible varies depending on the area of the fracture and the severity. Treatment of Fracture of the Mandible in Dogs No laboratory tests are required to make the diagnosis. Signs of a fractured mandible in dogs may include:ĭiagnosis of Fracture of the Mandible in DogsĪ thorough physical examination including examination of the oral cavity can often determine if a mandibular fracture is present. Mandibular fractures can have serious complications if not repaired or if the repair fails.
Mandibular fractures can also be categorized as “simple” or “comminuted.”ĭepending on the nature of the fracture and the age of the animal, different methods of repair may be indicated for each situation. Many of these fractures are “open” but occasionally “closed” fractures do occur. The fractures can occur on both sides of the jaw at the same time. These fractures can occur at any location along the length of the bone from the midpoint where the two halves of the mandible meet in the front, back to the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). Fracture of the Mandible (Lower Jaw) in Dogs Fracture of the Mandible (Lower Jaw) in Dogsįractures of the mandible (lower jaw) are usually the result of major trauma, especially to the head, but can be caused by disease of the bone itself, dental disease, or sometimes by the veterinarian during extraction of diseased teeth.
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