FRACTURES OF THE MANDIBLE AND MAXILLA IN THE DOG AND CAT

Fractures of the mandible and maxilla are often caused by car accident s or by falling from a height. Frequently the fractures are open, espe cially when the fracture is located rostrally. During diagnostic work- up, special attention should be given to concominant injury of the bra in, and to cervical and thoracic injuries. The principles of treatment for jaw fractures are identical to those for complicated long bone fr actures. Adaptations of techniques are necessary because of the need f or undisturbed food intake, the presence of dental elements in the fra gments, the poor soft tissue coverage especially in the rostral part o f the mandible, and the typical mechanical load of the bones. The dent al roots should be avoided when possible. Pharyngostomy prior to fract ure treatment allows optimal assessment of the occlusion during surger y. In general, the treatment should permit non-supported food intake b y the patient after surgery.