INTERNAL-FIXATION OF BILATERAL MANDIBULAR BODY FRACTURES IN A STEER

Bilateral fractures of the mandible were identified in a 9-month-old m ixed-breed beef steer, used for show, that had been hit by a car 8 hou rs prior to admission. The fractures involved the left interdental spa ce and the premolar region of the right hemimandible. For maximal cosm esis, fractures were repaired via internal fixation by use of a medial ly positioned broad dynamic-compression plate and cerclage wire. A med ial approach served to protect more laterally located vascular and ner vous structures. The wider intermandibular space in cattle, compared w ith that in horses, made the medial approach and plate placement feasi ble.